Guestbook Archives


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Monday December 31, 2018 - 09:48 AM
Name: David Lyng  
Rank/Rate: ETR 3
Division/Squadron: OE
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1970-74
Location: Sioux Falls South Dakota USA
Comments: Happy and Prosperous New Year to all Ship Mates who served on the great Lady!
Tuesday December 25, 2018 - 10:07 AM
Name: David Bolt  
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-67
Location: Geneva IL US
Comments: Merry Christmas to all who served and their families. Merry Christmas and God bless to all those who have our backs today and tomorrow and their families.
Tuesday December 25, 2018 - 09:01 AM
Name: John Ranson  
Rank/Rate: QM2
Division/Squadron: N Div.
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 6/67-4/69
Location: Ft. Thomas Ky USA
Comments: Merry Christmas to all!!!🎄
Thursday December 20, 2018 - 08:44 AM
Name: Soupy Santora  
Rank/Rate: YN3
Division/Squadron: OP (AIO)
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1967-1970
Location: Berwick PA US
Comments: Those were the best three years of my Navy time. What a great ship, crew and squadrons,
Tuesday December 11, 2018 - 12:55 PM
Name: michel w. thorp  
Rank/Rate: Cpl E-4
Division/Squadron: MarDet
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1968-1970
Location: Hillsdale Mi. USA
Comments: I have two year books for the two years I was aboard her. I am very disappointed that they decided it was necessary to scrap her out. She would of made a fine musesum and could have covered a lot of wars.
Tuesday December 11, 2018 - 11:05 AM
Name: Mark Johnson  
Rank/Rate: AQ1
Division/Squadron: VA-196/IM-3
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 79-80, 81-82
Location: Chula Vista California USA
Comments: I served with VA-196 from 1978-1982. I made the 79-80 and 81-82 cruises. 102 days at sea and the hostage rescue attempt!
Monday December 10, 2018 - 11:09 AM
Name: Tayler Polikoff  
Rank/Rate:
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):
Location: Austin TX United States
Comments: My grandfather is Richard Rees. He would have been aboard 62 - 67 He was Air traffic Control. Rank of Chief Petty Officer. If anybody knew him, please reach out.
Wednesday December 05, 2018 - 09:47 AM
Name: thomas b. gargus  
Rank/Rate: ltjg
Division/Squadron: admin
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1976-1978
Location: Sun Valley Nevada United States
Comments: Some fine memories of the "Good Ship Coral Sea". West-Pac 77-78 and Bremerton, WA. for overhaul. Was thankful for having the very best XO Capt. (later RADM) Rupe Owens and CO, CApt. (later RADM George Aitcheson)...finest examples of Naval Leadership. Hal Lindsay and Tom Weber are on that list too. Many years have passed since then but the memories are still there. Being a Member of the Coral Sea Association is a small way of trying to keep in touch with others who served.
Thursday November 22, 2018 - 05:25 AM
Name: Ron "Robbie" Roberts  
Rank/Rate: PN3
Division/Squadron: X
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1962-1964
Location: Baldwin Maryland USA
Comments: Happy Thanksgiving to all. I would do it all over again. Served with a lot of great guys. Still communicate with some. Recently rejoined the American Legion after dropping out for some time. Support your local veteran posts.
Tuesday November 20, 2018 - 11:32 AM
Name: vince bonderczuk  
Rank/Rate: BT!
Division/Squadron: b_1 and B-5
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1984-1987
Location: dandridge tn usa
Comments: just saw a post on one of the cv43 pages a friend of mine richard ayers from 1 group has passede away saw a note from his daughta
Sunday November 11, 2018 - 08:15 PM
Name: JB Simpkins  
Rank/Rate: ABE2
Division/Squadron: Catapult 3
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1973-1977
Location: Christiansburg Virginia USA
Comments: I have been in touch with a few friends, Greg Shadel in California, John Paul Shelnutt in Little Rock, Vince Sikora Avenmore in PA, BJ Bowdle in Oklahoma, Buddy Reed in Tennessee, and would love to hear from others like Zenith Ed Luster, Jack Mowery (mouse), Greg Thrower, Tim Nova, Gordy Campbell (soup), Terry Nobles, and Rios. Contact me if you can....
Tuesday November 06, 2018 - 08:12 AM
Name: John Roland  
Rank/Rate: BT 3
Division/Squadron: B Div
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1967-1970
Location: Royal Palm Beach FL
Comments: Was in 3 Charlie fireroom during my whole time aboard the Coral Sea. Didn't realize it then but that was a great time in my life. Made many friends that I still communicate with today on Social Media and also met my wife in Hawaii in 1968 during my second deployment to SE Asia and the Tonkin Gulf.
Monday October 15, 2018 - 06:09 AM
Name: Joseph Vincent  
Rank/Rate: AK3
Division/Squadron: S-6
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1978-1982
Location: Mason MI USA
Comments: 3 1/2 years I will never forget
Sunday October 14, 2018 - 05:09 PM
Name: WARREN LUCK  
Rank/Rate: AO2
Division/Squadron: VAH-2
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1961-64
Location: Brisbane Australia
Comments: Dave Bolt AO
You may want to change "They" are old to "We." Been to several reunions. Broke wind the other day and soot came out. Now that is OLD!
Saturday October 13, 2018 - 07:59 PM
Name: David Laughner  
Rank/Rate: ABH1
Division/Squadron: V-1
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1987-1990
Location: Carlisle PA USA
Comments: The CORAL SEA was my favorite of all the ships in which I served. And the Best Running Flight Deck! I remember going head to head against the IKE while Conducting Carrier Quals off the VA-CAPES. The Coral Sea with 3 CATs smoked the big nuke with her 4 CATS. We Won a lot of beer for that thanks to the AIRBOSS!
Wednesday October 10, 2018 - 09:16 AM
Name: David Bolt  
Rank/Rate: Ao3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-67
Location: Geneva IL US
Comments: Went to Reno reunion, it was great seeing shipmate I hadn't seen in 50 years, man are they old. Looking forward to Dago in the the spring.
Friday October 05, 2018 - 12:33 PM
Name: James Wasson  
Rank/Rate: IC3
Division/Squadron: OEC
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1984 - 1988
Location: Grand Junction Iowa USA
Comments: I cherish my time aboard the Coral Sea and made a great many friends. It's a part of my life that I will never forget! I hope to reconnect with some of them after so many years.
Saturday September 29, 2018 - 08:23 AM
Name: Brian Paradis  
Rank/Rate: ABE-3
Division/Squadron: V-2
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1969-1973
Location: Bristol CT 06013
Comments: Its been a long time since I was on board the old girl. I have many memories
of the good old days. I have been lucky being able to attend some reunions in the

past. It sure would be nice to be able to go to a reunion on the east coast. Will the Association please pick a east coast location. I hope to see my friends from

the past again we are all getting older, that is a good thing for sure.
Wednesday September 26, 2018 - 10:41 AM
Name: Russ Jacobson  
Rank/Rate: E3
Division/Squadron: V1
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 76-79
Location: Patterson CA. USA
Comments: Just seeing if there were any ship mates out there , Lots of memories.
Wednesday September 19, 2018 - 10:51 AM
Name: David Bolt  
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-67
Location: Geneva IL US
Comments: All those going to reno raise your hands
Thursday September 06, 2018 - 06:05 PM
Name: John H. Morgan AMH-3  
Rank/Rate: AMH-3
Division/Squadron: VF-151
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1964-1965
Location: Lebanon TN usa
Comments: Memorys of my younger days
Monday September 03, 2018 - 01:21 PM
Name: Homer Peacock  
Rank/Rate: PN3
Division/Squadron: VC62
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1953-1954
Location: portland Michigan USA
Comments: Photo Squadron Detachment
Wednesday August 29, 2018 - 11:19 AM
Name: Richard Sigurdson  
Rank/Rate: RD2
Division/Squadron: OI
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 9/1967- 4/1969
Location: Henderson NV USA
Comments: Checking in... Hope to see a good turnout in Reno.
Wednesday August 29, 2018 - 07:46 AM
Name: Richard Hall  
Rank/Rate: an
Division/Squadron: IM-3
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1973-1974
Location: Palermo ME US
Comments: Quite an experience.
Wednesday August 29, 2018 - 07:45 AM
Name: John H Ranson  
Rank/Rate: QM2
Division/Squadron: N Div.
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 7/67-4/69
Location: Ft. Thomas KY. USA
Comments: attention Shipmates attending the 2018 reunion in Reno, NV.: The NAS Fallon tour is sold out.
Wednesday August 22, 2018 - 03:17 PM
Name: John H Ranson   No Email Address
Rank/Rate: QM2
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 7/67-4/69
Location: Ft. Thomas KY. USA
Comments: Attention Shipmates, There was a mistake in this latest issue of "Sea Breeze" regarding the dates of the 2018 reunion in Reno, NV. the correct dates are Wed. Oct 3 until Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Also, please see this issue of "Sea Breeze" for the POD & registration info. Don't delay. The deadline for registering for the reunion is Sept. 10, 2018.
See you all in Reno!
Tuesday August 21, 2018 - 09:20 PM
Name: Connie Grenz  
Rank/Rate:
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):
Location: Vancouver WA USA
Comments: I have a publication of 'The Coral Sea Breeze', Vol. 6 No. 10 of October 1952. Is there a place to donate it if your association wants it??
Tuesday August 14, 2018 - 06:09 PM
Name: Scott Roger Smith  
Rank/Rate: HM3
Division/Squadron: Medical
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1988-1989
Location: SHAWNEE MISSION KS
Comments: We went to some nice ports. Benidorm Spain
Saturday August 11, 2018 - 12:06 PM
Name: Bob Coffman  
Rank/Rate: OS2
Division/Squadron: OI
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1973-1976
Location: Phoenix Arizona (AZ) United States
Comments: Looking for other OI division shipmates that may be going to the 3 carrier reunion in 2019?
Thursday August 09, 2018 - 09:13 PM
Name: Ross B Berry  
Rank/Rate: BT1
Division/Squadron: B-2,B-5
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 83-88
Location: Fresno Ca
Comments: served 5 years 13 days and most was 6x6
Wednesday August 08, 2018 - 11:26 AM
Name: David Bolt  
Rank/Rate: AOe
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-67
Location: Geneva IL US
Comments: I will be coming to Reno for reunion. Looking forward to seeing Conroy and other GM salts. Last reunion I went to at Dago was mostly snipes and blackshoes, happy that airdales will be present.
Tuesday July 31, 2018 - 06:42 PM
Name: Johnny Conroy  
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1963-1967
Location: Trinity Texas United States
Comments: I have been contacted by Robert Kurtz and several other old GM Division shipmates in regards to the upcoming 2018 Reno Reunion. I will be going. Tomorrow I will sit down and go through the whole necessary procedure. I very much look forward to seeing you guys once gain. David Bolt: I do hope you see fit to attend this same reunion as the rest of your fellow old rowdies from GM. I tried to send a message to you, but that fails for me. My old boot camp and 1st/G Division buddy of 50 plus years, Leon Busby will likely accompany me. We both look forward to seeing anyone in attendance from 1st Division during our tenures there (63-65).
Tuesday July 10, 2018 - 05:40 AM
Name: Larry PENNINGTON  
Rank/Rate: RM2
Division/Squadron: OR Div
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1960-63
Location: Brighton TENNESSEE United States
Comments: Hey Walker aka Leading Deuce,
Send me an email, I have something for you.
Do you remember riding in the back seat of your car and
scaring the crap out of me?
Larry
Monday July 09, 2018 - 07:25 PM
Name: Murry walker  
Rank/Rate: E2
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1960-1963
Location: Bandera TX USA
Comments: Return of the “Leading Deuce”
Monday July 09, 2018 - 07:25 PM
Name: Murry walker  
Rank/Rate: E2
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1960-1963
Location: Bandera TX USA
Comments: Return of the “Leading Deuce”
Thursday July 05, 2018 - 03:44 AM
Name: Randolph bishop  
Rank/Rate: Ak3
Division/Squadron: Va 196
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1980-1983
Location: West paris ME United States
Comments: Just reaching out to any shipmates that remember me would lik to hear from you
Monday July 02, 2018 - 09:18 AM
Name: Robert Gill  
Rank/Rate: MN2
Division/Squadron: G
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 71-72
Location: Billerica Mass. Middlesex
Comments: On July 2nd 1972 we got the word from the Captain " Head to Subic". we were headed home after a long & busy Cruise. (148 Days on the line)
Thursday June 28, 2018 - 10:23 AM
Name: David Bolt  
Rank/Rate: Ao3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-67
Location: Geneva IL US
Comments: I'm looking forward to the three sisters reunion in Dago next year, I Dago is ready for a bunch of randy old sailors. the MIDWAY AND the FDR already have a hotel lined up. I hope the Maru finds a hotel soon. Looking forward to seeing old shipmates and making new friends.
Sunday June 24, 2018 - 03:18 PM
Name: Bob Schmitt  
Rank/Rate: sfm 2
Division/Squadron: R
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1967-1970
Location: cedar lake indiana
Comments: it's been a long time sense I checked up here
Saturday June 23, 2018 - 01:29 AM
Name: James (Chris) Cowan  
Rank/Rate: ABE-2
Division/Squadron: V-2
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 79-82
Location: Tacoma Washington USA
Comments: JOE C LAND,did you work the spud locker in 79?
Tuesday June 19, 2018 - 12:29 PM
Name: Larry McCartney  
Rank/Rate:
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):
Location: Black Mountain North Carolina United States
Comments: Does your association have a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) who can contact me on behalf of a friend, a USS Coral Sea shipmate in the 1979 - 1983 time frame, who is having medical issues that may be related to his service with the ship's crew?
Tuesday June 19, 2018 - 07:57 AM
Name: michael j skaggs  
Rank/Rate: ht3
Division/Squadron: R-DIV
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1984--1985
Location: suffolk virginia
Comments: hey shipmates just wondering if anybody remembers when in norfolk naval shipyard in june 1984 . welders head was crushed and killed in weapons elevator along with firewatch recieving injuries. iwas on inport fire party that day and witnessed this . if you do please contact me . thank you
Monday June 11, 2018 - 06:46 PM
Name: Joseph C Land  
Rank/Rate: MS3
Division/Squadron: SS02, SS05
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1979-1983
Location: Delanco New Jersey United States
Comments: Hello shipmates! Fond memories & not so fond ones too, though an eye opener to be sure. Chief Negranza saved me from the brig, etc. Along with guys in the Admiral's Mess on a seperate occasion. All in all, great shipmates all around!
Sunday June 10, 2018 - 12:12 AM
Name: Mark  
Rank/Rate:
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):
Location:
Comments: Hello,
My name is Mark am a private firearms dealer . I supply all types of guns ranging from revolvers to semi-automatic pistols like rifles and shotguns, including the AK-47 and AR-15 rifles.We are front runners when it comes to gun puchasing, kindly ensure to contact us if you are interested in buying a gun from us and we wouldn't let you down.
Contact E-mail: toolsfather80@hotmail.com
Saturday June 09, 2018 - 05:21 PM
Name: Dennis Petrillo  
Rank/Rate:
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):
Location:
Comments: Looking for old friend (cousin)
Dennis Rosenquist from Wooster Mass.
Did boot camp in GL company 213 1974, was aboard Coral Sea in 1975 for Operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind.
Send email-vdack@comcast.net
Wednesday May 30, 2018 - 08:59 PM
Name: Roy Bradshaw  
Rank/Rate: YN3
Division/Squadron: Admin/AIMD
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1975-1978
Location: Phoenix Arizona USA
Comments: I enjoyed my time aboard the Coral Sea. Went through two yard periods, Long Beach and Bremerton. Fascinating going down into the dry dock. A total different perspective.
Saturday May 19, 2018 - 08:39 PM
Name: Lisa Allen  
Rank/Rate:
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):
Location: Annandale VA USA
Comments: To my dad's former shipmates, Wayne P. Barrigan passed away May 13th in Fairfax, VA. He proudly served in the US Navy for over 20 years and spent his last two years (1966-1968) on the USS Coral Sea. He always said this was the best time of his life. He wore his USS Coral Sea hat everyday. He never was able to make any of the reunions but kept you always in his heart. God Bless!
Saturday May 19, 2018 - 07:22 PM
Name: Charles Mason  
Rank/Rate: Adj 3
Division/Squadron: Vf 51
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1974-1975
Location: Chester Connecticut United States
Comments: Hello fellow ship mates and squadron mates. I sailed on the Coral Sea 1974-1975 deployed off the coast of Vietnam. With fighter squardon Vf 51 Screaming eagles. I'm wondering if anyone of you guys came down with symptoms o agent Orange. I Have non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Diabetes mellentis. Hypothyroidism has anyone else contracted this. Thanks. Hypothyroidism perphial nerve
Tuesday May 15, 2018 - 01:47 PM
Name: KENNETH E STICKEL  
Rank/Rate: FT2
Division/Squadron: F
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1947-1951
Location: BELLE VERNON PA USA
Comments: A GREAT ORGANIZATION I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER FOR YEARS
Monday May 14, 2018 - 11:05 PM
Name: Gladys Martin  
Rank/Rate:
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):
Location:
Comments: I have really enjoyed reading your website. My late husband always loved the USS Coral Sea. Seeing your website brought back many fond memories. Thank you.
Wednesday May 09, 2018 - 10:02 AM
Name: robert gill  
Rank/Rate: Mineman MN2
Division/Squadron: G
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1971-1972
Location: Billerica MA. Middlesex
Comments: 46 yrs. ago we were very busy assembling 36 mines that went into Haiphong harbor. We 3 minemen got a lot of help from the AO 's in G Division & others. outstanding job by all of us on CVA-43.
Wednesday May 09, 2018 - 08:41 AM
Name: Michael Leckrone  
Rank/Rate: SH2
Division/Squadron: Master at Arms Store
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1972-1974
Location: Jacksonville FL Duval
Comments: It was my first air-craft carrier 5yrs later I was stationed on the USS. Forrestal.
Tuesday May 08, 2018 - 11:20 PM
Name: Kenneth R Williams Jr  
Rank/Rate: ABH3
Division/Squadron: V-1
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1977-1980
Location: Renton Wa USA
Comments: I'm looking for shipmates that were in V-1 Division from Jan 1977 - Aug 1980, on the USS Coral Sea (CV-43).
Tuesday May 08, 2018 - 11:17 PM
Name: Kenneth R Williams Jr  
Rank/Rate: ABH3
Division/Squadron: V-1
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1976-1980
Location: Renton Wa USA
Comments: I'm looking for shipmates that were in V-1 Division from Jan 1977 - Aug 1980.
Monday May 07, 2018 - 08:07 AM
Name: Charles Huber  
Rank/Rate: AT2
Division/Squadron: VC-8
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1955
Location: Albuquerque 32
Comments: Updating my May 2001 post with a new email address.

Brownshoe/Airdale AT2 with VC-8 (half the squadron stayed at Pt. Lyautey, Fr. Morocco and 2 or 3 AJ aircraft were on carriers in the 6th Fleet). I was a computer techniciian on the AN/ASB-1A bombing system; went on to AQ1 in squadron VAH-1 on the Forrestal, and then changed to PT1 in VQ-2 out of Rota.

Nothing like arriving on that straight deck in an AJ Savage strategic nuclear bomber (Yes, there were Mk 6 nuclear bombs on board - maximum yield like Hiroshima).

Cattle trough toilets and saltwater showers added to the fun!
Sunday May 06, 2018 - 08:10 PM
Name: Chuck Bell  
Rank/Rate: PN2
Division/Squadron: X
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1962-1963
Location: Clinton Wi.
Comments: Hello to all. Wishing all of you the very best. Doing fine on this end....think of my Coral Sea friends often. Have a great summer!!
Friday May 04, 2018 - 05:05 PM
Name: James H Jackson  
Rank/Rate: TSgt
Division/Squadron: VMA-211
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1952
Location: Jacksonville Florida USA
Comments: My dad, 1stSgt James H Jackson, USMC, was TAD aboard the USS Coral Sea during the April to October, 1952 Med deployment, as part of VMF-211, MAG-14, 2nd MAW out of Cherry Point, which earned the USS Coral Sea a Naval Occupation Service award, and which was the cruise which escorted Marshall Tito of Yugoslavia on a 1-day cruise. He was a TSgt at the time, on his 2nd TAD on the USS Coral Sea, the 1st being Feb to Apr 1952, I assume for sea trials. Have pics of him at Cagliari Sardinia, Marseilles, Rome, and Naples.
Saturday April 28, 2018 - 08:31 PM
Name: Peter Bric  
Rank/Rate: OSSR-OS2
Division/Squadron: OI
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1986-1989
Location: Wellington Ohio USA
Comments: Great times overseas
Tuesday April 24, 2018 - 11:30 AM
Name: Peter bourque   No Email Address
Rank/Rate: Mm3
Division/Squadron: M-4
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1980-1983
Location: Carlsbad New Mexico USA
Comments: Loved seeing new ports
Tuesday April 24, 2018 - 11:30 AM
Name: Peter bourque   No Email Address
Rank/Rate: Mm3
Division/Squadron: M-4
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1980-1983
Location: Carlsbad New Mexico USA
Comments: Loved seeing new ports
Saturday April 21, 2018 - 11:42 AM
Name: Zane G. Hackney  
Rank/Rate: ABE-2
Division/Squadron: V-2 Division-Gear
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1974-1978
Location: Crawford Tennessee USA
Comments: Any old Friend's, Pls Feel Free to Contact Me....
Thursday April 12, 2018 - 02:47 PM
Name: Clarence Neander  
Rank/Rate: MM/2
Division/Squadron: M-Div 4 Group
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 7/66 to 9/69
Location: CORNELL Illinois USA
Comments: David Bolt, Just saw your question about the Zunni Rocket firing on the forward mess deck. launched port to starboard, penetrated a larger electrical breaker panel and penetrated the bulk head behind it into the chiefs or 1st class dinning area, warhead not armed and did not explode. resulting fire on the mess decks from the solid fuel rocket motor killed 3 or 4 and burned up a remoter valve control station and knocked out power to #2 engine room.
Wednesday April 11, 2018 - 11:49 AM
Name: Paul Mett  
Rank/Rate: OSSA-OS3
Division/Squadron: OI
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1986-1990
Location: Germantown OHIO United States
Comments: Checked on board Dec the following year, heard all the stories about the big crash
Tuesday April 10, 2018 - 03:29 PM
Name: David Bolt  
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-67
Location: Geneva IL US
Comments: When people who are not Navy vets speak of "cruises" I like to point out to them about the cruise ships that have been adrift at sea because the one and only generator or switchboard on the ship fried. The old Maru would never have done that, not with all her redundant systems, not to mention best of the best crew.
P.S Are you guys aware of the special reunion in the works for May 2019? Crews from all 3 Midway class ships will be meeting in Dago, I am absolutely attending that reunion.

Hey sailor I love you no shit, buy me drink.
Tuesday April 10, 2018 - 06:21 AM
Name: Gary Sims  
Rank/Rate: AE3
Division/Squadron: IM3 AIMD
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1972-1975
Location: OLIVE BRANCH MS USA
Comments: IT GOOD TO SEE THAT THERE IS STILL GOOD SIZE GROUP OF OUR SHIPMATES THAT ARE STILL WITH US. NOT MANY DAYS GO BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT MY DAYS ON THE OLD BUCKET. SHE WAS NOT AS BIG OR PRETTY AS THE ENTERPRISE IN MY DAY, BUT SHE ALWAYS MANAGE TO GET US BACK FOR LIBERTY AND HOME FROM THE CRUISE. I'T IS HARD TO EXPLAIN TO SOMEONE ABOUT LIFE ONBOARD UNLESS YOU HAVE LIVED IT. MY WIFE AND FREINDS ARE ALWAYS ASKING ABOUT GOING ON CRUISES AND I JUST LAUGH HOW COULD IT COMPARE, WHERE WOULD I BUY MONKEY MEAT ON A STICK, CHASE LITTLE BROWN SUGAR GIRLS (KNOWN AFFECTIONATELY AS HOSTESSES) AND SET BACK WITH A GENUINE SAN MIGUEL BEER IN HAND ON A DISNEY CRUISE? BEST WISHS TO ALL THAT HAVE SERVED AND TO THOSE THAT ARE SERVING AND MOST OF ALL TO THOSE THAT PAID THE ULITMAT PRICE.
Wednesday April 04, 2018 - 07:33 AM
Name: Patrick McGoohan  
Rank/Rate: EM3
Division/Squadron: DD817 USS Corry
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1964-1966
Location: Jackson NJ USA
Comments: Not a Coral Sea Veteran, however, met a plank owner at church. His name is Vinnie Consalvo and he lives in Jackson, NJ. He was very excited when I told him there was likely a USS Coral Sea Association. Does anyone know if there are other plank owners among the membership? Will get reunion info to him and see if we can get his rate and years aboard. Fair Winds!
Tuesday April 03, 2018 - 09:21 AM
Name: glendon s (andy) anderson  
Rank/Rate: abh3
Division/Squadron: vi rep 8
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1961-1965
Location: longview tx usa
Comments: just wonder how many of my ship mates is still with us 2 day after all it has been 55 yrs ago 2 day that i went on my 2 cruise this is the only ship i was even on the first 6 yrs i was in el centro ca fague pac then barbers point ha then moffett field ca i will never for get the time i was on her
Tuesday March 20, 2018 - 08:50 AM
Name: JB Hager  
Rank/Rate: SN
Division/Squadron: 3rd,Fox
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1960-1962
Location: Astatula Florida USA
Comments: Was on recommissioning crew, got out in Sep.62,reupped in 66 to the Seabees, retired pushing boots in Orlando in ‘82
Tuesday March 13, 2018 - 05:43 PM
Name: Israel Palacios  
Rank/Rate: SN
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1968-1971
Location: San Antonio TX USA
Comments: I am looking for anybody who may have served with my brother in law Israel Palacios, he did boxing on board and was awarded a pass to Da Nang by helicopter for a weekend. Please contact me if you remember him.
Monday March 12, 2018 - 06:59 AM
Name: David Bolt  
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-67
Location: Geneva IL US
Comments: M.C. Wood, Have you tried the Va, state Va or American Legion? Good Luck.
Sunday March 11, 2018 - 06:35 AM
Name: Frank Neal Beard  
Rank/Rate: EM2
Division/Squadron: E Div.
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1961-1963
Location: Ormond Beach Fl. USA
Comments: I made my first deployment to WesPac on the Coral Sea, one of several. Was an interesting adventure. :)
Saturday March 10, 2018 - 10:08 AM
Name: Michael C. Wood  
Rank/Rate: Cpl. E-4
Division/Squadron: MARDET
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1960-1961
Location: SAn Marcos, TX United States
Comments: Are 61-62 ship's crew eligible for either Sea Service Ribbon, or Vietnam Service Medal? If not, why not? We deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin, Yankee Station during the '61 WesPAc as CarDiv 5. Been trying to get an answer to this question for fifty years.
Friday March 09, 2018 - 07:55 AM
Name: Keith Davidson   No Email Address
Rank/Rate: RM2
Division/Squadron: CR
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1984-1988
Location: Scaggsville MD
Comments: Sea bag carried aboard Sep83 Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a designated seaman; two MED deployments. Departed Apr88 as RM2. I wasn't a job, it was an adventure.
Thursday March 08, 2018 - 03:10 PM
Name: Reece Freeman, Jr.  
Rank/Rate: PH2
Division/Squadron: Ships Company
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1972 - 1975
Location: Dunlap Tennessee United States
Comments: Coral Maru my 2nd deep-water ship, HP Oak CA, 1st was USS Tallahatchie County,ABV2 HP Naples IT. The 3rd Was Gater Navy USS Guadalcanal,LPH-7-HP Norfolk VA.
Time on-board CVA 43, Jan 01-1971/Oct 15-1975 [COMCARDIV 3, Yankee Station] 1971-72. Part of Operations Dept. worked in OP-2 Photo lab, Air Crew Ships Company, Flash Lab Processed Strike Film, Navy & US Air Force, Main Photo Lab, worked on two CVA-43 Cruise Books, 1971-72-Thomas Jefferson Award Publication, "Best Crews Book Ever".
"Never piss-off da DIVOFF CWO4" sacked to X-DIV/Ships News Paper & TV, this action was the best move of my life, [Questioning Authority] 10 years on I found a JOB Career that gave me 30 years in Television, "Navy Photographic Center", Civil Service @ "Naval Hospital Bethesda" MD.
Now twice Ret. living in Dunlap, Tenn. Life is good, health, I'm Vertical & knowing the Lord, five kids, two grand, one great-grand. Secret to long life is knowing & having GOOD DOCTORS, pay ur Tax's an Pack One. Our world is still very strange and Greedy, love your wife only!
Wednesday March 07, 2018 - 06:42 PM
Name: Michael A. Weist  
Rank/Rate: AMH3, AMH2
Division/Squadron: VA-94 line, HS-12
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 76-78, 83-84
Location: Ridgecrest CA USA
Comments: She was the finest ship I had the pleasure to serve aboard.
Monday March 05, 2018 - 10:50 AM
Name: David Bolt  
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-67
Location: Geneva IL US
Comments: Type in Blue water agent orange, it is not a site but it will take you to a bunch of info sites on the subject of the Blue Water Navy and Agent orange. Be on watch for any scammers on those sites. God luck and God bless.
Friday March 02, 2018 - 01:53 PM
Name: Bruce Butler  
Rank/Rate: DT2
Division/Squadron: D
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1958-1961
Location: Schaumburg, Il USA
Comments: I just found out the ship was off Vietnam May 9 1961. Have any shipmates received benefits caused by agent orange?
Tuesday February 27, 2018 - 01:11 PM
Name: David Bolt  
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-67
Location: Geneva IL USA
Comments: I departed the Maru June 30 1967, during the following westpac there was a Zuni launch on the mess deck. When I was on board my GQ station was the Sidewinder ready mag on the mess deck, it was on the port side of the mess deck near the port main passage. I understand that the Zuni penetrated a bulkhead on the messdeck, would that have been near the sidewinder mag? If you know where this occurred and have details please advise.
Monday February 26, 2018 - 08:47 PM
Name: Allen Whitt  
Rank/Rate: LT
Division/Squadron: S-7, Div. Off.
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1965-67
Location: Albuquerque New Mexico United States
Comments: I was aboard during the Zuni incident.
Friday February 23, 2018 - 03:18 PM
Name: Allen Whitt  
Rank/Rate: LT
Division/Squadron: S-7 Div.
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1965-1967
Location: Albuquerque New Mexico United States
Comments: Hello Shipmates. Just want to let you know that I have published an award-winning novel based on my time aboard. It is available through the following link:"


https://www.amazon.com/Notes-Other-Side-Mountain-Confronts/dp/0692949038/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1506999625&sr=1-1&keywords=notes+from+the+other+side+of+the+mountain%3A+love
Sunday February 18, 2018 - 01:53 PM
Name: catherine earl  
Rank/Rate: E1
Division/Squadron: VF-21
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1972-1973
Location: moriarty nm usa
Comments: Did anyone serve with Jerry Earl in 72-73 ? I need to find any living shipmates who knew of his boots on the ground involvement. I am fighting the VA as surviving spouse.
Friday February 09, 2018 - 08:53 AM
Name: John H Ranson  
Rank/Rate: QM2
Division/Squadron: N Div.
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 7/67-4/69
Location: Ft. Thomas KY USA
Comments: Attention shipmates: The 2018 Midwest Spring Fling will be in Dayton. OH. Please check out the March 2018 issue of "Sea Breeze" for the registration form or contact me for the form. Hope to see a big turnout at this event.
Godspeed!
Tuesday February 06, 2018 - 02:10 PM
Name: Richard Frasure  
Rank/Rate: E3
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1979
Location: Benton City Washington US
Comments: Boiler Tech. 4B boiler
Monday February 05, 2018 - 02:28 PM
Name: Charles Nagle  
Rank/Rate: AD-1
Division/Squadron: HC-1 Det 3
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 79-81
Location: Winter springs FL USA
Comments: Does anyone know the dates for the spring fling in Venice FL??
Friday February 02, 2018 - 04:29 PM
Name: Carl Young (CV)   No Email Address
Rank/Rate: BT3
Division/Squadron: B DIV.
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1963-1967
Location: Aguilar Colorado USA
Comments: Served 90% of my aboard time in 1Able fire room.
Friday February 02, 2018 - 04:29 PM
Name: Carl Young (CV)   No Email Address
Rank/Rate: BT3
Division/Squadron: B DIV.
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1963-1967
Location: Aguilar Colorado USA
Comments: Served 90% of my aboard time in 1Able fire room.
Saturday January 27, 2018 - 10:38 AM
Name: Glendon S Anderson  
Rank/Rate: Abh-3
Division/Squadron: v1 rep 8
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 61-65
Location: longview Texas gregg
Comments: it been a long time ago
Thursday January 25, 2018 - 10:29 PM
Name: Camilla Idurre  
Rank/Rate:
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965):
Location: Missouri USA
Comments: 5 credit card rewards hacks to earn you more in 2018
More Info:
http://www.singenblg.blogspot.com/2018/01/singen-blog-5-credit-card-rewards-hacks.html
Thursday January 25, 2018 - 05:26 PM
Name: Tom  
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1966-1969
Location: El Cerrito California USA
Comments: No comment
Wednesday January 17, 2018 - 02:44 PM
Name: Michael Preston  
Rank/Rate: E-3, DPSN
Division/Squadron: S-7
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1982-1985
Location: Port Orchard Washington USA
Comments: Arrived when the Ship was coming to Alameda. Was there for Hurricane Iwa and the World Cruise. Remember being so close to Australia, that we could pick up radio station only to go to the Gulf. Ran laps on the Flight deck during the Suez Canal transit. One day in Spain and none in Honduras, sad. Got to Norfolk and then into NNSY.
Tuesday January 09, 2018 - 09:21 AM
Name: Tony Spagnolo  
Rank/Rate: ptr1c
Division/Squadron:
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1947-48
Location: Harrisburg PA
Comments: I was on the commissioning crew Oct 1947; does anyone know how many of the original crew of about 4000 are still with us? I just had my 90th birthday
Saturday January 06, 2018 - 07:18 PM
Name: CARL BARBEE  
Rank/Rate: YN3
Division/Squadron: Admin
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 1983-1985
Location: Long Beach California United States
Comments: Worked for the EMO, XO and Captain Ferguson.
Monday January 01, 2018 - 03:12 PM
Name: Irvin Gates  
Rank/Rate: FN
Division/Squadron: E
Years Aboard(ex:1963-1965): 61,62
Location: Marshall TX United States
Comments: West Pac cruise in 62.