USS Ashtabula (AO-51)

Navy BBS

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

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John Geurts wrote on December 19, 2017

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City and State: MURRIETA CA

Unit: USS ASHTABULA AO-51

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Hello. I Am Looking For Any Pictures Of the USS Ashtabula AO-51 Fleet Oiler During The fire Explosion in 1952. My Dad was On That Ship At That Time. He is now deceased Thank You. John Geurts

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Deborah Velto wrote on November 29, 2012

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hi. Trying to get some more information. Found some
slides that my father (deceased) took from his ship
during the
Korean war. After doing some research, I believe
some of them are of the fire that took place in 1952
in Sasebo. I can see the 51 on the side of the ship.
Wondered if anyone could look at them
and confirm, or would have more information?

Also - I'd share them with the archive if anyone is
interested.
Thanks.

Keywords: Sasebo, fire

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Alex Camp JR. wrote on October 4, 2012

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City and State: DECATUR GA

Unit: USS ASHTABULA AO-51

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Looking for shipmates who were stationed aboard the
USS ASHTABULA AO-51 with me from April April 5, 1968
thru August 23, 1970.

Keywords: USS ASHTABULA AO 51

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Darrell Hooten SR. wrote on February 23, 2012

Send Email To DARRELL HOOTEN

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City and State: BLOOMINGTON IN

Unit: USS ASHTABULA AO 51

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Welcome to Ashtabula reunion Branson Mo #58 Join us Many old Vets
will be their. Call Wayne Harclrode 913 755 2345 or Darrell Hooten Gm 2
812 3343757 Meet your friends thanks .........

Keywords: USS Ashtabula AO 51 all years Best fueling tanker in the far east

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Jim Richardson wrote on September 18, 2011

Send Email To JIM RICHARDSON

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City and State: CA

Unit: USS ASHTABULA AO-51

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: 1965-1969

Keywords: USS Cree ATF-84
USS Ashtabula AO-51
USS Conserver ARS-39

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Rick Kucharsky wrote on May 29, 2010

Send Email To RICK KUCHARSKY

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City and State: TROTWOOD OH

Unit: GUNNERS MATES

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: would like to hear from any one on the bula from 1971-1972 thanks so much its been a long time!!!

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Darrell Hooten SR. wrote on December 25, 2009

Send Email To DARRELL HOOTEN

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City and State: BLOOMINGTON IN

Unit: USS ASHTABULA AO 51

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: The annual reunion in Fla this year Make a attempt to attend Let us
know, we are interested in your coming this will be # 56 .

Keywords: Ashtabula reunion 2010 All crew members Welcome Contact Morse Catt

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Janet Kennedy wrote on July 24, 2009

Send Email To JANET KENNEDY

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Here's more information on my dad. His name was Rodney Leland Baker. I'm not sure of his title/rank but knew he worked in the radio room.

My dad passed away in July 1995 of bone, lung and brain cancer. He rarely talked about his life in the Navy. I know he was originally stationed in San Diego, CA.

He was supposed to be on the ship when the explosion happened but a fellow shipmate/friend was covering for him and was killed in the explosion. Apparently my dad was in the hospital for a week and had a lot of guilt over this. I never found out any of this until after he died. I would love stories about him. He was an awesome dad and I miss him very much.

Thanks,

Janet Baker Kennedy

Keywords: Navy, Korean War, Ashtabula, father

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Janet Kennedy wrote on July 24, 2009

Send Email To JANET KENNEDY

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I would like any information and pictures of the explosion on the Ashtabula in 1952. My father worked in the radio room on the ship during the Korean War.

Keywords: Korean War, Ashtabula, 1952 explosion in Japan, father

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Dawn Eby wrote on March 1, 2009

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HARVEST AL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am looking for any info on 2 Uncles who were both on the USS Astabula during the explosion Nov. 30, 1952 in Sosabo, Japan.

Keywords: Ashtabula, Navy, Uncles, 1952

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William H. Stevens JR. wrote on December 27, 2008

Send Email To WILLIAM H. STEVENS

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City and State: SUMMERVILLE SC

Unit: DECK DIV.

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I would like to make contact with anyone who served on the Ashtabula 72-75 or the Serria 76-78

Keywords: USS ASHTABULA AO-51, USS SERRIA AD-18

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Chad Stanford wrote on July 7, 2008

Send Email To CHAD STANFORD

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I was in a liberty boat from the USS Tortuga (LSD 26) when the ship blew. The concussion from the explosion kind of pushed our boat sideways. We were full of men going ashore but did spend a little while to see if we could help. When we got ashore we noticed that there were a lot of windows blown out of buildings. Though we were all carrying cameras I don't think anyone thought to take a picture at that time.

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Darrell Hooten SR. wrote on March 18, 2008

Send Email To DARRELL HOOTEN

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City and State: BLOOMINGTON IN

Unit: USS ASHTABULA AO 51

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: This will be the 54th reunion and will be a good one If you don`t come we will talk about you It is wonderful to get together and swap #@$% ? Call Ron today

Keywords: Ashtabula reunion #54 Springfield Ill 18-22 June 20 2008 Call Ron Smith (217) 528 4276 for reservations and Information

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Earl Hix wrote on August 18, 2007

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City and State: HILLSBORO TX

Unit: AO 51

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: WAS A GUNNER MATE 1954-1957 HAD A GRATE TIME SURE MISS ALL THE GUYS I SERVED WITH WOULD LIKE TO TALK WITH ANY OF THEM

Keywords: 1954-1956

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Lisa Britton wrote on June 10, 2007

Send Email To LISA BRITTON

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: Hi, I know this is a shot in the dark, if anyone could help would much appreciate it. My father Alan Woodman was a Sick Berth Petty Officer who served on HMHS Maine during the Korean War (I have a photo taken on the ship dated 1951). I also know he was in Sasebo on 4th July 1952 (another picture with date).

I read somewhere that HMHS Maine took on casualties from USS Ashtabula after the explosion.

I'm making a huge leap here, but just wondering if he might just have been on Maine back in '51 when this took place. Does anyone have any memories they'd be willing to share?

Kind regards
Lisa

Keywords: HMHS Maine, Korea, Sasebo, USS Ashtabula

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Darrell Hooten SR. wrote on February 25, 2007

Send Email To DARRELL HOOTEN

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City and State: BLOOMINGTON IN

Unit: USS ASHTABULA A O 51

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: Was on Ashtabula during the explosion inSasebo. We are having our Ashtabula reunion ( # 53 ) Cincinnati Ohio. Wed - thru Sun week after Fathers day 60 usually show E Mail me

Keywords: Server on Ashtabula 51 53 Gunners Mate 3rd Nick name HOOT Ship certified driver Ships vehicle.

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Richard Green wrote on January 11, 2006

Send Email To RICHARD GREEN

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City and State: VENTURA CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I'm looking for stories, pictures, or other information on my Dad's
service aboard the Ashtabula. Sadly my Dad passed away on 7/9/03.
His name was Richard Lee Green and he served from 1950-1954. He
was on board for the explosion. My Dad really didn't talk about his
service other than to say that he exited the deck just before it
expolded, and that he was always getting into some kind of trouble.
I'd appreciate any pictures of the Ashtabula after the explosion.
Thanks

Keywords: Richard L. Green, Explosion, Ashtabula (A0-51), 1950-1954

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Ernie Collier wrote on March 8, 2005

Send Email To ERNIE COLLIER

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City and State: COUNCIL BLUFFS IA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: G Div 1976-1977

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Glenn Cokinos wrote on December 10, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: GOSHEN IN

Unit: USS MIDWAY (CVA-41)

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: In Norfolk, heard a very loud explosion. Never determined the cause. Was there ever any solution to this strange noise?

Keywords: Korean,War carrier duty, mach mate, boatswain mate, Norfolk, VA. Mediteranean. 52-53.

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J.P. Salisbury wrote on November 16, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: the cabildo was moored to a bouy next to where the ashtabula was moored.I was laying in my bunk doing, i don't remember what,when i heard this loud explosion.me and a bunch of other guys headed top side to see what was it was. the whole deck on the bow looked liked it had been peeled off and was floped over the bow.all i ever heard was that a spark from a wielding torch might have set it off.what ever it was it sure was a sight.i did remember to take a camera along so i did get a picture of it.

Keywords: minesweepboat Div.1
attached to the uss cabildo LSD 16

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Richard Inderbitzen wrote on November 16, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SACRAMENTO CA

Unit: ASHTABULA-1954-55 2ND DIVISION

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I would like to hear from anyone in the time frame of 1954-55. Interested in reunions.

Keywords: USS Ashtabula-AO 51 Henery Otstinstroar sorry about the spelling but he was a dispersing clerk

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Joe Smith wrote on August 1, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: PORT ANGELES WA

Unit: SKIVY WAVERS

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: Have seen the following since 1970;
Capt. Bob Koehler-Seattle, SM2 Bob Dahlheim-Seattle; QM2 Rick Kerr-Utah, QM3 Cliff Barnett-Atlanta

Anyone seen SM2 Pete Lobese? SM1 Donnie Rollins?

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Nick Nicolle wrote on July 27, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: HM HOSPITAL SHIP 'MAINE'

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I was serving aboard HMHS Maine in Sasebo Harbor when the explosion occurred aboard the Ashtabula in November 1952, causing 3 or 4 fatalities.
Medics from our ship immediately went to the aid of those injured, and brought back several to the hospital ship for treatment.
As far as I know, all patients survived.

Keywords: Japan 1950-1954

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Marion Youngblood wrote on July 13, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SYLVESTER GA

Unit: DECK DIV. BM3

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Anyone who served during '54-'56 I would like to hear from them.

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Marion Youngblood wrote on July 13, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

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Service or Relationship: -

Comments:

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Terry Dixon wrote on April 20, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: NC

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am looking for any shipmates from 1961 and 1962 that served with larry kline I am not sure of his rank. He is my father and I would like to surprize him with some old friends. He doesn't talk about his time onboard much I have to prod him foe information.

Keywords: ashtabula ao-51

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John Hohn wrote on September 21, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State: LAS ANIMAS CO

Unit: ENGINE ROOM

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: My name is John Hohn- MM1. I was part of the engine room crew. I was aboard the Ashtabula during the explosion. I was in the berthing compartment when the ship "blew up". I immediately went forward to help put foam in the tanks. I have many pictures - some of the explosion and damage.

If anyone is interested in any of the pictures, you can e-mail me: cfhohn@cminet.net

Alvin Bogner, another member of the engine room crew, lives within 2 miles from where we live.

Keywords: USS Ashtabula 1952-1956

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Thomas Poston wrote on August 13, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State: GEORGETOWN SC

Unit: ATEAM USS ASHTABULAFRIEND REUNIONS

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments:

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Joe Lucas wrote on January 2, 2003

Send Email To JOE LUCAS

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: looking for shipmates M and A divison 73-76

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Lisa Melheim wrote on December 11, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: My dad was in the Korean War. I went with him and my mom to one reunion. I was told he was called laughing boy. I would like to more about this period in his life. He would only speak briefly about it. Please contact me at melheim@charter.net
Thanks

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Aleta Ward wrote on November 21, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: GONZALES LA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My name is Aleta Ward. My father, James Thomas Worsham, served on the USS Ashtabula during the Korean War. He was stationed on the Ashtabula in Sasebo at the time of the explosion. (I have a few pictures of the deck all curled up after it happened) He was a radar man. I am unsure of the exact years he was stationed on the Ashtabula or the "Bula" as he often refered to it. My Daddy had some very wonderful memories of his time on the Bula. Unfortunately, my Daddy passed away from renal cancer on March 28, 1997 so I can no longer listen to his stories. I would love to hear from anyone who might have know him and is willing to share any memories they may have. My email address is musicrus1@yahoo.com

Keywords: USS Ashtabula

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Tom Martz wrote on October 24, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SHERWOOD OR

Unit: USS ASHTABULA 1952-1956

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: served as a quartermaster from may 1952 to jan 1956. survived the blast nov 1952, God rest those that did not.

Keywords: "the bula"

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Pete D. Flores wrote on October 15, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SAN FERNANDO CA

Unit: GUNNERS' MATE

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I SERVED ABOARD THE BULA FROM FEBRUARY 1951 TO JUNE 1953 I WAS AGUNNER;S MATE AND WAS ABOARD THE SHIP WHEN SHE BLEW UP IN SASEBO HARBOR WISH TO HEAR FROM ANYBODY THAT WAS ON THE SHIP AT THAT TIME

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Greg Hrindak wrote on October 8, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: 'R' DIVISION

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: would like to here from anyone 73-76

Keywords: Nickname "DANNY"

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Ray F. Stikeleather wrote on August 7, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: GRANITE FALLS NC

Unit: USS PORTERFIELD DD 682

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: EXPLOSION ON ASTUBULA IN 1952 IN SASEBO,JAPAN. I WAS ON BOARD USS PORTERFIELD DD682. PULLED INTO SASEBO FROM KOREA TO SEE HORRIBLE DAMAGE TO THE GREAT USS ASTABULA. SO SAD.ALL OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOU GUYS.THANK GOD,SOME OF US GOT HOME.

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Paul McGinty wrote on June 24, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: GRIFFIN GA

Unit: USS ASHTABULA AO-51

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I am hosting a reunion for all crew members that serced aboard the Ashtabula June 18-22 2003 in Atlanta, Ga

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Albert Heramb wrote on May 5, 2002

Send Email To ALBERT HERAMB

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City and State: IN

Unit: USS ASHTABULA AO-51

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: LOOKING FOR ANYONE THAT SERVED BETWEEN 1969-72 , BUT OF COURSE WILL ALSO INJOY TALKING TO ANYONE EVER STATIONED ABOARD "THE BULA".

Keywords: USS ASHTABULA AO-51 2ND DIVISION,RIG CAPTAIN ON CARGO RIGS 7 and 10

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Jimmy Watson wrote on April 21, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HOFFMAN NC

Unit: BM1 MAO

Service or Relationship: -

Comments:

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John Rachak wrote on March 27, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: Stationed at Pearl Harbor from 1979-1981. Two friends come to mind, Howard Redding and Ron Barbonnie (sp). Assigned to USS Ashtabula. Would like to hear from anyone that was there with me. Let's get together and talk about old times.

Keywords: USS Ashtabula 1979-1981

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Tony Emig wrote on February 28, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: would like to here from anyone with info about
the ship in this time period. My dad was on it.

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Shelia Ramos wrote on February 18, 2002

Send Email To SHELIA RAMOS

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City and State: TOPEKA KS

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: As a member of the Reunion Committee for the USS Ashtabula, I am trying to update info on the following:

Jon D. Frish, David Hall, David Martin, Michael Martino, Duane Williams, Jim Mitchell, Val Bell, Chris Murray, Robert S. Byrd, Jim Burnett, Curtis Branson, Larry Grunwald,John Vosseller

We would appreciate any info.
Shelia Ramos

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Paul McGinty wrote on February 15, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: GRIFFIN GA

Unit: USS ASHTABULA

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: Our reunion dates have changed. It will be the Thu-Sun following Fathers Day.
This year 2002 it will be in Bloomington, Indiana.
In 2003 it will be held in Atlanta, Georgia.
All former crewmembers are urged to attend.

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Tony Ramos wrote on February 10, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I served on Ashtabula (AO-51) from Aug 1949 to Sep1951. I was a YN3 working in the Ship's Office and my supervisor when I went on board was John D. Tate, YN2 and the YN Striker was Jack "Luke" Cole. My supervisor at the time I got Transferred in Sep 1951 was George Corley, YN2 who was from Corbin, KY but who had married a lady from LA. One of the Signalman whom I remember and whom I haven't been able to contact was name John R. Krabbo (SM1). The QMl was named Woods (we called him Woodie) and I haven't able to contact him either. If anybody has any info
for these years on any of the shipmate's, please
let me know. THANKS. TONY RAMOS

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Ralph Nixon JR. wrote on January 29, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: My father was on the Asstabula August 7,1943 until August 18 1945. Looking for any information or anyone who may have known him. His name is Ralph (NICK) Nixon.

Keywords: Marshall Islands Occupation, Marianas Occupation, Leyte Operation, Okinawa Gunto Operations, JapaneseHome Islands Operations

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John D. Cowart wrote on January 25, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: PEARLAND TX

Unit: 7TH FLEET 77TH TASK FORCE

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE THAT WAS ON THE ASHTABULA 1949--1950.

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Jimmy Watson wrote on January 19, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HOFFMAN NC

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: SERVED on the ashtabula between `75-`77. anyone out there serving the same time?

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Joe Spingler wrote on January 18, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: my dad john spingler was on ao-51 uss ashtabula
we are looking for people how served on the ashtabula who has pics of the ship or people how served with my dad

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Jen Mccue wrote on December 20, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: My father, Robert (Bob) Booker, served on the Ashtabula. He has told me many stories. He had one friend, Anthony Ross that he would like to find. If anyone can help me, I would greatly appreciate it.

Keywords: Looking for information on Anthony Ross

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David Watson wrote on November 24, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: HMS WHITESAND BAY

Service or Relationship: United Nations Veteran - Korea

Comments: Following the massive explosion on USS Ashtabula in Sasebo Harbour on 30th November 1952, and having known that there were obvious fatalities, we took off one badly burned survivor and delivered him to the British hospital ship HMHS Maine, lying adjacent in the harbour at that particular time. I am aware that medical/surgical procedures were administered immediately in respect of the third-degree burns and trauma sustained by this American Petty Officer.

As we were all in close contact with each other during the Korean War and subsequent to the 38th Parallel agreement, I know that this man survived his injuries even to the extent of sending a bunch of flowers to the inboard nursing staff of HMHS Maine. Does anyone know his name and what happened to him subsequently?

Unfortunately incidents like this were common results of trying to bombard the East/West coast of Korea. If only we could have been consulted by the masters who instituted Vietnam's conflagration and total cost of innocent lives (on both sides), life would have been different and more acceptable to all countries alive on this globe of ours. I have seen death in action and it is not a pleasant situation. I rest my case.

Watson.

Keywords: Ashtabula Sasebo

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Edward (Boots) Merritt wrote on November 4, 2001

Send Email To EDWARD (BOOTS) MERRITT

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City and State: FAYETTEVILLE WV

Unit: DIVISION OF 6 FLEET

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for friends who served in the aboard the San Marcus from 1952 to 1954 that was stationed in NorFolk Va.
Cruise to the Meditrrianian in 1952
Jerry Dunman.
San Marcus LSD 25

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