USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107)

Navy BBS

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August Kornowicz wrote on February 28, 2020

Send Email To AUGUST KORNOWICZ

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City and State: REDFORD MI

Unit: USS GILBERT ISLANDS CVE-107

Service or Relationship: 1951 THRU 1955

Comments: I CANNOT REMEMBER THE DATES EXACTLY BUT WENT ABOARD THE RECOMMISSIONED SHIP APPROX JUNE JUST BEFORE IT LEFT FOR VIRGINIA THAN CALIFORNIA PANAMA CANAL JAPAN KOREA RETURNING TO R.I. THE CARIBBEAN THAN MEDITERRAIN. REMEMBER BALLMAN. BLACKMAN, FIORE, CARR, I WAS ASIGNED TO THE FORWARD ENGINE ROOM UNTIL JAN55 WHEN DECOMMISSIONED THAN TO APB CARLTON THAN TO THE FARGO BUILDING UNTIL DISCAHARGED APRIL 55.

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Lloyd Bitting wrote on December 12, 2012

Send Email To LLOYD BITTING

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City and State: BALNDON PA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: just looking for anyone who remembers me to talk to....

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Robert A. (Bob) Tietel wrote on October 16, 2011

Send Email To ROBERT A. (BOB) TIETEL

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City and State: SEARLES MN

Unit: USS ANNAPOLIS AGMR-1 & USS SELLERS DDG-11

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am a friend of the son of Clarence Prahl whom I was
told was a plank owner on the Gilbert Islands and was
a Radioman on the ship he lives just 2 blocks away
from me in a town of 16 square blocks. Since I was
assigned to the USS Annapolis in 1967 to 1968 when it
was assigned to the 7th fleet in the Tonkin Gulf of
Vietnam and it was the old Gilbert Islands the
connection came as the son who lost his father at a
young age was searching for memories. Is their anyone
out there that would remember Clarence and would
connect with his son Mike that would be really great.
I know how great that would feel since my search of a
buddy of a friend of mine KIA Vietnam 7/31/1969 it
took 41 years but it happened and it was closure.

Keywords: Clarence Prahl USS Gilbert Islands CVE 107

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Charles Echols wrote on October 14, 2011

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BOSTON GA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for anyone who may remember my fatherinlaw
Byron W Carroll He was stationed on the USS Gilbert
Islands CVE-107 from 1951 to 1953. Passed away 8
August 2007

Keywords: Friends

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Carolyn Brown wrote on October 13, 2010

Send Email To CAROLYN BROWN

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City and State: ELSBERRY MO

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: my father, Lloyd E. Nichols, served aboard the USS Gilbert Islands during WWII. I found a newsletter that mentioned that he may have worked on the plane elevators. Would love to hear from anyone who has fathers who served aboard or any picture. My father passed away in 1971 of cancer and i am trying to find info for my grandkids.

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Bob W. Whetsell wrote on August 25, 2010

Send Email To BOB W. WHETSELL

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Coast Guard Veteran

Comments: My father, Bobby Whetsell was a radarman for a short while aboard the Gilbert Islands, He also service in the National Honor Gaurd. Does any one remember him and when and where is the next crew reunion?

Thank you.

Bob W Whetsell, the II

Keywords: USS CVE Gilbert Island 1950's Caribbian Cruse

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Sandra Logan (Montgomery) wrote on August 22, 2008

Send Email To SANDRA LOGAN (MONTGOMERY)

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My Dad, Major Cornelius Taylor "Monty" Montgomery, Jr was a Marine officer aboard the USS Gilbert Islands during the Korean War. He was a Corsair Pilot and was killed on a bombing mission flying from the carrier on October 10, 1951. His body was never recovered. We would love to have any information from anyone who might have family members or someone who remembers him or any photos. He was with the "Death Rattlers". Thanks.

Keywords: USS Gilbert Islands, Death Rattlers, Corsairs, Korean War
Cherry Point, NC, Pensacola, Fl

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Marion Bray JR. wrote on June 14, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ORLANDO FL

Unit: USS GILBERT ISLANDS

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments:

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Adam Lewis wrote on May 2, 2008

Send Email To ADAM LEWIS

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: The 2008 reunion will be held in San Diego Oct 16 - 18 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Write me at plane_fun@cox.net if you want more details.
Adam Lewis

Keywords: History USS Gilbert Islands

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Charles B. Graber wrote on April 14, 2008

Send Email To CHARLES B. GRABER

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City and State: PASADENA MD

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: my grandfather was on the uss gilbert he is 83 years old and still telling stories about his ship and the war he was on the ship in 1946 I think??? right after the attack of pear harbor hes job on the ship was transporting air planes around and loading bombs on them and he was on the brig a couple of times if there is any body who knew or buddies on the ship with him plase call him or email me at dlubunyz@yahoo.com ph.1(410)255-1270

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Kenneth Ballman SR. wrote on April 10, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HORSESHOE BEND AR

Unit: N/A

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: From Great Lakes Boot Camp I reported to Philadelphia Navy Shipyards
and Lived for two weeks on the Kerrituck a seaplane tender. On
September 7, 1951 I was one of the first fifty individuals who reported
on aboard the USS Gilbert Islands to recommission the ship. I was
assigned to the #1 engine room. Capt. J.A. Rudd Jr. was the
Commanding Officer and Cdr. J. W. Lenny was the Executive Officer.
During the yard overhaul at the So. Boston Shipyard I was selected to
act as Yeoman liaison between the onboard Yard Supt. and the various
yard foremen reporting to him. When she was decommissioned in
Boston on January 15, 1955 I was one of the small remaining crew
members still aboard. Many of the them were short timers and were
assigned to finish their hitch with Shore Patrol duties in Boston. As I
recall of the short timers only two of us were transfered to another
ship. A First Class Electricians Mate and myself a Second Class
Machinist Mate to the Battleship New Jersey which was in Gitmo. I was
discharged in Norfolk VA in April 1955.

Keywords: USS Gilbert Islands Machinist Mate # 1 Engine Room

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Cheri Marshall wrote on August 13, 2007

Email Update Needed

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City and State: OAKVILLE CT

Unit: DECKFORCE

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: please email me if any info found.thanks

Keywords: uss glibert islands cve-107.dads name is richard landry he a vet from oakville,CT usa

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Steve Oswald wrote on February 28, 2006

Send Email To STEVE OSWALD

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father was aboard the USS Gilbert. I am not sure how long. He was in the US Navy from July 1951 thru July 1955.

Keywords: Elmer Robert Oswald aka,Bob or Sonny

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Karen Isaacson (Schroeder) wrote on February 24, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State: PARK RAPIDS MN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My dad, Donald H Schroeder, was an Aviation Structural Mech. on the ship from 1952-1955. If anyone knew him or has any information or pictures to share with the family that would be greatly appreciated.

In loving memory of Donald Schroeder,

Karen Isaacson

Keywords: USS Gilbert Islands, Korean War

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Lois Moore wrote on February 8, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SO. ELGIN IL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father, Ben Tricker also served from 1951 - 1953 on the Gilbert Islands. We have a few photo's of him with shipmates during this time. Sadly, dad passed away on New Years Eve,2004. Would love to hear any rememberances of him during this time (he was quite a character), if anyone remembers. He loved his time in the navy.

Keywords: USS Gilbert Islands

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Andy Syka wrote on April 8, 2005

Send Email To ANDY SYKA

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City and State: SUNNYVALE CA

Unit: SUPPLY DEPARTMENT

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I served aboard the CVE-107 from 15 July 1952- 14 July 1954 as aviation supply officer and also as commissay officer.I was a WWII veteran re-called for two years of duty as a so-called re-tread. In 1985 I thought of holding a reunion, began researching the whereabouts of crew members and the GI has held a reunion almost every other year since 1986. Both WWII and K-War crew member attend. This Sept. our muster is in Louisville, KY. Warrant "Gunner" Smelley died 3/23/05

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Andy Syka wrote on April 8, 2005

Send Email To ANDY SYKA

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City and State: SUNNYVALE CA

Unit: SUPPLY DEPARTMENT

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I served aboard the CVE-107 from 15 July 1952- 14 July 1954 as aviation supply officer and also as commissay officer.I was a WWII veteran re-called for two years of duty as a so-called re-tread. In 1985 I thought of holding a reunion, began researching the whereabouts of crew members and the GI has held a reunion almost every other year since 1986. Both WWII and K-War crew member attend. This Sept. our muster is in Louisville, KY. Warrant "Gunner" Smelley died 3/23/05

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Russell Howe wrote on February 25, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BALDWIN NY

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hello, my father DONALD C. HOWE served on the USS Gilbert Islands CVE-107 from 1951 to 1955. Was looking for any of his buddies.

Keywords: USS Gilbert Islands CVE - 107 1951 - 1955

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Diane Swanson wrote on January 26, 2005

Email Update Needed

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City and State: OAK CREEK WI

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: Doing some deep Cleaning and found a newsletter from USS Gilbert Islands Ship. Husband Wayland(Swanie) G. Swanson transported to/from (?) aboard this ship. I do know he served in the Philipines. he died 1/12\1994 just thought I would surf for info

Keywords: USS gilbert Islands Ship

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William Shattuck wrote on December 11, 2004

Send Email To WILLIAM SHATTUCK

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City and State: GA

Unit: AIRCRAFT ARRESTING GEAR - CATAPULTS

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: I served as an Airman (AB) on the Flight Deck of The USS GILBERT ISLANDS CVE-107, three years from 1951 to 1954, during the Korean War. My Duty was Operation and Maintenance of Hydraulic Arresting Gear, (The cables that catch the tailhook on the planes that came in for landing on the flight deck). I went aboard in July 1951, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, while the ship was being taken out of WW II mothballs, to serve in the Korean War. The Ship was then moved in November under its own power to South Boston Navy Yard for a complete overhaul. After the overhaul was complete, in the Fall of 1952, we went on a shakedown cruise to Guantanamo Bay Cuba, for testing of all systems aboard ship. We sailed back to our new home port at Quonset Point, R.I. We then ferried a load of jet fighter planes to Japan for the War Effort. We then started training operations in the Atlantic Ocean with a squadran of propeller planes looking for submarines. We went to the Mediterranean in 1953, and visited several port cities including Algiers, Athens, Naples, Cannes. My four year enlistment expired in 1954 and I was Honorably Discharged at Quonset Point, R.I. I had a lot of good shipmate friends in the arresting gear and catapault division. I would like to hear from any of them, since I have lost contact with them over the last 50 years. Thanks to all who served our country, and are serving now!
Regards, William Shattuck

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Kathy Mendell (Watson) wrote on October 6, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: MA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My Dad, Robert Watson, was an airman on the ship. He died from Pulmonary Fibrosis, caused by asbestos exposure. He was on the ship from 1948-1953. If anyone knew him or has any information to share with our family, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Kathy

Keywords: USS Gilbert Islands, Korean War

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Michael Petrosh wrote on January 23, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: USS GILBERT ISLANDS

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for info. Anyone knowing Wasyl Petrosh
954 94 55.
He served from 1948 to 1952 as a damage controlman.

Also looking for John Rahilly of Largo FL

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Rick Mazanec wrote on November 6, 2003

Send Email To RICK MAZANEC

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am compiling information for my Father who served on the USS Gilbert Islands in 1945-1946.
Any information would be appreciated.

Keywords: Crew or Roster from 1945-1946 USS Gilbert Isalands CVE-107

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Stan Hildebrand wrote on November 4, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State: TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father Stan Hildebrand served on this ship and just recently passed away. I was going through all his old Navy things I'd long forgotten and decided to check out the net for info on him or his shipmates.
Any replys would be welcome.

Keywords: Korea

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Adam Lewis wrote on February 2, 2003

Send Email To ADAM LEWIS

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: I've opened a website at http://members.cox.net/plane_fun/ The 1945 cruise of teh USS Gilbert Islands is one of the featured pages. See also "John Lally's TBM" page.
If you have any relevant photos that you'd like share please get in touch.
Thanks
Adam

Keywords: VMF 512, VMTB 143, USS Gilbert Islands, 1945, MCAS Goleta

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Greg Cornett wrote on August 8, 2002

Send Email To GREG CORNETT

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I have a bass drum that was made into a table from
the USS Gilbert Islands CVE-107. Glass top with legs. Ships name stenciled under glass. Can anyone give me any information on this item or who
might have created it. Believed to be from around
or before 1947.

Thanks,

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Betsy Parris wrote on May 27, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: RED WING MN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am the daughter of a Korean war vet who has long since passed away. I am looking for any information reagrding my fathers ship. He was Roy G Covert on the USS Gainard. I can't find any info

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John Greenwood wrote on March 31, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: my dad aws also on tha gi durring that time he was a clerk howard greenwood!?!? ring any bells?!?!

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Fred Moody wrote on August 24, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SPRINGFIELD MO

Unit: VS-31

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: My VS-31 squadron took our Grumman AFs about the Gilbert Islands for a 2-3 week qualification cruise in the Atlantic in 1953. She was a great ship and any info on her fate would be appreciated.

I was assigned to VS-31 antisub sqdn from '52-'54 at Quonset Point when we made our 3-month Med cruise on the Siboney, a great ship. Cdr Moore was our C.O. and we went to England, Algiers, Greece, Italy and my senior moment won't allow me to remember the other ports. We flew Grumman AFs which flew in pairs; one a hunter of subs and the other plane dropped the depth charges. Have many fond memories of the Sea Bunny, the galloping ghost... Any further information on her fate would be appreciated.

Dr. Fred H. Moody, Dean
Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary
2835 Hollywood, Ste 370
Shreveport, LA 71108

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John Schweitzer wrote on July 19, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State: RUSTON LA

Unit: USAF

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I learned to write sending him letters on the tour to Korea for bringing jets to relieve MacArthur from the onslaught of Russian tanks.

God Bless all who served us so well in that effort...and the others.

Keywords: CVE Gilbert Island

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Dan Elder wrote on April 30, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: COLOMBUS JCT IA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: Looking For crew members from Div 1 1951-53

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Craig Rothhammer wrote on November 17, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: LA CRESCENTA CA

Unit: USS GRASP (ARS-24) USS BOLSTER (ARS-38)

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments:

USS GILBERT ISLANDS (CVE-107)

dp. 10,900; l. 557' 1"; b. 75'; dr. 32'; s. 19.1 k.; cpl. 1,066; a. 2 5"; cl. COMMENCEMENT BAY

GILBERT ISLANDS recommissioned 7 September 1951 and put in at Boston 25 November for overhaul.

She joined the Atlantic Fleet 1 August 1952, sailed 8 days later with a cargo of jets for Yokohama, Japan, arriving 18 September, and returned to her homeport of Quonset Point, R.I., 22 October.

She sailed 5 January 1953 for the Caribbean to conduct training exercises off Cuba and returned to New England waters to continue these duties through the summer and fall of the year.

From: DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL FIGHTING SHIPS

Keywords: ATLANTIC FLEET, JET AIRCRAFT FERRY

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