Name: mike medvec   
Rank/Rate: bt-2
Division/Squadron: b-div
Years Aboard: 1972 -1975

Comments: i worked in the oil shack and forard evaps would like to here from any body i worked with from those time my cell phone number is 216-410-1272 my nick name was yogi

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Name: Roberta Patterson  
Years Aboard: 59 to 60s ?

Comments: I wasn't aboard the USS Coral Sea , But David Marvin Rice was , I know I am asking alot but , please if you can help me,Or point me in the right direction. , Dave has a son, he hasn't seen in sometime , he is very ill and begging Mom please find my Dad. He is dieing of cancer. I must try to locate his family Brother Aunts Uncles someone to help find him.Dave went into the Navy out of South Carolina , I know he has a brother. I know there is information on the ships logs , but don't know how to find someone that can help . Please let me know if you have any ideas. The ship was here in dry dock , just before it was sent to cuba, I think it was here in Portland Oregon in 1961 Thanks for any help you can give me . Bertie.

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Name: Don McCarthy - Son of an old battleship sailor BB58 WWII  
Rank/Rate: Tsgt E6
Division/Squadron: 3rd TFW Bien Hoa

Comments: I'm presently attempting to locate a photo of F4B BuNo 149473. This a/c was flown on 11 Jun 72 by Cdr Foster s. Teague & Lt Ralph M. Howell when they downed a MiG 17 with an AIM 9 missile. Also looking for F 8 and f4 photos of other Navy a/c credited with MiG kills.

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Name: Ray Meketa  
Rank/Rate: GM2
Division/Squadron: 5th DIV
Years Aboard: 1954 - 1957

Comments: Checking in again. I'm still hoping to hear from some of my Gunners Mate shipmates, especially those from the 5 inch guns. I know some of you must still be around. I can't be the only one left. What could have been better than being a sailor on a straight deck carrier? We had the whole world in our hands.

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Name: Donald "Tony" Clemence  
Years Aboard: 60's

Comments: My dad was aboard in the 60's. unsure, really of the exact years but i would have to guess the early 60's. He was a Marine (of 26 years) and he wrestled. Anyone know him????

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Name: Allan Doe  
Rank/Rate: RD3
Division/Squadron: OI
Years Aboard: 1968-1969

Comments: What a trip. Just surfed in. Google's great. I was on board for the '68-'69 WestPac cruise. So many familiar names. Mike Golub, NYC, Don Logan, Butch Hartsock (Hancock?), Rick Tarr, Ontario, CA, John Spadafora from Philly, Cleary, Don Heanly, Sharpton from Talapoosa, GA, Ron Sellers. I've forgotten a few names in 37 years. All night poker games, quarter a point.

Rick Tarr and I left the ship to go to A school when we got back in '69. Four months at Treasure Island as an RD3 was great duty. I ended up on a destroyer escort out of Newport after that. Rick went back to the Coral Maru and we lost touch.

Sometimes on late night TV Too Late the Hero will come on. A lot of us worked as extras when they were filming some scenes in the Philippines. I remember someone smoking in one of the huts they'd built for the movie. Just about burned the set down.

Hi to all of you guys.

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Name: Larry Elliott Jr. "Texx"
Rank/Rate: ABHAN
Division/Squadron: V-1 division
Years Aboard: 78- 82

Comments: I haven't logged in for a while, want to represent ship's company airdales. John Tipton and Ed Burkhardt, where are you? Later, Texx

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Name: Larry Palmer  
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard: 69-70

Comments: Remember her well, to bad they had to scrap her. Was in contact w/ a fellow shipmate today, what a great pleasure. We busted our tails but we had good times also. Grandi Island, The Cave Bar in Hong Kong. Australia. Best part, Coming Home. Well done to all the men who served on the Coral Maru. God Bless You All.

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Name: don colwell  
Rank/Rate: mm3
Division/Squadron: b-div
Years Aboard: 3

Comments: Just emailed HP(HIGHPRESSURE)Eaton.Life is truly good when you find buddys that you grew up with,partied with,worked with,and became brothers with,thought we lost,and then found.Now,I have events to look forward and plan for all thru the year.You guys know who you are.Real thanx go to BOB DORIAS AND HERMAN DOERNBACH(SP)FOR MAKING THIS SITE SO GREAT.See everybody in San Diego!

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Name: Mike Pfeffer (Oscar )   
Rank/Rate: BTFN
Division/Squadron: B-Div. 4ABLE Fireroom
Years Aboard: 1974-77

Comments: CAN"T WAIT To see all the "New" Faces... I hope we have more Snipes than ever. ALAMEDA HERE WE COME !!!, then San Diego... >>>> Later, Mike (Oscar)

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Name: Sidney C. Dockery Jr. (Doc)  
Rank/Rate: BTFN
Division/Squadron: B Div. 4B Fireroom
Years Aboard: 1974-78

Comments: Just made flight reservations for Coral Sea Reunion in San Diego... Will be arriving in Fresno, CA Sept. 30, for a few days of R&R with Mike (Oscar) Pfeffer and Don Colwell plus our wives! We plan on visiting Alameda while out there and other sites of interest. Will then travel down to San Diego for Paul Bernardy's retirement from Navy onboard USS Midway CV-41 on Thursday the 5th of Oct. and then the Reunion Friday thru Sunday. Hope to see some SNIPES!!Later from the Heart of Dixie, Doc

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Name: Willie I. Williams II  
Rank/Rate: YN3
Division/Squadron: Ship's Office/Communications
Years Aboard: DEC 86-APR90

Comments: I served onboard the Ageless Warrior for 3 1/2 years and I can truely say that it was the best ship that I served on. I retired on 31 July 2006 and will truely miss all my shipmates, but none of you will be forgotten. "FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS"

Willie

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Name: Willie I. Williams II  
Rank/Rate: YN1/E6
Division/Squadron: Ship's Office/Communications
Years Aboard: DEC 86-APR90

Comments: I served onboard the Ageless Warrior for 3 1/2 years and I can truely say that it was the best ship that I served on. I retired on 31 July 2006 and will truely miss all my shipmates, but none of you will be forgotten. "FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS"

Willie

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Name: Willie I. Williams II  
Rank/Rate: YN1/E6
Division/Squadron: Ship's Office/Communications
Years Aboard: 3 1/2

Comments: I served onboard the Ageless Warrior for 3 1/2 years and I can truely say that it was the best ship that I served on. I retired on 31 July 2006 and will truely miss all my shipmates, but none of you will be forgotten. "FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS"

Willie

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Name: Harold L. Eckardt  
Rank/Rate: ASE 2
Division/Squadron: AMID IM 2 /MASTER AT ARMS
Years Aboard: 1969-1970

Comments: I Arrived 23 April 1969 as ASE 2 after Spending three years on dry land.HT 8. Arrived with the hopes of an early out so the Shop had enuf 2nd class POs so when the ship arrived at Pudget Sound I was TAD to Shore Patrol 28 April to 25 June 1969. Back aboard was assinged to Master At Arms duty. I remember the ship with the Union 76 Ball on the fantail fueling us Also did we have a man go overboard leaving SanFran? And the Elevato broken. If any one remembers me please Email me Only Names I rember are Earl Blevens and Douglas First name only, Worked in Quality Control. At the time all i thought about was geting to be a short timmer.Now I wish I would have enjoyed some of those times. Did they serve a lot of rabit ?Or was that chicken??I departed the ship 21 Jan 1970 Should have stayed in and finised the cruse.Why did we have the rations? only time I ate them. Still have the p38 that came in the box. If i remember it was packed around the year i was born? Hope to hear from any of you stationd during that time.

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Name: Darwin Litzell (Hap)  
Rank/Rate: PN3
Division/Squadron: VAH-2 & X Div
Years Aboard: 60 -62

Comments: Just checking in again. Am wondering if anyone knows the where-a-bouts of Dennis "Wooley" Woolworth. He was in X Div. on the 61-62 & 62-63 cruises. He was from Snohomish, Wa. We were good friends but lost contact over the years and have had not contact for over 40 yrs. If anyone knows where Dennis is, give me a yell. Thanks.

Hap Litzell
PN3, VAH-2 & X Div.

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Name: Don Colwell  
Rank/Rate: mm3
Division/Squadron: b-div
Years Aboard: 3

Comments: Hey everybody,looking for ANYBODY from evaps,forward or aft.Hope Don Joseph has`nt given up on me.We have a growing group of snipes from oilshack and firerooms!We need alot more to catch up to those lowly airdales at the mini reunions in Ft Wayne!Am I the only evap puke proud enough to join our challenge!?Hope to see everybody in "Diego"!!!C-YA,FROM THAT PROUD 28 YEAR UNION MEMBER,"DEM"from Fresno,Ca.Hey DOC,HOPE YOU DON`T MIND HANGIN`WITH A LIBERAL,BECAUSE I`m proud to call you one of my closest BUDS!

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Name: Jack "Charley" Noble  
Rank/Rate: YN2
Division/Squadron: X
Years Aboard: 1962-1964

Comments: Does anyone know anything about "Puckett" from VAH-2 who jumped ship in the middle of the Pacific after Pearl Harbor on the way to Sydney on the 1963 cruise? Does anyone anything about a plane captain who apparently hit the ejection seat actuator while he was in the cockpit on the hangar deck? I believe it was a A-4 and he was splattered on the overhead.

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Name: Mark Gadomski  
Rank/Rate: AMS-3
Division/Squadron: V-2 / AIMD IM-2
Years Aboard: 79-80-81

Comments: New email new entry........Still looking for old crewmates...

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Name: steve dalton  
Rank/Rate: fa-2
Division/Squadron: m-division
Years Aboard: 75 to 77

Comments: Ispent 3 years on that ship. and i can remmber just about every thing i did. some good some not but i loved being out at sea it was great i had a lot of friends on that ship i miss being at sea.

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Name: J. T. Holt  

Comments: Brings back a lot of memories.

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Name: John Champlin (Champ)  
Rank/Rate: AZ2
Division/Squadron: VA-23
Years Aboard: 1966-67 WestPac

Comments: This was my second WestPac. The first was aboard Coral Sea's sister ship the USS Midway. It was great to be apart of CAG-2 and a ship with the great accomplishments that the Coral Sea has.

Experiencing dry dock was something that not to many carrier sailors got to see. I remember the smell of dry deck also.

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Name: Mike Ludwig (deceased)  
Rank/Rate: unknown
Division/Squadron: unknown
Years Aboard: 1973-1975

Comments: My father Michael Ludwig was in the Navy on the Coral Sea, and he past away in 1985. I was born when he was in the Navy, and I recently found his yearbook and wondered if anyone here knew him and had any stories to tell. I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thank You,
Jason Ludwig

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Name: Gary Sims  
Rank/Rate: AE3
Division/Squadron: IM-3 Div AIMD Dept.
Years Aboard: 72-75

Comments: It is good to see that there are so many of Coral Sea's shipmates still manning her rail in memory. They say that with age first goes the memory. Mine of the Old Boat are still as fresh as if I were there yesterday. God Bless!

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Name: Daniel Sauceda  
Rank/Rate: AN
Division/Squadron: V-4
Years Aboard: 4 Yrs 68-72

Comments: Smitty, it was nice talking to you Amigo. I'll make sure Paul Brooks gets your number.

Sauce

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Name: Gary Harris  
Rank/Rate: HM3
Division/Squadron: Medical
Years Aboard: 1988/89

Comments: It's good to see this old ship again! I've had a lot of memories and I hope to see some of you again someday. Fair winds and following seas.
Gary

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Name: Mike (Oscar ) Pfeffer  
Rank/Rate: BTFN
Division/Squadron: B-Div 4ABLE Fireroom
Years Aboard: 1974-77

Comments: Just called Town& Country Hotel in San Diego, Cal. Made reservations for Oct. 5th-8th... Girl said lot's of rooms left, but don't wait too long.... See All you SNIPES In October... Mike (Oscar ) Pfeffer

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Name: DALE SMITH  
Rank/Rate: ABF2
Division/Squadron: V-4 DIV
Years Aboard: 71 -72 / 78

Comments: IF ANY OF YOU CANDY ASSES ARE STILL ALIVE FROM MY CRUISE, BRUNER, COOKIEMAN, PEWEE, MONTOYA, FAVARO, GUZMAN, HERBIE ,MARIO, LOGSTROM, VICKERS, PENN,ZAPPTA, SONNY, TUNGYEN FRIEBURG, SAUCEDA, AND A LOT OF OTHER LOSERS THAT WENT OUT AND (PARTIED)FOUGHT THAT TERRIBLE WAR, GIVE ME A BUZZ BEFORE YOU CROAK, LATER DUDES

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Name: Walter Moore  
Rank/Rate: ABE-1 Retired
Division/Squadron: V-2
Years Aboard: 1959-1963

Comments: Would like to here from any of my shipmates that might remember me.I was in Cat-1 from 59-63.Also looking for cruise book for that tme.Lost mine in house fire.

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Name: Moore Walter C  
Rank/Rate: ABE-1 Retired
Division/Squadron: V-2
Years Aboard: 1960-1963

Comments: Recommision this Lady and was proud to have server on her.She will always be a proud part of my life.

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Name: Pedro A. Amador  
Rank/Rate: ABF3 E-4
Division/Squadron: AIR V-4 div
Years Aboard: 3

Comments: Every time I go into this page I travel back to those days and miss it them a lot. I wish I could go back and re-lived those days.

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Name: Jackie K  
Rank/Rate: none
Years Aboard: none

Comments: Hi!

Looking for John Kennedy who was on the Coral Sea from approx. 1979 - 1984??

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Name: john j lynch  
Rank/Rate: RAdm

Comments: My husband,John deceased November 1988. He was CO of the Coral Sea 1961.

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Name: JIMMY THOMPSON  
Rank/Rate: ABE3
Division/Squadron: V-2 CAT-2
Years Aboard: 1967-1970

Comments: JUST WANT TO SAY HI TO ALL MY OLD SHIPMATES. I WORKED IN CAT-2 AS THE CONSOLE OPERATOR. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM MY OLD FRIENDS.

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Name: Bob Stanley  
Rank/Rate: HT3
Division/Squadron: R
Years Aboard: 12/73-8/77

Comments: Just checking in to say hey to all the guys in R Div. and especially the pipeshop gang.

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Name: Joseph f. Beaulieu  
Rank/Rate: GMT2
Division/Squadron: W
Years Aboard: 2

Comments: On the 1973 death of SN Flores. I believe he was cleaning the recoil pit of the 5"-38 mount. I don't recall the number but I seem to feel it was on the port side. I was the DCPO for W div. and started to the scene when it was called away "Corpman to MT 5?". When I arrived my chief, GMTC Moesch, waved me off. I later went up to the mount with DC2 Bravo and helped test the pit for gas/oxygen. At the time we still used the flame safety lamp for O2 testing, It was extinguished instantly when I lowered into the recoil pit.
I think at the time we used TRICHLORETHYLENE as a general degreasr/cleaner. Later TRICHLORETHANE was used,as it was less toxic however I feel the cause of death was displacement of air in the pit but the solvent fumes which are heavier than air.

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Name: Ralf

Comments: Hello,

my name is Ralf and I was born in Germany in 1965.
My Father, Uncle, Grandparents, Sister and Great Grandparents are all born and raised in Alabama/USA since generations and still living there.
My Great Grandmother is a Native American born Cherokee. My dad was stationed from 1964 to 1965 in Germany. He was sent to Vietnam before I was born and he could not legitimize me because he did not know that I was born.
Since 25 years I am trying to get to my family in the USA.
I would be glad if you could support me.
Please visit my Wesite and read my story.

Thank you

www.my-campaign.com

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Name: Len Rizzuto  

Comments: Crossed decked from the USS Vinson to USS Coral Sea, what culture shock, however, I had the pleasure of working with a great flight deck crew.

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Name: MIKE ADAMS  
Rank/Rate: RM3
Division/Squadron: CR DIVISION
Years Aboard: 1964-1968

Comments: HOPE SOME OF YOU GUYS REMEMBER ME. CODER,PRELICH,BEATLE, FURILLO ,LONNIE GUNTER. IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I LOGGED IN ON BOARD. MY HAT OFF AND A SALUTE TO ALL YOU CORAL SEA VETS....MIKE

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Name: Gary Walter  
Rank/Rate: PH2/E5
Division/Squadron: Ships Crew
Years Aboard: two

Comments: On board 1965 through 1966, Photographer's Mate 2nd Class

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Name: Thom Rigg  
Rank/Rate: YN1
Division/Squadron: X. Legal Office
Years Aboard: 3

Comments: Mike: After this long a period I can't remember all of the particulars about AA Ridley or the F-4 that went into the ocean on the fly-off. However, both of these incidents were investigated as required. Have you contacted the JAG concerning those investigations? There may be some information there that can assist you in your claim. Good luck Shipmate.

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Name: Harrington, Ed  
Rank/Rate: AOAN
Division/Squadron: G-2
Years Aboard: 86,87

Comments: GOD, It is good to see the old girl. I think often of her and my shipmates like Gunny Martin. He taught me so much more than he will ever know. Good times we had like at NAS-Fallon N.V. Tak care my brother ORDIES...

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Name: Mike (Oscar ) Pfeffer  
Rank/Rate: BTFN
Division/Squadron: B-Div. 4ABLE Fireroom
Years Aboard: 1974-77

Comments: Only FOUR Months till The National USS Coral Sea CVA-43 Reunion. And MAN does it go fast... October is right around the corner. San Diego HERE WE COME..... AGAIN. later, Oscar

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Name: Robert Wright  
Rank/Rate: A03
Division/Squadron: Ex CV-66 sailor

Comments: I have some pictures taken from the America as we were going past CV-43 on her last cruise.I would be happy to mail them to you so that they can be scanned and shared.My only condition is that they be returned...and they are in excellent condition

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Name: Jeff Million  
Rank/Rate: BM3
Division/Squadron: Deck/Second Div
Years Aboard: 1974-1978

Comments: Wishing all my shipmates past and present a Happy Fourth of July. By the way; what does it mean when so many say 'NECK'?! Can anyone fill me in?

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Name: Roger "MIKE" Cochran  

Comments: GOOD MORNING!
I'VE WRITTEN A FEW ENTRIES IN PAST GUESTBOOKS. JUST COMMENTS, HELLO, HOPE ALL IS WELL ECT: NOW, AT THIS TIME OF MY LIFE I FIND THAT I NEED YOUR HELP. NO, IT'S NOT LIKE THE OLD DAYS, NO MONEY, NO CARD GAMES, NO GIRLS' NAMES.
I'VE SPENT THE LAST 20 YEARS OR SO TRYING TO FIND ANSWERS, HELP WITH VETS' CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS, AND NOW IT'S ME WHO NEEDS YOUR HELP. I'M THE ONE WHO NEEDS YOUR HELP WITH A CLAIM.
1. I'M ASKING IF ANYBODY REMEMBERS WHEN I GOT HIT ON MY RIGHT LEG WHEN CAT 3 WAS DRY FIRED. IT WAS DARK, EARLY MORNING, THERE WERE BIRDS PARKED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAT TRACK. WE ALL HAD WANDS, AND KEEPING GUYS AWAY FROM THE DRY FIRE. SOMEONE HAD LEFT A BRIDLE/LANYARD ATTATCHED TO THE CAT AND WHEN IT WAS FIRED THE BRIDLE/LANYARD CAME DOWN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRACK AND HIT ME. THEY PUT ME IN A WALKING CAST FOR A WEEK OR SO. I THINK CAT LPO WAS "SKI"

2. I BELIEVE IT WAS IN DECEMBER 1970 I HAD REPLACED "JAKE" AS WATER BREAK OPERATOR ON CAT 3. WE LAUNCHED THE LAST F-4 OFF CAT 3. THE LAST BIRD OF THE CRUISE. I THINK THE NOSE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED DURING LAUNCH. THE F-4 WENT OVER THE SIDE. I DON'T REMEMBER WHO FIRED FROM THE CATWALK PANNEL, OR WHO THE FLIGHT DECK OFFICER WAS (YELLOW SHIRT).

3. THE ROUGHEST THING FOR ME IS WHEN AA RIDLEY GOT HIT BY A BIRD DURING A LAUNCH HE CROSSED THE TRACK. I BELIEVE RIDLEY WAS A V4 PURPLE SHIRT. THIS WAS ON THE 68-69 WEST PAC CRUISE. I STILL SEE HIS HEAD FLYING DOWN THE DECK INTO THE NET, AND SOME STUPID ASS RUNNING PAST US ON CAT 3 WITH A CAMERA TO TAKE A PICUTURE FOR STARS AND STRIPES.

GUYS, I'M ADMITTING FOR THE FIRST TIME I HAVE SOME PRETTY BAD PTSD SHIT GOING ON. I REACHING OUT TO YOU. THE VA NEEDS "BUDDY CONFIRMATION LETTERS" E-MAILS, ANYTHING, THAT I WAS ON THE FLIGHT DECK AND GOT HIT, ON THE FLIGHT DECK AND WITNESSED THE END OF AA RIDLEY, AND THAT I WAS ALONE IN THE WATERBREAKS WHEN THE F4 WENT OVER. PLEASE, DOES ANYBODY ELSE HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS? I'M SORRY I'VE NEVER ASKED YOU BEFORE. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT PTSD WAS UNTIL 4 OR 5 YEARS AGO. THIS HAS BEEN VERY HARD FOR ME TO ASK FOR. VERY HARD TO ADMIT. YOU DON'T KNOW HOW SORRY I AM THAT WE NEVER TALKED ABOUT ALL THE CRAZY STUFF WE WENT THROUGH WHEN WE WERE TOGHETER 40 YEARS AGO. I'M SORRY I WASN'T THERE FOR YOU.
IF ANY ONE OF YOU IS HAVING ANY PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT BE PTSD RELATED PLEASE GO TO YOUR CLOSEST VA. TALK TO SOMEBODY BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.
IF YOU REMEMBER ANYTHING ABOUT THESE 3 INCIDENTS ENVOLVING ME PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS YOU CAN. MY FAMILY THANKS YOU.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELFS
MIKE..........

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Name: R.W.Cotton aka R.Willie  
Rank/Rate: ms2
Division/Squadron: s-2 / (s-5 for a few months)
Years Aboard: 76-79

Comments: Ahoy shipmates:it is time for me to make a midyear check in. I would like to be intouch with any stewburners or messcranks who had the mispleasure of sharing a work center with me ie my making direct amends. I have been a long time friend of Bill W.....would realy like to hear from any of you.
Have a happy fourth of July.

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Name: John Nichols  
Rank/Rate: CWO2 RET.
Division/Squadron: A-Gang
Years Aboard: 1982-1985

Comments: She really was a great ship. Good to see so many shipmates still care.
Thanks to this web site's crew for their efforts.

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Name: joe griebel  
Rank/Rate: am2
Division/Squadron: vf11
Years Aboard: 56 57

Comments: still looking for buddies from vf11 and 1956 cruise thanks joe

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Name: John Rothrock  
Rank/Rate: E-4
Division/Squadron: VFA - 132
Years Aboard: LAST RUN

Comments: LOOKING FOR ANY ONE FROM VFA-132
AND DOES ANY ONE NO WHERE THE SHIP IS NOW AND IS THERE ANY THING LEFT TO IT

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Name: James Taylor  
Rank/Rate: ADAN
Division/Squadron: VF-83/CAG 8
Years Aboard: 1953

Comments: Would like to hear from others on this med. cruise.Great ship good expereance

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Name: MIchael Wechsler  
Rank/Rate: ADJ2
Division/Squadron: V6-AIMD
Years Aboard: 66-69

Comments: Served my entire enlistment, June 66 to Sept 28,1969. ADJ2 Jet Shop A.I.M.D. I remember all the good times, I have to say that everyone I served with were great guys. I always remember the first sight of land, as the ship would return to port after being on the line for a long period of time. How the land would be just a gray spec, then getting larger and seeing the color return.

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Name: Jack Hardy  
Rank/Rate: MM2
Division/Squadron: M-2
Years Aboard: 84-88

Comments: Hey, I was thinking of trying to set up a mini reunion with old shipmates from M-2 Div. and some guys from M-3. Would like to see about getting together either in the spring or fall of 07 depending on feed back on when is best for most people. Thinking of having it either in Vegas or Chicago. Anyone interested?

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Name: Pat "Dutch" McRae  
Rank/Rate: AN
Division/Squadron: V-1
Years Aboard: 1959-1963

Comments: Does anyone know the whereabouts of the brothers Al & Tom Mitchell V-1 Div. 1959-63 or Donald E.Grayson V-1 Div. 1959-63 sure would like to find these shipmates . Thanks Shipmates
Dutch McRae

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Name: Jim Qualls 

Comments: Never a sailor, but a proud American, proud of a great ship and her worthy crews. Immensely saddened by her end here in Baltimore, which I witnessed from afar year after year. She deserved better. God bless you all.

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Name: John Whelan 
Years Aboard: 1947-1949

Comments: My dad served on the first crew of the Coral Sea.He was very proud of that fact.I belive he worked in the radar area.His name was John"jack"Whelan.We lost him in 1997 to cancer.He grew up in Schenectady,NY.I f anyone remembers him please e-mail me.Thank You,John

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Name: Mike Smith 
Rank/Rate: SN- AD2
Division/Squadron: Nav & AIMD
Years Aboard: 79-83

Comments: Started in Nav,made a west pac and the IO Hostage mission...then went to NAS Memphis for AD school...did second westpac and got away as AD2 in one piece... sure would like to hook up with my old quartermaster buds or my air dale friends...Hey Beek? nozzle? moose? peta waka from maine? Senile cheeks barnes? so many honeyco's...so little time... gimme a shout

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Name: RAY JOHNSON 
Rank/Rate: ABE-2
Division/Squadron: V- 2 A/G
Years Aboard: 83 - 86

Comments: Just checking in again to let my fellow shipmates know im still of this world,
and to those who do such a great job, keeping this great site up and running, for all us cv43vets to enjoy, THANKYOU.

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Name: Bob Sunagel 
Rank/Rate: DS1(SW)
Division/Squadron: CE
Years Aboard: 85-90

Comments: Hello fellow shipmates!

Been thinking of my time on the ol' coral maru and thought I would say Hello!

I have come across alot of pictures that I took during my time on the ship, once I scan them, I will be uploading them to my website.

Take care buddies!

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Name: Herman Doernbach 
Rank/Rate: EM2
Division/Squadron: E
Years Aboard: 6-50 12-52

Comments: Sad to report that O.P. Ryan Mess Deck MAA has passed away in a nursing home in ST Cloud, FL He was 88 years old. Who could ever forget this shipmate. Love him or hate him he was a legion aboard Coral Sea and he ran a tight ship. He was an original Plank Owner and served aboard 10 years.
Also it was reported in the Navy Tailhook magazine that Vice Admiral Pierre Charbonnet has passed away. He was Captain of Coral Sea 1964-1965.

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Name: Frederick R. Miller, PH-1, USN Retired (55-73) 
Division/Squadron: None
Years Aboard: Never

Comments: The following obituary was published in the Albany (NY) Times Union from 5/31/2006 - 6/1/2006.


Armand Patregnani

WATERFORD Armand Pat Patregnani, of James Drive, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 19, 1931 in Waterford, he was son of the late Amedeo and Camilla Gasperini Patregnani. Armand was a lifelong resident of Waterford and graduated from Waterford High School in 1950. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who proudly served during the Korean War aboard the USS Valcour and the USS Coral Sea. He was employed by the Norton Co. in Watervliet as a supervisor of the finishing department for over 25 years before retiring in 1990. He was a member of the VFW, Waterford Memorial Post 5800 and the Norton Retirees as well as being a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Waterford. Armand cherished his family and grandchildren and enjoyed their time together on their many vacations. He also enjoyed his daily visits to Don & Paul's Diner to spend time with his many lifelong friends, and winning at Saratoga Race Track and Foxwoods Casino. We know he will be missed by all. Pat was the devoted and loving husband of Joan DeCelle Patregnani for 45 memorable years. He is the cherished father of Armand Chip Patregnani and his wife Denise of Parkland, Fla. and Debra Pinckney and her husband Michael of Albany. He is brother of Thomas Patregnani and his wife Dorothy, Stella Williams and Delena Cappabianca, all of Waterford, Daniel Patregnani of Mechanicville, Delores Seitz and her husband Robert of Waterford and the late Rita DeMartino, Yolanda Lena Flanagan, Jennie Cucchi and Eva Winterton. He is the endearing grandfather of Brittany, Daniel, Michael, Kayla, Sean, Rylee and Randi, all of whom were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday at 8:30 a.m. at the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St. (Rt. 32), Waterford, and at 9 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waterford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Diabetes Fund in care of the funeral home office.

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Name: James Ricci 
Rank/Rate: MM2
Division/Squadron: M-3/M-4
Years Aboard: 83-88

Comments: Hi to all my ship mates I'll keep it short and sweet like to hear from ya all fell free to E-mail me or call Im in the phone book. (Im in frankford delaware)

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Name: paul bramer 
Rank/Rate: as2
Division/Squadron: weps/maa
Years Aboard: 1985/1988

Comments: spent the whole tour as a maa. miss the old girl and the guys i sailed with. good luck to them all.

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Name: JOHN JETHRO 

Comments: Does anyone remeber MMC John W Jethro Jr?

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Name: David A Gohs 
Rank/Rate: E-4
Division/Squadron: Air Division
Years Aboard: 1971/1975

Comments: I worked in Primary Fly Control. I have fond memories of the events and friends I made while serving.

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Name: Darrell Young 
Rank/Rate: RM3
Division/Squadron: CR
Years Aboard: 1983-1988

Comments: I have added some photo's to my link on yahoo, of the Blue Angels, use the following link: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/daytiger2062/album?
hope you enjoy them, take care and god bless.

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Name: mike sokolik 
Rank/Rate: e-4 e-5
Division/Squadron: vfa 136
Years Aboard: '87- 88

Comments: As part of cag 13 during my time on CV-43, I always was amazed that as many things worked on the ship as smoothly as they did considering that ship's age at the time i was on it.

I knew alot of guys in my squadron that hated going aboard the Coral Sea, but I never minded it too much. Cheers to the Ageless Warrior!

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Name: Lloyd V. Bertalot 
Rank/Rate: AE1 AW
Division/Squadron: IM-3 DIV
Years Aboard: 1979-1982

Comments: It was my first Home after boot camp I Loved the Ship WE did 102 Days In the Indian Ocean Capt DUNLEAVY WAS MY HERO I worked in AIMD Also remember Ens Marshall as IM-3 Div Officer (Chocolate Thunder) Part time I worked as Mr Funk on the ships Radio Station... Did Evryone know that we had a shipmate who later became MC Hammer. hehehehe How about a Free concert MC was devestated to see the Ageless Warrior Scrapped.

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Name: JEFF MILLION 
Rank/Rate: BM3
Division/Squadron: Deck-Second Division
Years Aboard: 1974-1978

Comments: Funny how the years tend to hide the bad times and leave the good to remember. A shout out to any and all deck apes out there, drop me a line if you remember. She was a great ship manned by proud men. I salute all those who served on her. Scrapping photos tug at my heart but memories remain.

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Name: Joe Land 
Rank/Rate: MS3
Division/Squadron: SS05
Years Aboard: 3

Comments: I have been reading all the various comments on our incredible site. It just seems to me that perhaps some of us like myself while onboard; were subject to a constant lamenting of our situation(s). Otherwise known as complaining about the "big grey weanie", or (ex.) JP5 in the freshwater sys.
I once asked my late father: "Why do we miss episodes in out lives, such as life onboard the USS Coral Sea; when at the time was a major source of
complaint?" He told me that: "We only [readily] remember the good things!"

Thank God, huh!?

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Name: Mike Kartchner 
Rank/Rate: ABHAN
Division/Squadron: V-3
Years Aboard: 68 to 72

Comments: Took the time to visit the USS Midway , while I was in San Diego, and it was great being on board it remained me of the years I spend on the hanger bay during the four years I was on the Coral Sea, it again remained me how horrible it was to know that no one cared enough to save the Coral Sea, and on the same week I saw the TV video of us sinking another carrier to become a reef. I guess that no one cares about saving these fine sailing ladies, and if it was not for people like us, the Coral Sea would only be a distance memory Let keep her memory alive.

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Name: Joseph P Fraser 
Rank/Rate: SK3
Division/Squadron: S-1
Years Aboard: 64-66

Comments: The Coral Sea is still a great ship. I served on Coral Sea from July 64 to June 66. I remained in the Navy for 24 years. Other sea duty assignments were USS Paul Revere LPA 248 and USS Taklma ATF 113. Last duty station was NAS Memphis. Were is the rest of S-1 Division? Looking back, it was the best years of our lives.

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Name: Darrell Young 
Rank/Rate: RM3
Division/Squadron: CR
Years Aboard: 1983-1988

Comments: Just checking in, hope everyone is having a good year. I still have a world cruise book for sale, if anyone is interested send me a e-mail. Take care and god bless.

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Name: Roger Hickman 
Rank/Rate: RM3
Division/Squadron: COMM/CR
Years Aboard: 1987 1990(Decom)

Comments: This site is really great because I have seen a few name that served with me on the finest Ship yet.

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Name: David Premo 
Rank/Rate: AB2
Division/Squadron: V1C Port Cat
Years Aboard: 1952-1955

Comments: Worked on port cat until 1955 then transferred to NAS Memphis.Looking for Virgil
Hasskel.

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Name: Bob Schmitt 
Rank/Rate: SFM2
Division/Squadron: R
Years Aboard: 67-70

Comments: Great guys great ship

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Name: john boyle
Rank/Rate: e-5
Division/Squadron: b
Years Aboard: 75

Comments: Hey john, great site, get a life...

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Name: vincent,joe 
Rank/Rate: ak3/akan
Division/Squadron: supply/s-6
Years Aboard: 78-82

Comments: serving on the coral sea willbe something i remember forever. what a time. does anyone remember the typhoon.

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Name: Rick Goeldi 
Rank/Rate: AT2
Division/Squadron: AIMD
Years Aboard: 1975-1977

Comments: I came aboard the Coral Sea in 1975 during its stay in Long Beach Dry Dock. I was going to be sent to the Kitty Hawk in Bremerton, WA. But they changed my orders at the last moment. I was the only ships company Aviation Electronic Technician aboard. Which was weird since there wasn't any planes on the ship. After they realized I had nothing to do They made me a Mess Deck Master at Arms until we left dry dock and the planes returned. I was also stationed in Naha, Okinawa, Japan in 1973-74 with VC-5. I was a A-4 plane captain, we also had P-2, S-2, H-3. We flew targets and drones for ships to shoot at. They send me to AIMD to repair aircraft Black Box electronics.

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Name: Pat Carley 
Rank/Rate: HT3
Division/Squadron: R
Years Aboard: 83-85

Comments: Hello all, I am just getting my name out there. I worked in the pipe shop and then the firemain shop. I was also a member of the Flying Squad. Lookin for old shipmates.

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Name: Bil "mouse" Davis 
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: GM
Years Aboard: 68-71

Comments: I loved this ship. Would love to hear from anyone who served in G or GM divisions during this period. Two cruises to Nam with many stops in P.I., Yokusuka, Sasebo, Hong Kong, Singapore (1) and Sydney (1).

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Name: Quade Morr 
Rank/Rate: HT3
Division/Squadron: R
Years Aboard: 75-79

Comments: Hello to all shipmates looking forward to hearing from any one

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Name: Mickey Quinn 
Rank/Rate: AO3 Ret.
Division/Squadron: AIMD IM3
Years Aboard: 1970-1973

Comments: After falling 75 feet down an elevator shaft on February 5th in 1973 I was medically retired from the Oakland Naval Hospital in May of that same year. I have never been able to locate any of my shipmates since then. It would be good to hear from some of them to see how they have been doing.

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Name: Mike (Oscar ) Pfeffer  
Rank/Rate: BTFN
Division/Squadron: B- Div 4ABLE Fireroom
Years Aboard: 1974-77

Comments: Returned from Midwest Spring Fling Reunion,in Fort Wayne Indiana. Had an ABSOLUTE Blast!!! More than 58 people signed up for Sat. Night Banquet , Nice Turnout. Missed a few BT's and MM's.. Dickey Kearney, Al Ross, Pat Scollan, Stuart Webb, Bob Stewart. See you guys in Oct. San Diego Here We Come ... Mike(Oscar )Pfeffer

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Name: George W. Golowach ( Goldie) 
Rank/Rate: BTFN 4CHARLIE FIREROOM
Division/Squadron: B- Div. BTFN
Years Aboard: 9/4/72 8/30/74

Comments: This is great. Lots of memories. I only wish I knew someone that was aboard the same time I was. in the same division too. But anyway. USS CORAL SEA IS STILL STEAMING IN MY EYES. Thanks to you guys, who keeps it afloat.

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Name: Steve Fortney 
Rank/Rate: E-4/MM3
Division/Squadron: M-4 & Safety
Years Aboard: 1981-1984

Comments: This is a cool site, very well done. I had a heck of an experience w/the Coral Sea & remember most of the people very well. It was a great tour of duty, especially with the World Cruise and all. I eventually became a Christian while on board, vey happy about that. Great times...

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Name: Dale Munkres 
Rank/Rate: CWO2
Division/Squadron: HS-12
Years Aboard: 1981-1985

Comments: Best ship I had ever been on. Bear Taylor made it even better! World cruise was the best. Miss the old girl

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Name: David Stinchcomb 
Rank/Rate: E4
Division/Squadron: VA-94
Years Aboard: 77

Comments: VA-94 - IWT shop - white shirt on the 77 cruise. Would love to hear from other squardron members from that time.

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Name: mike smalley 
Rank/Rate: ams-3
Division/Squadron: v-2, aimd, v-1
Years Aboard: 77-81

Comments: Haven't logged on in a while, I still have the best of memories aboard the boat.
Does any one know what ever became of Hopkins from AIMD sheet metal shop?

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Name: George W Golowach 
Rank/Rate: BTFN
Division/Squadron: B -DIV 4C fireroom
Years Aboard: 1972-74

Comments: Get in touch with someone I did time with

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Name: mike sic-0-celentano 
Division/Squadron: v-4
Years Aboard: 78-81

Comments: WELL ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO FIND SOME GRAPES. TIM BASTIAN, JOE LAUNDER, BRETT "BARNEY"THE ORIGINAL-BARNETT. STEVE KEEL, KRAUSE,HENRY HULL, ERNEST RINGOLD, TONY SNELLINGS,KARL ROBERTSON-ARE ANY OF YOUS' OUT THERE.GREAT TIMES-HOMEMADE WINE.102 DAYS IN I.O.CRASH IN THAILAND.P.I. HOOKERS IN THE FLY SHELTER. JEFF DAVIS OVERBOARD GOING BETWEEN BOTH SHIP DURING UN-REP.LATER.

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Name: Mel Roberts 
Rank/Rate: RMSN
Division/Squadron: CR Div
Years Aboard: '79-'82

Comments: The Internet is a wonderful thing. I've been looking for something like this for a long time. 25 years years later I still have vivid dreams of being aboard her!

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Name: Larry Gold 
Rank/Rate: MM3
Division/Squadron: M Div #3 Pump Room
Years Aboard: 61, 62, 63, 64

Comments: Funny- Had to pump out bilges one day in #3 engine room when a chief yelling loudly lost his false teeth and they fell into the dirty bilge water.

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Name: Jon Allen
Rank/Rate: MM3
Division/Squadron: A Gang - Hydraulics
Years Aboard: 85-89

Comments: April 19, 1989.

If you were on board USS CORAL SEA on that date, it's one that you've probably thought of from time to time.

More often than not, when CORAL SEA was tied up to the carrier piers at Norfolk, directly on the other side sharing the pier with us was USS IOWA. She was part of our battle group on my last Med cruise. When we relieved the AMERICA in Augusta Bay, Sicily, it was said that at the time it was the largest contingent of American naval fire power ever assembled at one site. When IOWA let loose with a 9 gun salvo to announce our arrival, it was apparant to anyone who may have had a doubt that such was probably the case.

On April 19, 1989 CORAL SEA was steaming about 500 miles north of Cuba when we were informed by the CO over the 1MC that 47 lives had been lost abaord IOWA. We changed course to aid her, sent our EOD and Medical personnel aboard to deal with ordnance and lend aid. It was later after we returned to Norfolk that we learned a massive explosion had ripped through Turret Two, and only due to the training and heroism of the crew did IOWA survive. If the magazines had not have been instantly flooded, there was a very real possibility that IOWA would have been lost. When IOWA arrived at Pier 13, the 16-guns of Turrets One, Two and Three where aligned amidships, but the guns of Two were not elevated. In a way, although I remember a grim sadness, it served as acknowledgement of what IOWA had survived.

I'd like to take this opportunity to remember the IOWA 47. There is another story of happened in the aftermath of the explosion, one that doesn't cast the U.S. Navy in a very good light, but that isn't what I want to remember. What I do want to reflect on are the young men, fellow sailors and heroes who gave their lives for their ship, shipmates, and our Navy.

They are:

Crewmember's Name Rate/Rank Hometown

Tung Thanh Adams - Fire Controlman 3rd class (FC3) Alexandria, VA
Robert Wallace Backherms - Gunner's Mate 3rd class (GM3)(FC3) Ravenna, OH
Dwayne Collier Battle - Electrician's Mate, Fireman Apprentice (EMFA) Rocky Mount, NC
Walter Scot Blakey - Gunner's Mate 3rd class (GM3) Eaton Rapids, MI
Pete Edward Bopp - Gunner's Mate 3rd class (GM3) Levittown, NY
Ramon Jarel Bradshaw - Seaman Recruit (SR) Tampa, FL
Philip Edward Buch - Lieutenant, Junior Grade (LTjg) Las Cruces, NM
Eric Ellis Casey - Seaman Apprentice (SA) Mt. Airy, NC
John Peter Cramer - Gunners Mate 2nd class (GM2) Uniontown, PA
Milton Francis Devaul Jr. - Gunners Mate 3rd class (GM3) Solvay, NY
Leslie Allen Everhart Jr. - Seaman Apprentice (SA) Cary, NC
Gary John Fisk - Boatswains Mate 2nd class (BM2) Oneida, NY
Tyrone Dwayne Foley - Seaman (SN) Bullard, TX
Robert James Gedeon III - Seaman Apprentice (SA) Lakewood, OH
Brian Wayne Gendron - Seaman Apprentice (SA) Madera, CA
John Leonard Goins - Seaman Recruit (SR) Columbus, OH
David L. Hanson - Electricians Mate 3rd class (EM3) Perkins, SD
Ernest Edward Hanyecz - Gunners Mate 1st class (GM1) Bordentown, NJ
Clayton Michael Hartwig - Gunners Mate 2nd class (GM2) Cleveland, OH
Michael William Helton - Legalman 1st class (LN1) Louisville, KY
Scott Alan Holt - Seaman Apprentice (SA) Fort Meyers, FL
Reginald L. Johnson Jr. - Seaman Recruit (SR) Warrensville Heights, OH
Nathaniel Clifford Jones Jr. - Seaman Apprentice (SA) Buffalo, NY
Brian Robert Jones - Seaman (SN) Kennesaw, GA
Michael Shannon Justice - Seaman (SN) Matewan, WV
Edward J. Kimble - Seaman (SN) Ft. Stockton, TX
Richard E. Lawrence - Gunners Mate 3rd class (GM3) Springfield, OH
Richard John Lewis - Fire Controlman, Seaman Apprentice (FCSA) Northville, MI
Jose Luis Martinez Jr. - Seaman Apprentice (SA) Hidalgo, TX
Todd Christopher McMullen - Boatswains Mate 3rd class (BM3) Manheim, PA
Todd Edward Miller - Seaman Recruit (SR) Ligonier, PA
Robert Kenneth Morrison - Legalman 1st class (LN1) Jacksonville, FL
Otis Levance Moses - Seaman (SN) Bridgeport, CN
Darin Andrew Ogden - Gunners Mate 3rd class (GM3) Shelbyville, IN
Ricky Ronald Peterson - Seaman (SN) Houston, MN
Mathew Ray Price - Gunners Mate 3rd class (GM3) Burnside, PA
Harold Earl Romine Jr. - Seaman Recruit (SR) Brandenton, FL
Geoffrey Scott Schelin - Seaman (SN) Costa Mesa, CA
Heath Eugene Stillwagon - Gunners Mate 3rd class (GM3) Connellsville, PA
Todd Thomas Tatham - Seaman Recruit (SR) Wolcott, NY
Jack Ernest Thompson - Gunners Mate 3rd class (GM3) Greeneville, TN
Stephen J. Welden - Gunners Mate 2nd class (GM2) Yukon, OK
James Darrell White - Gunners Mate 3rd class (GM3) Norwalk, CA
Rodney Maurice White - Seaman Recruit (SR) Louisville, KY
Michael Robert Williams - Boatswains Mate 2nd class (BM2) South Shore, KY
John Rodney Young - Seaman (SN) Rockhill, SC
Reginald Owen Ziegler - Senior Chief Gunners Mate (GMCS) Port Gibson, NY

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Name: Craig Soflin 
Rank/Rate: E-3
Division/Squadron: R-Div
Years Aboard: 80-83

Comments: Great times and long lasting memories. Got out just before it left for it's World Cruise.

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Name: Harland Schultz 
Rank/Rate: seaman
Division/Squadron: 4th gunnery
Years Aboard: March, 1948-August, 1950

Comments: Anyone who was on the Coral Sea in the 4th gunnery during the time listed above please contact me. Great ship, great crew! God bless all the military. See you all up top side. Medford, OR.

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Name: Ty Godby 
Rank/Rate: HT3
Division/Squadron: R
Years Aboard: 1977-1979

Comments: Hello anyone from R division Gravedigger is alive and well

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Name: John Mike Walker 
Rank/Rate: E-3
Division/Squadron: V-1 Rep. 8
Years Aboard: 1959-1962

Comments: Looking forward to seeing everyone in San Diego this October for the reunion

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Name: Bradley C. Deegan 
Rank/Rate: MS2
Division/Squadron: S-5
Years Aboard: 79-83

Comments: The Coral Sea will always be "A Grand Ole' Lady". I can say without any hesitation, that the years aboard her will always be some the best years of my life! The shipmates that I served with during my tour, are some the best individuals that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. People that never served in the Navy, will never understand the brotherhood that developes between shipmates. In a few short years, the friendships that come from depending on each other day to day, will be stronger than the siblings you grew up with, or the kids we knew all our lives.

Hope to see all Coral Sea shipmates take advantage of the reunions. Take these opportunity's to meet old friends again, and reminisce about the great years serving onboard the Coral Sea. God Speed to all Coral Sea Shipmates.

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Name: WALTER HARDY,JR. 
Rank/Rate: ABH-1
Division/Squadron: V-1 AND V-3 DIVISIONS
Years Aboard: 22 OCT.64 TO 6 APR. 68 AND 17 JUNE 77 TO 12 SEPT. 83

Comments: I WENT ABOARD THE CORAL SEA 22 OCT. 64 AND MAKE MY FIRST WESTPAC 7 DEC. 64 BUT BEFORE I EVEN LEFT ON THE CRUISE I MET ABF-1 ROBINSON OF V-4 DIVISION WHO GAVE ME THE NAME WALT THE SALT BECAUSE IT RHYMED AND HE WAS A FLEET SAILOR LIKE I WANTED TO BE WHO NEVER HAD SHORE DUTY EXCEPT BOOT CAMP. HE ALSO GAVE ME THIS:
"WHAT IS A SAILOR"

BETWEEN THE SECURITY OF CHILDHOOD AND THE INSECURITY OF SECOND CHILDHOOD WE FIND A GROUP CALLED SAILOR. THEY COME IN ALL SIZES, WEIGHTS AND STAGES OF SOBERNESS. THEY CAN BE FOUND ON SHIPS, ON SHORE IN BARS, ON LEAVE, ON DECK WAILS, IN LOVE AND ALWAYS IN DEBT.

GIRLS LOVE THEM, FOLKS MISS THEM, TOWNS TOLERATE THEM AND THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THEM. A SAILOR IS HAPPY WITH A DECK OF CARDS, A COUPLE OF BUCKS AND A FEW CANS OF BEER. HE IS BRAVE WITH A TATTOO AND IS THE PROTECTOR OF THE SEAS WITH A COPY OF PLAYBOY MAGAZINE.

HE HAS THE ENERGY OF A TURTLE, THE SHYNESS OF A FOX, THE BRAINS OF AN IDIOT, THE STORIES OF A SEA CAPTAIN, THE SINCERITY OF A LAIR, THE LINES OF A CASANOVA, THE LOOKS OF A MOVIE STAR AND WHEN HE WANTS SOMETHING IT IS USUALLY HIS LIBERTY CARD.

SOME OF HIS LIKES ARE WOMEN, GIRLS, FEMALES AND MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX. HE ALSO LIKES TO SPEND MONEY ON GIRLS, POKER, BEER, THE RACES AND THE REST FOOLISHLY. HE DISLIKES ANSWERING LETTERS, WEARING UNIFORMS, SUPERIOR OFFICERS, CHOW, REVEILLE, THE TIMES BETWEEN PAYCHECKS AND WORK.

NO ONE CAN CRAM INTO A JUMPER POCKET A COMB, LITTLE BLACK BOOK, A CRUSHED PACK OF CIGARETTES, A BRIGITTE BARDOT PICTURE, A CHURCH KEY, A PEN, A DECK OF CARDS, WHAT'S LEFT OF LAST WEEK'S PAYCHECK, I.D.CARD, LIBERTY CARD AND KEEP IT ALL CONCEALED FROM THE GATE GUARD.

A SAILOR IS A MAGICAL CREATURE; YOU CAN SCRATCH HIM OFF YOUR MAILING LIST BUT NOT OFF YOUR MIND, SO YOU MIGHT AS WELL GIVE UP. HE IS YOUR LONG AWAY FROM HOME LOVER, YOUR ONE AND ONLY, BLEARY EYED, GOOD FOR NOTHING, INSINCERE, BUNDLE OF WORRY.

BUT ALL YOUR SHATTERED DREAMS BECOME INSIGNIFICANT WHEN YOUR SAILOR'S SHIP DOCKS AND HE LOOKS AT YOU WITH THOSE BLEARY BLOODSHOT EYES AND SAYS,

"HI HONEY, I LOVE YOU."

I KNOW THAT A LOT OF YOU GUYS OUT THERE TODAY DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO BRIGITTE BARDOT IS BUT SHE WAS VERY HOT BACK IN THE FIFTIES AND SIXTIES. SO YOU CAN BRING THAT PART UP TO DATE IF YOU WANT TO GIVE THIS TO A FRIEND OR SAILOR YOU KNOW. BACK WHEN I FIRST JOINED ALL OF THIS WAS SO VERY TRUE. WALT THE SALT!!!!

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Name: Mike (Oscar) Pfeffer 
Rank/Rate: BT FN
Division/Squadron: B- Div
Years Aboard: 1974-77

Comments: Last day to get great price for Midwest Spring Fling in Fort Wayne, Indiana!!! at Don Hall's Guest House. Reservations----1-800-348-1999 ID#1678 (Need ID# For good rate) Hope to see YOU there. mikep out

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Name: Mike (Oscar) Pfeffer 
Rank/Rate: BT FN
Division/Squadron: B- Div
Years Aboard: 1974-77

Comments: Last day to get great price for Midwest Spring Fling in Fort Wayne, Indiana!!! at Don Hall's Guest House. Reservations----1-800-348-1999 ID#1678 (Need ID# For good rate) Hope to see YOU there. mikep out

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Name: Charles W. Cline 
Rank/Rate: Bt / E4
Division/Squadron: B Division
Years Aboard: Oct. 1967 to April 1971

Comments: Served in both 4 able and 4 baker firerooms. Was lucky to keep a couple burner sprayer plates as souivners. Seems like a dream since those days are long gone. Wishing the best of luck for everyone. May God bless you all.

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Name: WALTER HARDY,JR. 
Rank/Rate: ABH-1
Division/Squadron: V-1 AND V-3 DIVISIONS
Years Aboard: 64 TO 68 AND 77 TO 83

Comments: HELLO AGAIN GUYS AND I'M FINALLY BACK ON LINE. TODAY IS MY 42ND ANNIVERSARY JOINING THE NAVY AND BACK THEN I THOUGHT I WAS A VERY BIG FOOL BUT CERTAIN EVENTS BEYOND MY CONTROL CHANGED MY LIFE IN THE NAVY. ON THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER 1964 I WENT ABOARD THE U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43)WHICH WAS THE BEGINNING OF MY LIFE AS A FLEET SAILOR. AT 0800 MONDAY 7 DECEMBER 1964 EXACTLY 23 YEARS AFTER THE JAPANESE BLOWUP THE PACIFIC FLEET IN PEARL HARBOR THE CORAL SEA LEFT NAS ALAMEDA FOR HER FOURTH PEACETIME WESTERN PACIFIC CRUISE AND EXACTLY TWO MONTHS LATER ON SUNDAY 7TH FEBRUARY 1965 THE CORAL SEA, HANCOCK AND RANGER MADE RETALITORY AIR STRIKES AGAINST THE NORTH VIETNAMESE. I MADE THE FIRST THREE VIETNAM WAR CRUISES ABOARD THE CORAL SEA AND TWO YEARS LATERS I RETURNED ABOARD THE U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CVS-38) TO MAKE ANOTHER COMPLETE VIETNAM WAR CRUISE WHICH GIVES ME 528 DAYS IN THAT EXCLUSIVE TONKIN GULF YACHT CLUB. THE FIRST WAS THE WORST AFTER SPENDING 331 DAYS TOTAL ON MY VERY FIRST CRUISE AND THE TEN CRUISES I MADE AFTERWARDS DURING MY CAREER WERE A PIECE OF CAKE BUT THAT WAS WHY I JOINED THE NAVY IN THE VERY FIRST PLACE TO SEE THE WORLD AND I HAVE NO REGRETS WHATSOEVER EXCEPT FOR MY ONE AND ONLY MESSED UP SHORE DUTY I SPENT AT NAS MOFFET FIELD SECURITY DEPT. SO ENJOY LIFE REMEMBER THE U.S.S. CORAL SEA THE GREATEST AIRCRAFT CARRIER AFLOAT PERIOD AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED. WALT THE SALT!!!!

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Name: William Leslie 
Rank/Rate: MM3
Division/Squadron: M4
Years Aboard: 83-87

Comments: just signing in. Hope to hear from somebody I knew

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Name: Darrell Savage 
Rank/Rate: DK3
Division/Squadron: S-4 Division
Years Aboard: Sept 1969 to Sept 1971

Comments: Great time on board the "old Girl"

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Name: Darrell Savage 

Comments: Great time aboard The "Old Girl"

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Name: Mike (Oscar) Pfeffer 
Rank/Rate: BTFN
Division/Squadron: B-Div. 4ABLE Fireroom
Years Aboard: 1974-77

Comments: Just over a month till The Midwest Spring Fling in Fort Wayne Indiana. C'mon all you SNIPES, We need to beat those airedales, now and forever... BRING YOUR Coral Sea MEMORABILIA For all to see. Hope to see YOU there, We will show up a day early... April 27th- 30th. later, Oscar

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Name: Randy Peterson 
Rank/Rate: HT2
Division/Squadron: R- DIV
Years Aboard: 75-79

Comments: Checkin in...Life in the ozarks is cool.. FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS

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Name: Robert Hill 

Comments: Looking for anyone who knew HM2 Robert Thomas (82-85) or SHSN Ronald Voelker (82-85). Please feel free to contact me if you knew them, I would be interested in getting in contact with them. Thanks

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Name: James Taylor 
Rank/Rate: ADAN
Division/Squadron: VF-83
Years Aboard: 6mo 1953

Comments: Would like to hear from former squdrom members ship mate or about anyone on the 1953 med cruise.Great site, great ship, great memories.Jim Taylor

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Name: James Columbia 

Comments: Great Site! Thank You!

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Name: David "Book" Booker 
Rank/Rate: CTO3
Division/Squadron: OS
Years Aboard: 84 - 87

Comments: I am looking for shipmates from OS division from 84 to 87 when I was onboard her. She was a great ship and I thought some state would make a museum out of her. Thanks.

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Name: Ronald L. Kills Warrior
Rank/Rate: SM 3rd Class
Division/Squadron: 14th Division: Lim's Legion
Years Aboard: 1983-1986

Comments: I have enjoyed my time on the Coral Sea, to my fellow shipmates, take care and God bless.

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Name: terry l barentsen 
Rank/Rate: bt2
Division/Squadron: b div
Years Aboard: 6 mo/1969

Comments: volenteered for arm forces police in seattle,enjoyed bein ashore an working with seattle pd,also armed forces police in san francisco/oakland,dischared,haveing been promoted to first class bt
retired to arkansas in 1998,my "roots",after employment with a major int'l
oil refiner

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Name: terry l barentsen 
Rank/Rate: bt2
Division/Squadron: b div
Years Aboard: 6 mo

Comments: volenteered for arm forces police in seattle,enjoyed bein ashore an working with seattle pd,also armed forces police in san francisco/oakland,dischared,haveing been promoted to first class bt
retired to arkansas in 1998,my "roots",after employment with a major int'l
oil refiner

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Name: Sal Avellino 
Rank/Rate: cssn
Division/Squadron: S2-C
Years Aboard: 12/51 to Mar /53

Comments: To begin with thanks to the "Crew" doing up this website. It is indeed awesome. Allow me to be another ex crewman to express my appreciation.

Was aboard the galloping ghost of the Mediterranian coast. Ah me, Christmas Day in Suda Bay and a cool yule in Istanbul. Ha ha. I wouldn't trade those days for any amount of money. My deepest satisfaction was turning the tables on CSC Patton. He tried to get me shang-haied to the plane pushers division on a phoney pretext. But alas I worked my way into the V2-E div where after a few months I transferred off the ship to (UGH) shore duty. (just about) Left Navy in '55 as a Personnelman 3rd. Now for all of you self thinking comshaw artists,did I pull off one of the biggest comshaw jobs ever??? Ha ha From a ship's cook to an office job. I can't tell ya how happy I was to type up my own separation papers. The CO of that outfit was trying so hard to get me to re enlist. I thought I was smart. But again, alas I outsmarted myself and became a civilian. Too bad youth is wasted on the young.

Am proud to say that I was one of the original incorporasting officers of the Coral Sea Assn. Thanks to the foresight of the hard chargers in the early days and as a result of those efforts, this Assn will live on for many more years after we're gone. I might add if it weren't for the cooks and boatswain's mates together there would be no Coral sea Assn around today. Anyway you youngsters, may the Good Lord Bless and keep all of you safe and sound in your travels throughout life.

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Name: Palmer Reese 
Rank/Rate: cs-3
Division/Squadron: S2/VAH2
Years Aboard: July 64/ Nov. 65

Comments: What a great ship and crew. I cannot believe it's been just about 42 years ago. Only 19 then. I was ships crew then transfered to VAH2 Squadron and left tad to the cooks department. I remember when we left Hawaii Jan 15th, 65 and was out to sea for 55 days. I remember the very hot days on board ship, all the flight operations and the many many friends I meet while on board. I also remember Swanson who also worked with me in the forward bake shop were we made many many loafs of bread,(with the added fiber, if you all remember the condition of the flour. The many ports of call, Subic Bay, Hong Kong etc. Boy, the memory's seem as fresh today as yesterday. The best wishes to all my former shipmates, hope all is well with everyone who reads this. Have a great 2006. Palmer :)

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Name: joe griebel 
Rank/Rate: am2
Division/Squadron: vf11
Years Aboard: 1956 1957

Comments: still looking for buddies from vf11 and the 1956 cruise

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Name: Vince DeSena 
Rank/Rate: TEM3c
Division/Squadron: O-2R
Years Aboard: Mar51 to April52

Comments: I recently found this web site. It brings back old memories.
After being recalled from the inactive reserve in Feb 1951, I was assigned to Coral Sea in the O-2R division, which included communications and postal services. Initially I was sent to the traffic center in the island sructure. Within a few months, I was reassigned to the Post Office, located on the third deck next to the deck edge elevator.
My WW2 rate was Specialist M (for mailman) Between WW2 and Korea, the rating structure was changed and I was reclassified as a Teleman, which had in its reserve specialtie those of mailman, teletype operator, cryptography,and communications yeoman. My assignment as a communications yeoman was a bust. I really wanted to get assigned to a position where I could use my engineering degree. Between the wars, I went to the University of Michigan on the GI Bill and became a chemical engineer. My request fell on deaf ears. The Navy wanted me back as a Teleman....period,.... end of report. But I was a terrible yeoman...Since a Third class Specialist M did not have a typist requirement, I never learned to touch type so Lt. Commander Hodell "banished me" to the post office as "untrainable"!!!
Every body on board knew the mail men!! You would think WE were the ones responsible for their treasured letters from home.If anybody out there was aboard Coral Sea during my stay, perhaps you remember me...I wrote a zillion money orders to send home on crews and officers paydays.Those were fun days. I will always remember them. My tour of duty aboard was from March of 51 until April 1952.
I would like to hear from some of my old shipmates. Anyone.... Ray Dark, Ernie Lee Higginbottom, Ollie Melton, Chief Brake, First classPO Butcher, Nello Menzoni....anybody home???

Vince DeSena
Bloomsbury, NJ 08804
e-mail: desena@earthlink.net

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Name: Darrell Young 
Rank/Rate: RM3
Division/Squadron: CR
Years Aboard: 83-88

Comments: just a note, changed my E-Mail address...this is my new one. still have a world cruise book if anyone is interested. take care god bless.

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Name: Thomas Barry 
Rank/Rate: MMFN
Division/Squadron: M-2 Longest shaft best screw
Years Aboard: 82-85

Comments: Geez i don't even think i signed last years deck log.Sorry for the long absence guys but alots changed.Single again,blah,blah,blah.......i'm sure some of ya's know the drill.Anyway i just wanted to say hello to all shipmates and especially any and all m-2 snipes out there.Don't be shy drop me an email if ya can and to some of the guys i was corresponding with,like Strom and Jack Hardy(HI Jack)get ahold of me thru the email and gimme your email addresses again.with all the s**t that hit the fan this year i don't have the old computer anymore so all email addreses were lost.Well happy belated new year fellas and God bless............Tom Barry

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Name: Rick Frankfurt Hotdog 
Rank/Rate: YN2
Division/Squadron: Engineering Log Room
Years Aboard: 1977 - 1980

Comments: I worked in the Engineering Log room for Capt Klein. Last year he did a documentary on the History Channel for the Midway. I haven't heard from my bud Billy D Hauk who has medical problems from the Coral Sea Boiler Explosion. Billy where are you? I enjoyed all of those long hot days on the old girl. Hotdog

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Name: Herman Doernbach 
Rank/Rate: EM2 3 SW. BD.
Division/Squadron: E
Years Aboard: 50/52

Comments: Just checking in for 2006. Always looking for old shipmates. O.P. Ryan mess deck MAA is still alive and living in a Florida Nursing home. The old salt does not know anybody. Contact me if you care to send him a card etc.

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Name: Ricardo (Hookmeup)  
Rank/Rate: abh3
Division/Squadron: V-1 Crash & Salvage
Years Aboard: 84-87

Comments: Just checkin in for 2006 hopefully some more of my former shipmates will write me to see how they are doing, still looking for Nowiki, Burrell, DeB, Gino, Howell, Sturman, and all the rest of those great guys who made life aboard the bucket bearable. Fair winds and following seas to all those serving now and may God bless all sailors past and present and keep them out of harms way.

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Name: Rick Smith (Smitty) 
Rank/Rate: AT3
Division/Squadron: VF154/AIMD W/C610
Years Aboard: 81-83

Comments: Any of you VF154/AIMD guys see this.Give me a yell.Good times and a great ship!

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Name: Pedro A. Amador 
Rank/Rate: ABF3
Division/Squadron: V4 div ships company
Years Aboard: 1987-1990

Comments: Seen photos here take me back when I was on board. I left the ship in jan 1990 months before the decomisioning. I was sad to see her getting striped. It was a ghostly experience since everyday that went by less equiptment and people were onboard, my home for three years.

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Name: Pedro A. Amador 
Rank/Rate: ABF3
Division/Squadron: V4 div ships company
Years Aboard: 3

Comments: Seen photos here take me back when I was on board. I left the ship in jan 1990 months before the decomisioning. I was sad to see her getting striped. It was a ghostly experience since everyday that went by less equiptment and people were onboard, my home for three years.

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Name: Sidney C. Dockery Jr. 
Rank/Rate: BTFN
Division/Squadron: B - Div./4 Baker Fireroom
Years Aboard: 1974 - 78

Comments: I have had my reservations in for sometime now for the April Spring Fling in Fort Wayne Indiana... Hope to see some new Snipes this year... Can't wait to see all those 4 group salts again... How time flies as you get older but man are we making some great new sea stories without even going to sea... Just seems not long ago we were in Jacksonville, Florida for the annual reunion... Come on you bootcamps to these reunions and join the fun... Later from the Heart of Dixie
Sid (Doc) Dockery

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Name: Jack Noble 

Comments: I have an original "Plan of the Day" for a dependents day cruise in March 1963, put out by Capatin Charles Roemer who was on the Lexington when she was sunk in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942 - would like to send it to this site but my computer/server says it can't find bob dorais - any ideas?

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Name: Wesley Wilson 
Rank/Rate: IC3
Division/Squadron: E Div
Years Aboard: 86-89

Comments: Just signing in

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Name: Jeffery "CHAD" Matthews 
Rank/Rate: Ist Leiutenant/Army
Division/Squadron: Transportation & Mobilization
Years Aboard: 30 Days

Comments: While station at Ft. Euistis,Virginia.In october 1985 The Army and Navy put together a joint logistic exercise that envolved mass troop deployment, loading and off loading various types of troop transport vehicles. Moving mass quantity of supplies that was essential to assist the troops in completing a mission, transporting armored fighting track vehicles and the many different assortments of munition. This exercise lasted for 30 days.My experience on the Coral Sea will always be a memorable experience, because I got the opportunity to be directly involved in a Army - Navy Joint Operation.

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Name: Joe Land 
Rank/Rate: MS3
Division/Squadron: SS05
Years Aboard: 3

Comments: Hey fellow shipmates!
If you wouldn't mind, would you please consider making an entry in my journal? It is simply there for all to enjoy! Thanks!
Link

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Name: George W. Irvin 
Rank/Rate: MM3
Division/Squadron: M-Division
Years Aboard: Commissioning1959-Dec 1962

Comments: Was on the recommissioning crew that mustered to Bremerton in late fall of 1959. Lived in barracks there until the crew from San Diego boarded from the USS Barrett. Did #1 main engine then division "yeoman". Got discharged Dec 62, stayed out 9 months and re enlisted for two on Shangri La CVA -38 out of Mayport, Florida. Retired after 32 yrs. from Monsanto Chemical. Living in Danbury, Texas

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Name: Bill "Rush" Rushworth 
Rank/Rate: OS3
Division/Squadron: OI
Years Aboard: 1982-1984

Comments: Made the Nor Pac and work ups for the World Cruise in '83. Started out a boot in Alameda docked an old salt in Portsmouth. Had some good times. Anyone who knows me drop me a line. Anyone remember " On the Road again" ?

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Name: Dewey C Williams 
Rank/Rate: sa to QM3
Division/Squadron: Nav
Years Aboard: 1961 to 1962

Comments: When I saw the pictures of the scraping of the Cruel Maru it was like a part of me was being removed. Made a WestPac Cruise, We Got a Expiditonary Medal, Lost # 3 elevator, rear Starboard side, Had a warped Screw which made it hard to stear, and hit a lot of ports Subic, Sasebo, Hong Kong, Yoko and steamed in support of the USS Prinston When it was off loading helos to Advisors in 61. I came aboard in May 61 and Left in Sept 62. Were alot of good times.

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Name: Dewey C Williams 
Rank/Rate: sa to QM3
Division/Squadron: Nav
Years Aboard: 1962

Comments: When I saw the pictures of the scraping of the Cruel Maru it was like a part of me was being removed. Made a WestPac Cruise, We Got a Expiditonary Medal, Lost # 3 elevator, rear Starboard side, Had a warped Screw which made it hard to stear, and hit a lot of ports Subic, Sasebo, Hong Kong, Yoko and steamed in support of the USS Prinston When it was off loading helos to Advisors in 61. I came aboard in May 61 and Left in Sept 62. Were alot of good times.

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Name: Patrick Robinson 

Comments: Great ship!!

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Name: Ernest E. Dailey (Lucky) 
Rank/Rate: Sm3
Division/Squadron: OS (signalbridge)
Years Aboard: 1960 to jan. 28 64

Comments: Looking for e-mail add's from , Ben Lapena , Pete Nadolski, Chuck Cantrell.
Chuck! your old add. is n/g. Ernie Miller( from N.Y.) Jim Bartell, Curt, Ted!
I have yours, thanks. Bauer, Welsh. Fritz, Norm Rook.! All you guys send me a note. I'am retired now. Living in Tucson. God bless you all.
As always, your shipmate,
Lucky

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Name: Bob Kropog
Rank/Rate: AN
Division/Squadron: V3- Air Office
Years Aboard: 56-57

Comments: Had some real good memories during my time on the Coral Sea.

Have a safe and happy year and God bless all you guy's who served on

this great ship.

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Name: Gary Noblit 
Rank/Rate: E-7/MMC(SW/AW)
Division/Squadron: M-2 Division
Years Aboard: 6

Comments: Just a quick note that my email address has changed to gary.noblit@navy.mil.

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Name: Mike Swierk  

Comments: I on a signed a couple years ago when I had a med cruise book and did a lot of research and found and communicated with and got emails for several of the people I found in the book, I spent lots of hours researching and chatting with several of you I did find and it was great. After sitting around for about a year I sold the book on Ebay. Now I have a USS coral-seasonings book listed on Ebay for anyone that may be interested No research here but I did try several recipes LOL and Now I thought someone may like to have a piece of THEIR history. So anyone that may be interested I am listing the url or if you are cautious just search Ebay. Thanks site getting better all the time. Mike

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