Sat, 16 Nov 1996

Good Morning, Eldon -

Please accept my apology for taking so long to respond to your message. I spent most of the month of October in the hospital at the Eastern Carolina School of Medicine trying to save my transplanted kidney. We couldn't do it, and they had to "re-equip" my body with the accesses needed to hook me up to the artificial kidney.

You sound familiar. I don't have a lot of memories of the time that I spent on the Gilmore in Key West. I came aboard in February of 1971 as on OM2. I was assigned to the Periscope Shop - Main Deck, Starboard side, aft of the Quarterdeck.. I worked with OMC "Wild Bill" Selby and OM1 Bruce Whipple. I'm sure you will remember Bruce. The things that I remember most were the Marlin and Mackeral, the Amberjack, and that everything came to a screeching halt at noontime every weekday while we all watched/played Jeopardy on TV.

I remained on the Gilmore and took her to her new homeport of La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy in February of 1973 and I stayed on her until 1978. I couldn't leave there - had too much fun.

Most of memories are of changing periscopes constantly on those old diesel boats. We never seemed to be able to do that during normal working hours. It was always at nights ("The boat is getting underway tomorrow.") or on the weekends. And, it was inevitable that the packing would leak. I remember dropping a scope in between the piers - after bouncing it off the forward deck of the Amberjack. I remember the day that our divers blew the screw off the Cubera - before the duty officer had passed the word below that they were going to. Those bubble heads came piling out of the hatches, screaming, cursing, and holding their ears. One kid got right in the duty offier's face and started screaming at him. He ended the argument by punching the duty officer out, knocking him over the side.

I remember getting kicked out of that White Tower hamburger place right outside the gate. In order to impress on this dumb waitress how much I hated grits, I scraped them off my plate onto her feet.

I remember, most of all, what a great place Key West was. It isn't that way, now. Did you ever go down to Mallory Square in the evening to watch the sunset? That was my favorite hobby.

Anywho, I've been retired since February, 1986. I retired as a Master Chief, bought myself a little house on a little island off the southeastern coast of North Carolina, near the mouth of the Cape Fear River about 40 miles south of Wilmington, NC. Even with the lose of both of my kidneys - and, now a transplanted one - I've enjoyed my retirement. I worked as a freelance photographer for several years - to give me something to do. I worked mostly for SURFING and BODYBOARDING magazines. My kidney failure in 1992 prevented me from doing that, so I went to work as a Telecommunicator for our local 9-1-1 Center. Long hours, but excellent pay. And I definitely needed the pay beause CHAMPUS doesn't pay anything except employees' wages, and my medical bills were so large that they became a "laughing matter"

Anywho, that's my story, Shipmate. Like I said, I do remember an ET1 Brown - but, just barely, Not your fault - I just got a lousy memory.

Got to run. Got the day shift today - 0500 to 1700 - and I've got to do all the "S's" in the bathroom and get my uniform on. That's right, I still have to wear a uniform!

Take care, my friend. I'll be looking forward to your reply.

Jim Forsyth .

Sun, 17 Nov 1996

Hello Chief Forsyth

I got you message and boy did it bring back a lot of memories of the good old days aboard the USS H.W. Gilmore (AS-16). I have not talked much about the Navy days in a long time it seam that no one is interested.

I hope the Navy is taking good care of you with your kidney problems, sure sounds like you have had a rough time. Hopefully it was not environmental or something that you were exposed to while in the Navy.

When I left the Gilmore I have more time on board then anyone else, because for my billet (1598) the Gilmore was considered SEA Duty and therefore I was not required to rotate off. I have a little over 4 years on board, and somewhere I still have my count down calendar.

We may have met, I was working on a project for our CalLab (Electronics Calibration Lab) that would ring a bell when someone came into the shop. I needed some optics for the light beam sensor. I found just what I needed in the Optic Shop, I used an old front lens from field glasses, someone from your shop helped me with the project. Today you can buy the thing at Radio Shack for about $6.

Like you, I worked on the subs on duty nights, but during the day we were in the CalLab working on test equipment that the subs sent up for re-calibration. Volt meters made up the volume, fancy torpedo test equipment made for the most challenging.

I remember on one of the subs the EMC or radar element was damaged, none were available from ship stores for replacement. so the machine shop was put to work rebuilding a new "wave guide rotating section" and we were charged with tuning and certifying that it was made correct so it could be put into use on the sub. That was another HOT late night project because the sub was to leave the next day.

While aboard the Gilmore we had a lot of good times, while out of port, down in the Virgin Islands, Guntonamo (sp?) Bay and at New Orleans.

I remember while in New Orleans, for some reason a lot of us picked up water meter covers while in town on shore leave, they were a real nice embossed cover with date and picture of New Orleans on them. Well, the Captain did not like his men stealing water meter covers, so before we left, the water meter covers were rounded up and left on the dock in a big stack as we pulled out!

On one of our trips to sea, a friend in my shop decided to make a gas filled balloon out of plastic bags and attached flash light under it and then let it off the fantail at night. It worked great until the night watch saw something blinking and following us at sea. The captain made the ship do man "overboard drills" all night trying to find out what the watch had seen! We never told anyone what we had done!

We also flew hand made kites on the fantail which got us in trouble until the captain decided to make it a contest and then everyone had a kite, but we were not aloud to hang lights on them or fly them at night.

We got the idea if we could fly kites in the air maybe we could build a device that we could drag in the water kind of like a kite, I worked great until our chief saw what we were doing and we inadvertently let the large role of "tie down" line fall over board while we were holding the end. With the ship doing 13 kts, the role of line in the water starting unwinding at about 1000 RPMs, which made a great water show behind the ship. The only thing to do was watch it unwind (about a mile) and then release the line and let it drift.

For me, life aboard the ship was great, while under way I stood CIC watches as team lead, and therefore I as always aware of where we were and what we were doing, I remember sailing up and down the coast just out of sight of land wasting time and getting sea duty for the officers, the rest of the crew generally thought that we were actually going somewhere.

While at Key West my wife and I lived in first class housing on Batfish Court. Key West is where my daughter was born, I have always wanted to take her back to see her first home.

Also, while at sea you may have been in the CalLab as that is where I ran "Ham Radio Telephone Patches", back to home, for captain and many guys of the crew. If I remember correctly I made over one thousand call for the crew. I know the XO enjoyed talking to his wife as he could get better news from home and weather reports then we had aboard ship.

Do you have WEB access? I have a web page and have a few picture from my Navy days on it, someday I plan to dig out more Gilmore pictures and post them on the net.

My web page address is:

http://www.ebcon.com/~eldonb/

Look at the photo album for my navy days pictures, you may find one that you recognize.

During the first year aboard ship, the print shop put together a ships company picture album and someday I may scan in to the web page a few of those pictures.

Enough for now, Good Luck!

Eldon Brown

Mon, 10 Nov 1997

Eldon,

Ya done good. Everytime I go over to my friend's house to scan pictures, we wind up burning CD's. I think I'll just pick out some shots of the Gilmore, get them duplicated and send them to you.

Let us know if any of the long lost "salts" check in.

By the by, Don and I would still kill for one of those plaques. If you ever get the urge to fire up the moulds, keep us in mind.

Talk to u soon.

Wayne Smith

Fri, 1 May 1998

Eldon,

Thanks for the 1997 photo information. It sort of hurts to see the old girl in such disheveled condition. I traversed the decks in many of those photos. I remember standing in the bow sheets as the dawn came up one morning and the coast line mountains of Venezuela came into view. It was spectacular! My other ships did not leave me with the totally happy memories the HWG afforded me. I was aboard her for the famous hurricane ride of August 1954.

Do you belong to the USS H W Gilmore Memorial Assoc.? Please include me in any HWG communications, etc.

USS Howard W. Gilmore AS-16

Memorial Association

2512 SE 58th. Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97206

This group has re-unions, ship information, books, etc.

Thanks again...

Ken Kauffman

Fri, 1 May 1998

Eldon

Ya done good! They [the Web Page] look great. Laverne at James River Fleet promised to send me the History file two weeks ago. Guess it's time for a reminder call. The entire crew that was there last June has either been laid off or transferred. Fortunately, she is still there, but she tells me that the #2 pain in the ass in the office has been promoted to #1, and the file is in his office. I'll see what the status is and let you know.

Thanks again for all the work. Certainly makes the trip up there worthwhile.

Wayne Smith

Sat, 2 May 1998

El,

I was aboard from Sept. '66 till about Aug. or Sept. '68. I was in the ET shop during that period. In fact, I spent the first 3-4 months aboard working for Don in the Cal. Shop. I remember he played a mean guitar.

I remember quite a few fellows, but, your face escapes me. Sorry. I have both Springboard books from '67 and '68. Wow, talk about memory lane. Do you happen to know what happened to Jeff Grunow, Chris Farrell, or a Phillip Mann (I believe that was his name)?

I'm not sure if you remember, or attended, but my wife and I had a house warming party at rental house in North Charleston. I believe it was in the sring of '68. Wound up with hundreds of beer cans all over the yard. Petitions for our removal were circulated within days. Do you remember the house painting on Folly Beach? Or, Fat Albert (was Holkey his name?) falling off the roof of the Alamo? What about the overnight cook outs and keg floating (old bath tub) parties out on the beach?

Well, that is enough of that. Got to get up in a couple of hours.

Great job of putting this page site together. I'll keep an eye on it to check for familar names.

John Fields

Tue, 19 May 1998

Eldon,

Here is the photo of the Gilmore I mentioned. It is a great shot when she was relatively new!! I do not know where she was when this was taken. The story Dad told me was that a sailor from another ship that was along side secretly took the picture, told him that he had it and that he would send a copy when he could get the film developed. The sailor was good to his work and after the war ended, Dad received a 8 x 10 print. Dad had it stashed in a closet for years. I "borrowed" it and had it professionally framed for his 75th birthday.

What was the thinking behind the battle paint design? Was it to look like there were subs attached to her to make the enemy steer clear? Or was it just the opposite and was designed to camouflage the subs if they were tied on?

Also, do you remember where the "pipe shop" was located? Dad pointed aft where there appears to be two levels of covered decks. I know it was in this area, but I am unsure what level. He said that they used to bend conduit to run wiring for radar and sonar.

I saw the new pictures on the web page. I am really sorry that my Dad did not live to see these. I sure they would have stirred up many stories and memories. It was even a thrill for me to see her. After hearing Dad's stories for 40 years I guess I have a tie to the Gilmore that will always be there.

Let me know what you think of the picture. When were you on the Gilmore?

Kevan R. Neff

Mon, 25 May 1998

Eldon:

My name is Bob Stothfang former ETR-2 USS Howard W. Gilmore. Later an ET-1 in the reserves.

Someone asked about the sinking of the USS Scorpion in 1968 and I went to the internet in search of information. I found what I needed but while I was out there I thought about looking for info on the Howard W. Gilmore, and came across your site. I linked to both your Gilmore page and your home page, they both look really good. Do you also work for HP in addition to your consulting business?

I served on the Gilmore with you in R-4 division from the time you came aboard until I departed in August of 1968. Its good to see that Don and Wayne are still around also. If you don't remember me let me see if I can jog your memory. I worked in the Cal Lab with you, Don Sehulster, Bergstrom, Fred Creamer and Kulinski (these are the names I remember). I used to stand duty for Don a lot so he could go out to Folly Beach. I remember helping you with your FolBoat that you assembled at the mobile home you were living in at the time. Later we took it out on some river in the area (The Green River kinda sticks in my head). It was alot of fun.

We both worked on our Amateur Radio licenses together ( I'm still WB8BEQ but not active). We worked with a guy from one of the other divisions who hung out with us, he could really copy code, 20 to 30 wpm, I was impressed. I don't remember his name though.

I have been searching high and low for my copy of the Springboard book, but I can't find it, I also remember a cruise book from the previous year 1967, probably before you came aboard. If I can find my copy, I can probably fill in a few of the names. The photos are a little too fuzzy for me to recognize on the net page (probably my problem, crummy monitor. New system on order). That should be the book that has the kite flying contest and the QSL on the kitestring antenna if memory serves me correct.

During that Springboard cruise, Stan Arnold (I think he is in the top row of the pixs) and myself went over to the FCC office and took the test for our 1st phone licenses. After I got out I spent 20 years in the broadcast industry here in the Cincinnati area.

I have been dusting off the long term memory and trying to remember some of the names. Here are the ones I can think of (mostly last names, first names are a blur): The chiefs in your photo are Hal Lamoreaux (advanced from ET-1 to CPO while in our division, I think this happened after you got there). ETCM Hedrick (ready to retire, was very nervous, wanted everthing to go right before he got out, boy was he in the wrong division) I got his name from a "special requist chit" that I found in my service record.. ET-1 Bob Barwick, ETR-2 C. Barnes, ETR-3 C. Pidanick, ETR-3 J. Hayden, ETRSN R. Davis (Got these last four from a copy of some orders I found in my service record). ETR-2 Stan Arnold (Red curly hair), he went to a Destroyer Tender in Seattle in 68 before I left. Some others, Springer (not Jerry), Grunow, Shaulis, Sheldon, Westlake, Ed China and Bill Boag (his father went on one of the cruises, he had a connection somewhere). Can't remember the guys that worked in the shop on the lower deck, they repaired the servoed thingy that was attached to the bottom of the periscope. I can't even remeber the name of the thing they worked on. We had a small shop on the port side just forward of the main R-4 division office entry, I don't remember anything about them either.

While working in broadcasting, I picked up another interest that you and I have in common, Flying. I remember that Wayne was a pilot and would occasionally go out and rent a plane. I never went with him though. I built up my ratings, did a lot of part time flight instruction and part time corporate flying on the side. I finally got fed up with the broadcast industry and made the big mid-life career move to the local DELTA connection carrier COMAIR and have been there for about 8 1/2 years now. I am currently a Canadair Regional Jet Captain and working on a move into the training department. Prior to the RJ I was a Brasilia Captain / Instructor / Check Airman. COMAIR is similiar to SKYWEST out in your neck of the woods, only bigger. We cover the eastern 2/3 of the US, Toronto, Montreal and the Bahamas. We have hubs in Cincinnati and Orlando.

I notice that Barb flies also, thats really neat. I taught my girl friend how to fly back in 1993-94 and boy did I ever create a monster. After her Private, she got her glider and instrument ratings and is about ready to take her checkride for her Commercial Certificate. Betty now goes to Sun-N-Fun and Oskosh without me. She is really active in the 99s and the Women In Aviation groups.

I own a 1947 Luscombe, that is currently in many pieces, it is a restoration project that is currently sucking very large sums of money out of my wallet.

I scrounged around for some photos and came up with some slides from our days on the Gilmore. If I can figure out how to get them digitized, I will e-mail them to you. I have one of you and Barb when she visited the ship during family day. I also have one of those bronze castings, mine looks like it came straight out of the sand mold, it needs to be polished and needs a wooden plaque also.

I have a slide of the Model 28 teletype machine that we "acquired" and connected to the R-390 in the Cal lab to print the news. Do you remember when we cleaned the coils in the large A/C unit and then added a door to the side to use it to chill softdrinks? We also used the heat shrink gun and a ring stand to heat cans of Pork and Beans from the ships store (pre-historic microwave I guess).

I noticed you added a beard, I just changed the hair color from brown to gray (not voluntarily) and have few more wrinkles and a "few" additional pounds.

Hope you remember me, hope some of the names help. I will look forward to hearing from you.

I would be glad to pay the postage and copying charges if you could send me a copy of the Cruise book (that will guarantee that I will find my copy).

Bob Stothfang

Mon, 26 May 1998

SUCCESS! My Gilmore Web Page CQ has paid off!

Bob,

Thanks for the great e-mail, and boy did it bring back memories, if it is OK I will publish it on my Gilmore Web Page, along with others that I have received.

I created the Gilmore Web Page hoping to find people like yourself, and You are the one person that I had hope to re-established contact, sorry but I could not remember your name. I remember that we had great time in those days, and I seem to remember receiving a letter from you not long after you left the Gilmore, but lost touch anyway.

I figure that everyone in the R4 Division will sooner or later look up something about the Gilmore on the Internet, and I wanted to capture that interest to re-establish contact. Kind of like HAM Radio, my Gilmore Web Page is a CQ, but in an environment that all can listen and respond.

Yes, I remember WB8BEQ now as "WB8 Big Earth Quake" ( I think Don first said it that way) I have tried, several times, to find you via the CallBook but could not remember anything other than the "BEQ" part.

I am still WA0UWH, as Don would say "WA0 Ugly White Horse", if you remember Don and I got Barb to take the test and she is WB0DGV -- but we don't use it (2 Meters) much any more, now that cell phones are available. If you remember Don's call was K7QYP and then he became WB4IWA when he stayed on the east coast for a while (now he is back in Ariazona, I do not know what his call is now).

I have regretted not taking better notes, names and contact information of people that I have met, so that old friends are not lost with time. I am still looking for Joe Hensen, do you remember him? Also, there was Dave Hadley and Norman Dahl (the last I heard, Norm lives in Eastern Washington). These people may have joined the Gilmore after you left. We have kept in touch with Don by talking to him via phone about once a year or so.

Thanks for the names for the photos, I will add (or correct them) to the Web Page.

It was good to hear, and it looks like you have done well with your Navy experience in broadcasting and now in flying, a man after my own heart.

We fly just for fun our 1979 Cessna 182RG and have gone to Oskosh once and would like to do it again sometime.

After leaving the Navy, my father-in-law asked me to go to an Amateur Radio Meeting with him, the meeting was being held (with a tour) at the HP facility in Loveland Colorado, (with an extra tour of the WWV site at Fort Collins). WWV was something that I had always wanted to see. While touring the HP facilities we walked through the Lobby where I picked up an application for employment. The work I did in the Cal Lab made getting the job easy. To make a long story short, I worked in HP Loveland (and Fort Collins) for seven years and then requested a transfer to the Seattle area where I worked as a computer sales support consultant, a total of 21 years with HP. I left HP to work for a spin-off company for one year, then HP called me, and asked me to return to work for them, as a external consultant, which I have been doing for about four years now (I think the years all add up correctly). I now also occasionally work for several of my previous HP customers. We also have a small business of Web Page Hosting, Lotus Notes Replication, and general Computer Consulting and now getting ready to retire (maybe).

Yes, please send any pictures that you have of the Gilmore, I will include them on the web page.

Hey, I'll write more later, but it is now late.

Great to hear from you

--

Regards,

Eldon Brown

Wed, 1 Jul 1998

Hello,

My name is Chanda Hallman, I am twenty-two years old. My father was on the U.S.S. Howard W. Gilmore sometime during 1964 through 1970. His name was Eugene Wilson Hallman. He died when I was very young and I am desperately searching for more information about him. All I know is that he was in the Navy and aboard that ship. Please, if any of you might have a scrapbook, pictures, or stories concerning my father...I would greatly appreciate any help you may offer. I am trying to find out more about my father's history so that I can learn about who I am and where I come from. If you could look him up in one of those books, or if you know how I can obtain one of those scrapbooks I would be eternally grateful. Thank you.

Chanda Hallman

chandella@juno.com

Wed, 08 Jul 1998

Chanda,

I will see what I can do, I have passed your request onto my Gilmore E-mailing list, I hope someone remembers something, I was aboard the Gilmore during those years and seem to remember a Hallman in the ET (electronics shop), do you know what type of work your father did on the ship?

Eldon

Fri, 03 Jul 1998

I reported aboard Gilmore in mid August of 1965 while she was moored at pier November in Charleston, and served on her for the first three years of my navy career. I have a copy of the cruise book for "Operation Springboard 67" and will be glad to scan you a copy of it if you would like. I served in deck department for a while and decided I would become a pipefitter. Left Gilmore and went to San Diego as a SFP2. Retired in 1986 from Treasure Island, CA. Damage Control and Firefighting schools.Also served on other tenders, (USS Fulton (AS-11), USS Canopus (AS-34)

Regards

Bruce L. Helms HTCM (SW) Ret.

Wed, 8 Jul 1998

Eldon:

Sorry I have been quiet since our initial contact about 2 months ago. Thanks for the reply to my initial e-mail. Sorry I can't help with Hallmann individual, the name dosen't ring any bells with me, must have been either before or after my tour.

I scrounged around and finally came up with the cruise books, yes I have two, one from the year before and the one you have. Unfortunately the photos in the previous year's book are group photos for each division and it is really hard to identify who people are. The book is bound in a similiar fashion and format however. The first cruise was the one where we had the kite flying contest. I guess you didn't know what I was talking about when I mentioned it earlier.

I used my Phone Search software and found Stan Arnold living in Wapakoneta Ohio, he works as a planner for the local cable system. He isn't on the internet yet but hopes to be this summer, I told him about your web site.

I have some additional information for you, a few more names for the pictures from the division and a copy of a newsletter that the Gilmore published about the Springboard Cruise. It may jog a few memories for folks from other divisons who may have found your page. I will send you a copy for you to publish if you wish. I also have a few slides that I took while I was on board, I found the one of you and Barb when she visited on visitors day. I have one of Stan Arnold and also one of Jeff Grunow. I need to either get these made into prints or digitized to send to you. Expect a snail mail envelope soon.

If I get the slides digitized, what format / resolution would you like or would you prefer prints?

More later,

Bob

Tue, 21 Jul 1998

Eldon,

Looks like I need to check in on the home page a little more often. Those letters from Fields and Stothfang brought back a flood of names that Don and I have been trying to recall. If you don't think they would mind, send me their email adrs, and we'll see if we can stir up a few more names. I know somebody out there has at least one copy of a daily duty roster. Don swears he has one in his "vault", the red VW, that is now orange from the Az. sun. Since I'm trying to live here, I get access to him everyday. I'm going to see if I can get him to pry the lid off that archive to see what archeological digs are there.

I got a nice note from Laverne Martin, the lady in charge of the records on the Gilmore. I know she thought that she had sent everything in the file to me, but I clearly remember seeing more pages that listed the chronological history of the last 25 years. In any event, I'll check with her occasionally so I can keep up to date on the "old girl", just in case somebody decides to sell it or finally commit her to razor blades. I just may find myself back in Norfolk for one last look and one more round of pictures. Now that I know that the dark spaces actually come out OK with a flash, I'll be a little better equipped next time.

Thanks again for all your great work. I'm finding many veterans that have searched for their old ship, but have found nothing. You have given us a great link to an important part of our lives. We're lucky to have you around.

Wayne Smith,

finally in Az.

Fri, 21 Aug 1998

Hello Chief Forsyth.

I Hope you are in health. My prayers are with you. Hang in there shipmate...

I served on the Gilmore from 1977 to 1979 and later requested duty on the Orion from it's Charlseton Shipyard Period until 1982.

I remember you...

In the Optical shop, you used to oversee the whole operation. I worked in the R-4 division and I used to come down to the optical shop to "sweep" the internal pipings of the scopes in order to pinpoint R.F. losses. It was quite a tedious job. I would inject an R.F. signal from one end of the scope with a signal generator and plot its' output level at the opposite end. I spent many days (actually months...) sweeping the scopes.

I can certainly appreciate the importance of your job. One thing I remember about the optical shop (besides being quite long...) was that you kept a tight ship. Whenever I entered the optical shop, I was always impressed as to how clean and organized your shop was. It certainly left an impression on me. I also remember a couple of the guys that were part of the OpShop when I was aboard.

Do the names McClure or Canady ring a bell ???

You probably don't remember me, but that's ok. When I first arrived aboard the Gilmore, I entered a local talent contest (shipboard) and was voted to represent Italy in the Navy's "Worldwide" talent show. At the time, I felt quite honored (and nervous...). I did the Gilmore proud. I came in second place in the finals.

My talent was that I played classical guitar. It really wasn't a talent, but alot of discipline, a passion and a true love of the art of the music itself.

Anyway....enough about me.

How are YOU doing ? I can't honestly say I know exactly what you are going through, but I do know that you are probably scared sh!tless. I know I would be.

I guess Chief, all I can really do is help keep your spirits up. Maybe it'll keep your fever down.

Try to remember the good. Life is too short to agonize about what we cannot change. Everything changes over time.... It just does.

Don't eat brussel sprouts!!! They just plain taste BAD!!! Avoid them...

If you're up to it, you can email me at everett@gci-net.com

Take care shipmate.

Everett R. Sandoval (ETN5 / R-4 / ESM)

Fri, 9 Oct 1998

Sir,

Perhaps you can be of assistance in attaining a goal of building a 1/8 scale model of the Fulton Class Submarine Tenders.

I served aboard Fulton, Bushnell and the Gilmore in the 60s.I was finally provided with a set of plans and am now starting the task of making templates for the model.

I am seeking pictures, plans, sketches and any detailed information of vents, hose reels, hawse reels etc. I was an OM1 and from a deck rating and as such was the black sheep, not becoming familiar with either engineering, or, deck related equipment.

I would gladly reimburse anyone for their time and effort in providing the former requested items. The model will be accurate even to the numbers and types of gas cylinders carried on the main and O1 decks. Thanks for any help.

An Old Shipmate,

Larry Brunner

holly1@morganco.net

Tue, 6 Oct 1998

Eldon,

I was just searching the WEB for info on SS7 (not a ship designator), and decided to check on "Howard W. Gilmore" instead. I'm really glad that I did because I found your page. I served in the Gilmore from February '67 to January '69 in R4 division (I was one of the last of the "4 year" ETs, so I spent my first three months on the mess decks, not being an E4 when I arrived). I'm pretty sure I remember you. I sort-of worked in all the general areas, such as pulling cables through sails and tweaking an occasional R390 IF stage, until I got into the WLR-1 shop shortly before Jeff Grunow and Ed China left. I used to play guitar with Sehulster (I was much better though, he could never get "Yankee Doodle Dixie" straight). I'm in one of the Springboard pages in the photographs - R. Davis (ETRSN)

Anyway, I'll be back when I have more time to spend now that I know you're here. What a find - This changes my whole day!

Thanks,

Dick Davis AKA "BC" for those who may remember

Convergent Networks, Inc.

Two Highwood Drive

Tewksbury, MA 01876

Tel: (978) 640-1970 Ext 301

Thu, 22 Oct 1998

Hi Eldon,

Thanks for the great web page. It's nice to be able to communicate, and share memories. I'm sure most of us bi***ed, and complained a lot of the time we were aboard, but as for me, I wouldn't wanted to have missed those times and the shipmates that I served with for anything. Please keep this page going.

I served aboard from 1951 to 1955, and have been trying to locate Dean Hoffman from Calif. and Dick Barnes from Ind. If any one can help, I would appreciate it.

Hope to see you in Mobile next fall.

Moon

Fri, 20 Nov 1998

Eldon the page for the Uss Howard W. Gilmore is great. You have a problem. The picture links don't work. You need to take a look. I was part of the crew of the Gilmore from 71-73. The Homeport was Key West, Fl. We serviced the last of the Diesel Subs left in the Navy at the time. Do you have anymore history on the ship? I worked in the Damage Control Office as part of the ships company and was aboard durning the shipyard overhaul she went through in 1973. She went to Italy after that. Looking back it was fun and I was young enough to enjoy it. I have some pictures and will dig them out. One is taken infront of the gun mount as I was being handed a trophy for a softball or basketball team I can't remember which. Thank you so much for taking the time for all of this. This means alot to me and I know others. Keep up the good work.

--

Thank You,

Steven L. Pfeiffer

Fri, 01 Jan 1999

Hi Eldon,

Thank you for getting my Gilmore mail connected. I saw the new pictures from Santo Stefano Island. They built on to the old main bld. When I was there the gym was started and finished. Good pictures! I have a few pictures of the ship, but no close-ups. Some day I'll figure out sending attachments.

Changing the subject, but I'm planning on going to the 1st reunion of another decomissioned ship, the USS Puget Sound (AD-38)in June. Time is flying, I can't believe both ships are a thing of the past! Thanks again.

David

Tue, 26 Jan 1999

Eldon,

You don't appear to be on this mailing list. Included herein are the details on the Gilmore reunion this Fall in Mobile Alabama. I joined this organization back around the time I discovered your web page, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of communication between people that hit your page versus those in this organization, who for the most part are "older" guys (as opposed to us spring chickens). I may go myself, since the workload at our start-up company here may have eased off a bit by then and I might be able to string together two days off in a row.

There is a second forwarded email to follow this one with the text of the announcement.

I must have really upset Sehulster with my comments about his guitar playing - he stopped responding to my emails. I remember Don as having a better sense of humor, particularly the time at Folly Beach when he was standing on the sidewalk at a payphone talking to Candy, and a dog walked up to him from behind, sniffed his leg, and proceeded to pee all over Don's tropical whites.

Hope you and your family are all well.

Best Regards,

Dick "BC" Davis

Tue, 26 Jan 1999

Eldon:

My name is Paul Shifflet and I served aboard the Gilmore in 1975/76. I was an E-3 and was in Deck Division. I was a crane operator on the Boat Deck. We were stationed in La Madelena Italy at the time. I honestly believe I could go aboard her at this minute, walk around at night blind folded and never trip over a cleat. I was very happy to run across your web site and am glad that some one has seen fit to honor the old girl. At the same time it tears me up to see some of the photos of her all covered with rust.

Somewhere around here I have a box of photos (not very good and certainly not professionally taken) of different locations of the ship. If I can find them I will try to get copies scanned and sent to you. I miss her. Thanks for the chance to relive great memories.

Paul

Tue, 26 Jan 1999 Hello Eldon

Sure is good to see this [WEB] page. I was on that old girl from Oct 5th 69 to just before it left for Italy. My E-Mail address is tjjoyce@erols.com I know where another shipmate is too Steve Kobiec his address navye8@aol.com .... I sure would like to find some of the ole boy again I had a blast on that ship. I was in Deck and stayed in the that business unitl now it has been almost 30 yrs now. I modeled myself after old Johnny A. Jeffcoat sure miss that guy like to know where he is at or if he is still alive or not, I hope he is. I am typing this to you from my girlfriends house so use my erols address, thanks.

BMCM(SW) Timothy J. Joyce

Mon, 23 Aug 1999 Hello Eldon

Hi I hope all is fine with you. I was reading through your E-mail and it has brought back many fond memories of my times onboard Gilmore. It was the first ship that I had been on and was on an accompanied tour in La Madalena with my wife and 2 daughters. I noticed that Chief Forsyth had written. It would be great to hear from him, if I had his E-mail address. I am not sure if he rermembers me but I was the first HM onboard to get Surface Warfare qualified. We had our own team on the DC Olympics and had worked with the divers onboard. May he will remember "Dusty" Rhodes our Mastrer Diver. We had many great adventures while onboard. Some were fun and some were very sad, such as when our X.O. was killed by a parting line. I don't think that there was a dry eye onboard the ship. He was very much of a disciplinarian, but at the same time a very respectful and fair man. There wasn't a time that if he would see you in port that he wouldn't stop and buy a beer for you and he knew you by name. I still remember all the times that he would go and sling hash in the enlisted galley. I also remember a tradition that Medical had started there for our department. It was the "Walk right in" parties. No one knew who was the guest of honor until we walked in on them at their home on a Saturday morning, with food and beer in hand. My wife and I still have many friends from our days there and are talking about going back this coming year for a few weeks. Hope to hear from you soon and would love to hear from Chief Forsyth.

Bret Pemberton

Sun, 28 Nov 1999 22:57:20

HI

I will be sending you the photos soon. The story on the XO is a sad one. He was a Capt. who cared about the crew better than anyone I have ever served with. He knew what was going on and kept the ship going. He name was Klindsting or something close to that spelling. He was single and on the day he died we were getting under way for Milan. The weather was windy and rainy the lines aft had been singled up one tug lost power and the other was pushing along with the cross wind the single line parted the energy came up the line to the line handling detail and the xo took it in the chest and head. He had multi fractures of the chest and head. All of the major vessels from the heart were cut due to the line impact. He died at than place he was hit. Two other people were injured a BM3 and a SN they had minor injuries and return to duty within a few days. The sad part was the XO let the young, just married ENS Jensen go to the wardroom to get warm and dry so he would be able to go on leave without pneumonia with his wife

The R & A detail photo's and details will be send later. I will try and get more info. Also a persons who might remember the XO's name is Glenn Pryor or Bret Pemberton. They were on the ship at that time too. I saw they had set in emails too.

Clyde Yencer

Thu, 6 Jan 2000 10:07:12

Good Morning,

I hope you don't mind getting mail from an x-shipmates wife. My husband, Gary Lee Isle, Sr. served on the Gilmore from around Jan. 1962 until Oct. 27, 1963. He was Captains Orderly & Boatswains Mate I believe. I don't think his e-mail to you went through, we were having internet problems at that time.

We did not live in Navy housing, but instead rented a duplex at 2012 S. Hampton Ave. The other half was occupied by Thomas Sponseller, another Gilmore shipmate, & wife Donna. We still keep in touch with them in Sheperd, Michigan.

We were both just in our teens at this time. This April we willl celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary, unusual for young marriages today. I stayed with Garys' parents until after the birth of our first son, Gary, Jr. I arrived in late summer with a 3mo. old baby in all that sweltering heat! We learned to love the area though, Palmetto bugs not withstanding! We were in Charleston just last Spring, it sure has changed.

I regret that I never did get aboard the Gilmore myself! Gary arrived when it was in drydock for repairs. They then went to Cuba, where they were when our son was born on June 30, 1962. He also was aboard during the Cuban Crisis!

I know he enjoyed his time on the Gilmore & we had many friends, a couple of which we are trying to locate. Gary isn't much of a computer person & leaves it up to me to make the contacs.

One is Robert Malarkey (sp.), who used to come visit us with a guitare strung over his back whistling "Waltzing Matilda". I can picture him as if it were yesterday. He was the only person we trusted to babysit our son. The other was Thomas Stillwell, I believe he was from New Jersey. I can't remember in what areas they were aboard ship.

We also have a couple 8x10 photos of the Gilmore, along with a couple snapshots of Gary & some buddies taken on deck. I don't have a scanner but could send them to you via my son, who has one. Gary also has one of the "prized" sub-ron 4 plaques! I think given to him by a buddy who worked in the foundry! (OPPS) . Probably a no-no!

Sorry I don't have any exciting tales to tell. The only thing I seem to remember is that someone fell from a scaffling & was killed, can't remember his name.

We do know another shipmate, Bill Silvia, died around 30 years ago from injuries suffered during a racing accident. Poor Bill, he was always in trouble. He just couldn't seem to adapt to the discipline of Navy life. I wasen't surprised to hear of his death!

Looking forward to the next Gilmore reunion in St. Louis, Mo. We live in rural Terre Haute, IN, so it is just a few hours drive for us. Those years were special times for us, we were like one big family. All our friends were Navy people. I think I had a more difficult time adjusting, after Garys' discharge, than he did.

There are 3 generations of Navy in our family, Garys' father Russel Isle, Gary Sr., & our oldest son Gary, Jr. who served most of his time at Quantico, VA. Our youngest son, Tim had an appointmet to West Point but opted not to go at the last minute. That would have broken with tradition, although he had first applied to the Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Thanks so much for this wonderful site. Let me know if you would like copies of the above mentioned photos.

Mrs. Gary L. ( Virginia ) Isle

Isleclan@worldnet.att.net

Virginia,

Thanks for the nice e-mail and information it contained, I hope it is OK, I have posted your letter in the "Letters and E-mail from my shipmates" section on the Web Page.

If you have photos that can be scanned, please do and send them to me, I'll post them with the rest. If the photos have stories that should be told, please include that also.

Again, thanks for the e-mail.

Regards,

Eldon Brown

Mon, 24 Jan 2000 13:07:06 EST

Eldon,

It seems we served on the "Happy Howie" at the same time. I was there from November '67 until December '68. But, didn't get much opportunity to get to the optical shop.

I was assigned to WR-1 Division working on the MK 14 torpedo. It's funny, I was there for Springboard '68 but never knew they put out a cruise book. I wish I had gotten one back then. The same goes for the Globe.

What can I say. I was just a kid then and didn't think any further ahead than the next payday or where we were going to spend the weekend. Usually down at Folly Beach hanging out at "Alice's Underground." Do you remember a place that was called "D Scene?" It was a totally psychedelic time back then. No drugs or anything like that, I just "grooved" on the music and everything that was going on.

My division officer was a warrant officer named Van Dyne "Gunner" is what he was called. I never was on good terms with him. I got along all right with the rest of the division officers and the dept. head, but Gunner and I just didn't see eye to eye on most things not military. I have to give him credit, though, I never saw him any time of the day or night when he wasn't totally squared away. He was a 4.0 sailor at all times.

I separated from the Navy in Dec.'68. Joined the reserves in '73 and went on active duty in '74 after I made E-4. No more mess cooking for this sailor. I ran into Gunner, then LtCdr Van Dyne in '78 when I was stationed on the Orion (AS-18). He was a member of the SUBLANT inspection team aboard to check out the weapons dept. I got a chance to talk to him and we got along pretty well. I was a TM2 by then. It's amazing how small this canoe club is that we belonged to. You can usually run into someone you know from somewhere sooner or later.

Well, I didn't mean for this to run on so long. I just wanted to say thank you for putting together such a great site. Man, the memories just came rushing back. It's funny how much we put up on the shelves in our mind to bring out later. Keep up the good work. I have a few picture from back then. If I get my scanner hooked up I'll send them along.

Thanks again, shipmate.

Rick Bunn

Bedford, VA

Rick,

Thanks for the e-mail, it is alway good to hear form a shipmate, I have added you message to the web page with others that I have received..

Please do send photos if you have them, Large High Res JPG's work best.

I was in the Electronics Calibration Lab, aft second level.

--

Regards,

Eldon Brown

Mon, 5 Mar 2001 08:49:07

Ok, here is the trivia question of the week.......

Wayne Smith and Don Sehulster dredged up another name from the past over the weekend, Westlake. I'm sure you all remember him, 2nd class, a face that looked like it had been out in the salt spray a little too long, a real character (but that describes most of us). The question is.....What was his first name?

Other news....Using a HAM radio callbook, Wayne also came up with an address that looks promising for WO-1 W.E. Mundy in Georgia. He either has an unlisted phone number or has moved as nothing showed up in a phone number search. I did find a W.E. Mundy in a different location in GA though. I guess the next step is a snail-mail letter to the address(s) to see what happens.

Another name that some of you may remember was the division chief, G.C. Dixon. He was the chief when I reported to the division in late 1966 and was later transferred and replaced by Chief Hedrick.

Bob Stothfang

Sun, 25 Mar 2001 16:25:08

Mr. Eldon Brown,

I would like to commend you on your excellent website concerning the Howard W. Gimore. I can tell it is an absolute labor of love for you. My Grandfather, Thomas Berry Snipes, served proudly aboard the Gilmore during World War II. His daughter Betty Bullock (my Aunt), has discovered what is left of a "booklet" my Grandfather gave her as a child upon his return from duty. Among it's six pages is an "Autograph of my Friends" section with 16 signatures and messages from my Grandfather's shipmates, all dated June 4, 1945. Three of the pages are "My Log and Diary" pages filled out by my Grandfather covering a period from June 25, 1944 through October 12, 1945. My Aunt and I would like to send a copy of this material to you via the U.S. mail. Would you please give us a mailing address? Once received, you may use the material in any way you see fit. My Grandfather died on Febuary 2, 1988 in Durham, North Carolina, and spoke often of the Gilmore. He would be pleased to know that we are trying to keep the legacy alive.

Thank You

Larry H. Brown

Betty Bullock

Wed, 11 Apr 2001 21:55:42 EDT

Dear Mr.Brown

My name is Gloria Radon. I am Thomas Berry Snipes daughter;I want so much to thank you for the work that you put into your website. The feelings one has when viewing it is overwhelming. My Daddy was born on the eleventh month, the twelth day and the eleventh year. He always liked double numbers. He died on the second month, the second day and the 88th year. I have photos of Daddy in uniform if you would like to see them. I would be more than happy to mail them to you. I will await your reply.

Thank you again for your Tributes, so that others may know what a high cost it can be for all of us to remain totally free.

Sincerely Gloria Radon

Thu, 12 Apr 2001 20:03:49

Gloria,

I would be glad to include your Fathers photos along with the other information. Please send high quality copies or have a copy store make large "JPEG" computer files that I can use directly on the web page. If you only have or can send paper copies, please send the larges (8x10) that you have. Small photos do not scan will or turn out well for the web.

I would be glad to include any text that you want to write to go with the photos (a long or short disciption), maybe something that you would want others to know about your Dad.

Regards,

Eldon Brown

Mon, 2 Apr 2001 23:04:14

Dear Mr. Brown:

My name is John J. Doyle, and I was wondering if you would be able to help me.

My father, John Doyle (Signalman, 3rd Class) served in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1969, and served part of his tour on the USS Howard W. Gilmore before he went to Vietnam in 1968. He was honorably discharged from service in 1969, having received the National Defense medal and the Republic of Vietnam Service medal. Unfortunately, my father passed away in 1986, two months short of his 38th birthday.

The reason I am writing you is because I just had a baby boy, and I was wondering if there are any former Navy personnel who may have served with my dad on the ship. If there are, I would like to get their personal recollections of my father, so I may enlighten my son with stories of his grandfather as he gets older.

Thank you for your time on this matter.

Sincerely,

John Doyle

Mon, 21 Oct 2002

Ahoy There, Mr. Eldon:

I found your web page and instantly got all choked up. I was aboard the old girl from 1975-1977 on the "ROCK " as we called it, in La Mad, Italy. My name is Rich Maybay. I was assigned to the Nuc Weld Shop R-1 Div. port side main deck. I have many great memories of Sardinia, I loved going to town, loved the Italian people and the different cafes and restaurants. I was there when the sea bees came and build the beer hall and generator foundations. They built all of this in what seemed to be only days.....

They really impressed me. I had the honor of working on the US$ Nautilus, my first Nuc I ever worked on. I spend a zillion hours removing and re-welding in zillions of valves and piping systems. And getting zillions of Millie-Rem on my dosimeter and film badge, I glowed when I went into town! Anyway, thanks so much for the memories.

It truly made my day and set me at ease on the world today after 911. If any shipmates remember me write me at Maybayrl@aol.com

Thanks Again

HT 2 Mayday

Tue, Mar 01, 2005

MR. BROWN;

WOULD YOU PLEASE INCLUDE MY FATHER ON THE NEXT FALLEN SHIPMATES

HE RETIRED OF THE GILMORE IN AUGUST 1970 BEFORE IT WENT TO KEY WEST MM1 EARL DAVID PAYNE

PAPA LOST HIS 2 YEAR BATTLE WITH CANCER 02/09/2004 AT HOME WITH HIS WIFE OF 52 YEARS BY HIS SIDE I HOPE TO ATTEND THE REUNION IN OCT. BUT WITH MOMS HEALTH SHE MAY NOT BE WITH US I REALLY HOPE I AM ABLE BUT IF NOT MAYBE SOME OF HIS SHIPMATES WILL REMEMBER HIM

PAPA WENT ON TO RAISE TWO SONS HIS OLDEST ROBERT ABOUT 16YO WHEN HE RETIRED MYSELF 2YO WHEN HE RETIRED AND A DAUGHTER BORN IN 72

US BOYS BOTH JIONED THE MILITARY ROBERT A MARINE, DAVID A US NAVY CORPSMAN STATIONED WITH FIRST DIV. USMC

Hello David,

I am not sure this is your name, but I put your fathers information on the Gilmore's Fallen Shipmates page.

I was on board about the same time (Aug68 - Apr72) that your father was, I was an ET2 until late 1970 (maybe AUGUST) at which time I make ET1 and therefore as able to move from general sleeping area into First Class sleeping Area. I seem to remember that someone said the bunk was available only because a few people had retired, maybe it was your DAD retirement, and therefore I may have got his bunk when he left. It would have been an honor.

I may have known (or at least talked with) your DAD, but sorry I do not remember him as there were so many names a faces that I meet while spending my 4 1/2 years on board. I was on longer then most, because of my special billit, which made it sea duty for me.

Regards,

Eldon

Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 7:43 AM

Fred: I am gaining ground with the medical problems with exception that my back and hips are giving me misery at present. I had a difficult time at mass this morning trying to kneel and stand so when I got to my room I took a couple of tylenols and soon as I finish this email I am going to lie down for a while. My friend, Bill, a retired Navy Chief Hospitalman and civilian Registered Nurse, accompanied me to see if I was comfortable driving - we drove over to Eastern Shore Maryland to check on my RV and a few other things that I had to do.

GILMORE Ship's Log: ---- After Logging In, I commenced filling in the required information and, while in the Comments Section, everything disappeared off of the screen and, after a great deal of searching I was able to bring it up but everything that I had submitted was repeated and I was unable to delete the repetitious part to complete that section and move on to whatever was required next. I closed down figuring that I could open it up again and update what I had submitted but to no avail. Do you or the webmaster have any suggestions as to what I should do? I do not want to screw this up because Eldon is doing a great job.

For Eldon: I am a Retired Chief soon to be 89 years of age and living in the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH, formerly known as the Old Soldiers Home) located in Washington, DC. Fred Hartman was one of my favorite ETs when I was R-4 Leading Chief and Acting Division Officer during a FRAM overhaul. I also helped Mike Blachowicz in the production of the GILMORE DVD disc which includes a personal interview relating the story of my service both Merchant Marine (prior to WWII) and Navy from 1940 -1963. I will be glad to help in this endeavor since GILMORE was my last duty station in the Navy. A picture taken while being piped over the side, when I retired, hangs proudly on the wall of my room. Keep up the good work. I am not an expert on the computer but I sure try hard, so you have to be patient with me.

Hearing Aids: I hope to receive them back from the local VA. I had some problems with them and as soon as I get that squared away I will give you a call -- I just realized that I don't have your phone number. I bought a new Panasonic desk phone last week and I hear pretty good with it.

Best regards to all.............. John Di Filippo

Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 11:55 AM

Chief,

Glad to hear you are doing as well as you can. I am getting older myself.

I checked the "Ships Log", and yes, you had two entries, so I deleted the first. If you would like to add anything, just re-sign the log and I will merge the entries.

Moving the Gilmore Web Page to Google has be a bit of a struggle, I still do not have a good method to provide the type of Photo Album that I think is needed (similar to the previous). Some of the on-page links are still not working, but they will be fixed in time. It was all very simple when the pages were hosted on my web server (1997-2008), but I can no longer afford the web connection charges to support that effort.

Best of luck,

Regards,

Eldon Brown

Sun, Feb 6, 2011 at 7:35 PM

Dear Eldon,

Looking for my Dad and his service onboard various ships with Navy. Found your "Letters to Former Shipmates".

Dad, Hal Leroy Lamoreaux, passed away from some heart related problems, Baptist Hospital, Pensacola, Fl back in 1991.

I have some pictures and letters from the Old Man during his service. Will have to look them up and scan them if they might be wanted.

Always looking forward to hearing from his former shipmates. Navy and Navy Life was his "life".

Kevin Lamoreaux

Umatilla, OR

Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 12:29 PM

Kevin,

I am sorry to hear of your (our) loss.

I may have known your Dad, I was on board the Gilmore 1967-1972 in the ET Shop.

I will include your letter for others to see. If you have something else you would like to include, please feel free to send it.

Regards,

Eldon Brown

Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 12:47 PM

Eldon,

I'm off to dialysis for next quite a few hours, will find pics and get them scanned.

Dad was the "short wide guy" Doc always would have on the fatboy list. Always fought his weight, did some extreme things to stay in Service.

Thinking his transferred off the Oxford after its cruise to Pacific and his promotion to CPO. think this was late 68, early 69 from postmarks and dates on letters. Going through his hand written correspondence is hard, his pen sucks worse than mine!

One major problem I have with photographs is not one is marked with names or dates. Can identify "time era" by quality of development, clarity of shots, and with color pics the hue of navy gray painted on ships.

Mom and Dad are both gone, hard to id so many of those people that are with them, or in Dad's case around him shipboard.

Thanks for quick response, appreciated, will get to scanning.

Kevin Lamoreaux

Umatilla, OR

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