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The USS NEW JERSEY
DECK LOG

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  1. Read through the comments to see if your question/comment has been asked and/or answered.

  2. No 'spamming' or foul language will be tolerated.

  3. Any post you make becomes property of the USS New Jersey Veteran's INC. and, therefore, may be modified and/or deleted at the discretion of the organization.

  4. If you are a former crew member, of BB-62, please take the time to add your contact information to the Email List.  It's easy.  If you're not a member of the association, we'd like you to join (Please see Membership Info) but, it's not prerequisite for the Email List.

  5. Include your e-mail address, either behind your name or, in the body of the message.  Thank you!

  6. Name: peterv_bb62@yahoo.com  

    Comments

    I am editor of the Jersey Bounce and would be pleased to place LOOKING FOR notices in the newsletter. E-mail me with your info - but be sure to include your snail mail address. Not everyone has a computer. Thank you. Peter Vande Walle, 3701 East River Drive, Green Bay, WI 54301

 

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Name: john schenk
Date: 05/11/2008
Comments: iam the brother of the only man killed on the new jersey during korea war his name was robert herman oesterwind please call me.iam looking for phone# of captain david tyree or email adress is he still living please call me at 7344277423 my name is donald oesterwind.thanks
 

Name: Tom Kingry
Date: 05/08/2008
Comments: I had the honor of serving aboard the New Jersey at the time of her re-commissioning, 21 Nov 1950 until mid '52. I was a member of the 8th Division (Marine Detachment)during her first deployment to Korea in 1951. During that tour we were struck by shore batteries off of Wonsan harbor with one crew member killed. I am planning to attend the reunion in Camden (Sept. '08) and look forward to seeing old shipmates.
 

Name: SAMUEL FLENER
Date: 05/08/2008
Comments: i was on the new jersey on april 30 2008. i was on a self guided tour could go places that regular tour don't go.. the self guided tour is free to former crew membersi went on my birthday it was great..i severed on her from 1953 to 1955.. got aboard in the korean water. the no 4 engien room was closed to visitors i had to get a special premission to go their and some one had to go with me.. which was ok.. they said something about the last reunion their some one did some damage to it.. i don't know if you will be able to go their at the reunion or not..but it was great to go where i wanted to go..they are severing meals in the messhall now..i don't know why they have the capenter shop sealed off and put it top side..and of course the medalsmith shop not the same with the small table their..it was good to go aboard and see some things.. i remember the sick bay where i spent 3 days their from a broken ankle..i fell down a ladder going to my fire station fell on a chief petty officers lap as he was setting in and of all the stupid things he said was did you fall he didn't help me but the captian helped me to sick bay.
 

Name: greg holts
Date: 05/03/2008
Comments: hey hoover remember the limo. you were such a celebrity
 

Name: greg holts
Date: 05/03/2008
Comments: p lank owner 81-85 mdivision emo2 first non-rated to be mmow and command anvanced to e-4.
 

Name: W. Thomas Bower BM3
Date: 04/27/2008
Comments: any one who ws in 3rd div deck 67-69 please e-mail anyone who has Diabetees or Prostate Cancer who was topside during Vietnam war e-mail me Thanks Tom Bower BM3
 

Name: Bob LaPlume
Date: 04/23/2008
Comments: Sorry, served on her from 81-85. Had my retirement on her in 2002. Bookends to my career that began on the Big J.
 

Name: Bob LaPlume
Date: 04/23/2008
Comments: Just updating my info. Hello to all my shipmates!
 

Name: Larry "Ski" Kalakauskis, BTC USN Ret.
Date: 04/20/2008
Comments: "THIS IS DEDICATED TO ALL ENGINEERING MEN WHO HAVE STOOD WATCHES IN THE "SNIPE HOLES." THE ENGINEER’S LAMENT Now each of us from time to time, has gazed upon the sea And watched the warships pulling out, to keep this country free. And most of us have read the book, or heard the lusty tale About the men who sail these ships, through lightning, wind and hail. But there’s a place within each ship, that stories never reach. And there’s a special breed of men, that legends rarely teach. It’s down below the waterline, it takes a living toll… A hot metallic hell, that Sailors call the “Hole.” It houses engines run by steam, that makes the shafts go ‘round.’ A place of fire, noise and heat, that beat your spirit down. Where boilers, like a hellish heart, with blood of angry steam Are armored gods without remorse: are nightmares in a dream. Whose threat that from the fires roar, is like a living doubt That any minute would scorn, escape and crush you out. Where turbines scream like tortured souls, alone and lost in hell As ordered from above somewhere, they answer every bell. The men who keep the fires lit, and make the engines run Are strangers to the world of light, rarely see the sun. They have not time for man or God, no tolerance for fear. Their aspect pays no living thing, the tribute of a tear. For there’s not much that man can do, that these men haven’t done Beneath the decks, deep in the hole, to make the engines run. And every hour of every day, they keep the watch in hell, For if the fires ever fail, their ship’s a useless shell. When ships converge to have a war, upon an angry sea. The men below just grimly smile at what their fate may be. They’re locked below like men foredoomed, who hear no battle cry. It’s well assumed that if they’re hit, the men below will die. There’s not much difference down below, that ever war may bring. For threat of ugly violent death, down there’s a common thing. For every day’s war down there, when the gauges all read red, Six hundred pounds of heated steam can kill you might dead. So every man down in the hole has learned to hate so well, That when you speak to them of fear, their laughter’s heard in hell. The men below are fools who watch their spirits slowly die, Who often can’t remember how a cloud looks in the sky. So if you ever wrote their song, or tried to tell their tale, The very words would make you hear a desperate spirit’s wail. And people, as a general rule, don’t hear a dying soul, So little is heard about that place that Sailors call the “Hole.” But I can sing about this place and try to make you see, The hopeless life of men down there, “Cause one of them is me.” And I’ve been down there for so long now, that part of me has died, The part that lives on without light, to be a lost hope’s guide. I’ve seen these sweat-soaked heroes fight, in superheated air, To keep their ship alive and right, though no one knows they’re there. So when you see a ship pull out to meet a war-like foe, Remember faintly, if you can, the men who sail below! --Author unknown NOTE: Substitute steam presses to 400PSI, 1,200PSI as the steam pressure may be.
 

Name: John Hagen
Date: 04/11/2008
Comments: Just an update, the time for the USS New Jersey plaque dedication at the Nimitz museum in Fredericksburg Texas has been moved up to 12:30 due to a NROTC awards ceramony at 2:00 John Hagen MMC(SW)RET
 

Name: Anthony S. Leanza GM-3, '67-'69
Date: 04/09/2008
Comments: It is just so very hard to believe that on this past Sunday April 6th 2008, it had been 40 years since the recommissioning, of the USS New Jersey at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard...I am so proud to have been a member of the crew on board and also becoming a Plankowner, on that wonderful day...April 6th 1968...it was a great day in the annals of US Naval history..the day the US Navy once again had an active duty Battleship commissioned in its fleet...and what a great representation , of US Naval power the Battleship is....no other ship in the entire Naval fleet looks as foreboding as a Battleship...it exudes its slogan."FIREPOWER FOR FREEDOM". and was there Firepower. And I having served as a Gunnersmate in Turrent One,16 inch Main Battery, was a Gunnersmates ultimate place to be... Happy 40th Anniversary, of the recommissioning, to all the Viet Nam Vets who were aboard on that day "April 6th 1968"........ We will all fondly remember that day all of our lives....It truly was the very best US Naval Ship to have served on........and never forget this..."We are Battleship Sailors!"
 

Name: Les Olson BTCS RET
Date: 04/08/2008
Comments: Served 09/81 to 11/84 and again 01/88 to 03/90 Great memories. Mallow, Susan and I are still looking for a good Cocker Spaniel. Anyone from B DIV. drop me an E-Mail
 

Name: mark laskowski
Date: 04/07/2008
Comments: Crew member from May 69 till decommission. Looking for some old friends.
 

Name: Bob Dingman, EM2, '67-'69
Date: 04/06/2008
Comments: Happy 40th Anniversary to all the Vietnam Era crewmembers who were onboard in Philadelphia that Friday, April 6, 1968. It was a great day and an every greater experience serving on the worlds only active battleship. We will all remember our time together, the good times and the hard times. Enjoy today and remember your shipmates, those of us who are still keeping her memory alive and those who have passed away. I hope to see many of you again, and some of you for the first time in nearly 40 years, at the reunion this September in Philadelphia. It will be a special day, for all of us Vietnam Era crewmembers, when we step aboard her once again.
 

Name: John Hagen
Date: 04/03/2008
Comments: Looking for ship store operators with information on what geedunk was sold in the quick shop along with the brand of smokes and pop also known as soda. The ship wants to stock it with only the brand that were sold on th ship. Please contact me. Thanks John Hagen MMC(SW)Ret.
 

Name: George Stavros RM1 67-69
Date: 04/02/2008
Comments: Shipmates: I have new information about something of tremendous importance to all Vietnam Vets. In 2004, a blue-water-sailor Vietnam vet named Jonathan Haas was denied disability compensation by the VA for illness he claimed was the result of exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides while serving offshore Vietnam on a ship. The VA argues that you must have actually set foot in Vietnam during the war to claim such a disability. Haas appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Benefits and in August 2006 the Court issued an opinion finding the VA must pay disability compensation to blue-water sailors who served in waters offshore Vietnam during the war. The VA appealed this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, arguing that it would have to hire 200-300 people to process the thousands of claims that would result and seek additional funding from Congress to pay the hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional disability compensation. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard arguments on the appeal in November 2007 and the case is now awaiting a decision. I happened to have set foot in Vietnam prior to offshore service aboard the Big J and have Type 2 Diabetes, one of several diseases the VA acknowledges is caused by exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. If you set foot in Vietnam at any time during the war, and have Diabetes or one of several other diseases, you are automatically assumed to have contracted the disease by virtue of your service and are entitled to disability compensation. The pending court decision will determine whether blue-water sailors who never set foot in Vietnam will also be compensated. I began the process of filing a claim with the VA in August 2007 and am awaiting a ruling on my case. The two important things you need to know is that if you served in Vietnam during the war and set foot ashore you are entitled to compensation if you have Type 2 Diabetes or one of several other diseases and that if you were a blue-water sailor and never set foot in Vietnam during the war but served in a ship offshore, you may also be entitled to compensation for these diseases. BUT YOU HAVE TO APPLY TO THE VA. The VA is accepting applications for disability from blue-water sailors but holding them pending the court decision. However, it takes many months to get the paperwork started and processed so if you think you are eligible, you should start now. You can contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or go to their website for more information. Various veterans' groups provide assistance to Vietnam Vets to apply for compensation. It is extremely frustrating, confusing and time consuming but compensation ranges from $117 to $2,500 a month (non-taxable) and carries other benefits such as exemption from some property taxes, etc. You should apply immediately if you think you are eligible.
 

Name: Billy Wano
Date: 03/25/2008
Comments: I was on the commissioning crew in Philly, but was sent TAD to ComFour for message traffic support for the Jersey. I came aboard with RM2 Pettis Mady, he stayed aboard and worked. I've heard from a couple of shipmates since Vietnam, Leon Anglin, Pettis Mady and Bill Gordon all radiomen. I got a letter (snail mail) from Gary Snydock, I replied, but never received another note. My email is b.wano@cox.net.
 

Name: Thomas Johnson
Date: 03/22/2008
Comments: Sheldon ,sorry to tell you that A, Paglialonga is deceased.I remember you being in the tailor shop,long time gone by. If you have any info on Bob Smith would you send it via my E-mail ,thanks.....
 

Name: Sheldon Long SH3
Date: 03/19/2008
Comments: I am looking for A.L.Laudano,B.J Glover H.S. Miller A. Paglialonga, R.A. Shlemon.All in the S3 Division on the BB62 l952-1956
 

Name: Frederick R. Miller, PH1, USN Retired (55-73)
Date: 03/17/2008
Comments: The following obituary was published in the Plattsburgh (NY) Press Republican from 3/17/2008 - 3/18/2008. LYON MOUNTAIN -- Alvin L. "Major" Thompson, 84, of Lyon Mountain, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2008, at the Clinton County Nursing Home in Plattsburgh. He was born in Lyon Mountain on June 26, 1923, the son of Albert and Mary Ellen (Leigh) Thompson. He graduated from Lyon Mountain High School and served in the U.S. Navy on the USS New Jersey in World War II. He was later employed at Republic Steel in Lyon Mountain and later in Mineville and later worked for Luck Vending in Plattsburgh until his retirement. He helped form the Lyon Mountain Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops and was a founding member of the Lyon Mountain Fire Department and served as chief. He enjoyed gardening and birdwatching. He was a past member of the Sorrell-Woodward American Legion in Lyon Mountain and the Hunter's Home hunting club. He is survived by four sons and spouses, Alvin C. and Barbara Thompson of Plattsburgh, Kenneth L. Thompson of Plattsburgh, Glenn A. Thompson of Lyon Mountain, Scott T. Thompson and companion Sue Provost of Plattsburgh; two daughters, Cheryl Johnson of Albany, Vicki and Benny Biggs of Eagle Point, Ore.; a brother and sister-in-law, Floyd and Lillian Thompson of Morrisonville, two sisters, Connie Kline of Lyon Mountain, Marilyn Bowman of New Mexico; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. His wife, Frances Thompson, died on April 13, 2005. His parents and a sister also died earlier. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday from the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in St. Bernard's cemetery in Lyon Mountain at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lyon Mountain Fire Department, the Clinton County Nursing Home Activities Fund or the Lyon Mountain Mining Museum.
 

Name: James D(avid) Gafford
Date: 03/14/2008
Comments: My father, John L(ouis) Gafford, was a plank owner on BB-62, and served in the Navy for the duration of WWII. He passed away on September 3, 2006, at age 84-1/2. It never occurred to me then or before that (...naturally...!) there had to be a U.S.S. New Jersey alumni organization of some sort! I would very much appreciate receiving any information you may be able to provide about the organization, and as to whether or not mention might be made of Dad and his passing. I myself am a 1978 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy. Thank you, and best regards, --James D. Gafford (james@jamesgafford.com)
 

Name: John Hagen
Date: 03/09/2008
Comments: On May 10 2008 at 2:00 pm there will be a USS New Jersey plaque Dedication at the Nimitz Museum in Fredricksburg Texas. If you are in driving distance and would like to attend please call me so we can have enough chairs set up. My home # 281-894-5602. I will also put this info in the bounce. A photo of the finished plaque will not be available for a couple of weeks. There is a picture of the design in the up comming Bounce. So if you know anyone that way like to attend the dedication pass this info on. Thanks John Hagen MMC(SW)RET.
 

Name: Sheldon L long
Date: 03/09/2008
Comments: I served aboard the New Jersey from 52-56. I worked in the s-3 Division (laundry for the most part then transford to the tailor shop). I visit the Big "J" when i come up to see my son and grandchildren. My son Richard is helping me locate crew members. I have a list of about twenty men, would like to know how many members are still with us. Had many good times aboard her and we worked very hard. I want to share past memories with my family. I now reside in Blackshear GA. Please contact me at theodoralong@bellsouth.net
 

Name: Bill Meredith- Northern District Vietnam Era Rep.
Date: 03/08/2008
Comments: J.R. Prince.....Please correct your email address as it is not current. I'd like to pass along reunion information to you. Thanks
 

Name: Bill Meredith
Date: 03/08/2008
Comments: ATTENTION NORTHERN DISTRICT VIETNAM SHIPMATES! There are a few of you out there who need to contact me and update your email addresses. If you are one of the following people or correspond with one of the people listed please contact me with a new email address: James PETERSON, Mike ZINK, Jack NOTHDURFT, Robert ROTH, Stan PHILLIPS, Glenn HECKMAN, Mike MENDITTO, Bruce BURGDOFF, Charles BRUTTON, Ralph BUCCI, and Don WADEMAN. Many thanks from your Northen District Vietnam Era Representative.
 

Name: Steve Lyman
Date: 03/07/2008
Comments: Now hear this. Fellow shipmates of BB 62. This memo is to inform the crew that Philip Lyman,Gary, IN, Seaman First,a ship's bugler, in 1947 passed away in FL (8/06) after battling cancer for several years. He later completed trade school on the GI Bill and went on to have a long career as a master welder in shipbuilding, aircraft, race car fabrication, and gas line construction. He was married, had 8 kids, and regaled at telling his family the tales of high seas adventure during his years in the Navy. He proudly displayed a letter from DoD during the Vietnam War requesting his service to crew on Big J when the ship was being prepared to sail to SE Asia. He respectfully declined the request. My dad was a good man who got a good start in life in the Navy. That is all.
 

Name: J.R. Prince
Date: 03/07/2008
Comments: looking forward to reunite with anyone who served 68-69 2nd div.
 

Name: sam flener
Date: 03/06/2008
Comments: i bought two cruise cd s on the new jersey and was dissapointed in them.. i don't recomend them at all..the print was very bad.. i am looking forward to seeing some ship mates this year at the reunion.. i am planning on going to the ship in april on my birthday.. it will be a self guided tour and it is free to former ship mates that severed aboard her.other vetrans and seinors it cost $10.50.
 

Name: mike banks
Date: 02/26/2008
Comments: take a look at this mike thi is cool beans the uss new jersey
 

Name: JAMES R. COOK
Date: 02/24/2008
Comments: I WAS IN 4 DIVISION 68 TO ? SERVED TO VIETNAM
 

Name: charles cohn
Date: 02/23/2008
Comments: Big "J" is the best. It was an honor serving aboard her May 87 to Feb 91.
 

Name: OSCAR G JOSE, MCPO, USN, RET
Date: 02/23/2008
Comments: Served onbd (Command Career Counselor)from JAN89-until Decommissioning in 1991
 

Name: Robert W. Walters
Date: 02/22/2008
Comments: Who has the duty of correcting and/or changing my email to funghi13@comcast.net? Thank you.
 

Name: FRANK GOETZ
Date: 02/21/2008
Comments: Jerry Jones from Allen M Sumner DD 692 looking for you. If anyone has info please contact me..Much tks keep your feet dry
 

Name: KIM CHASTEEN
Date: 02/05/2008
Comments: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN MY FATHER JIMMIE LEE HAHN, USN, 442-54-0335 RECENTLY PASSED AWAY ON 01/29/08.HE SEVERD ON THE NEW JERSEY . I DON'T KNOW THE THE EXACT DATES BECAUSE I WAS REALLY YOUNG AT THE TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANY BODY HAD ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HIS TIME ABOARD.THE ONLY RECORD WE HAVE IS A LETTER OF APPRECIATION WORTE TO BM2 JIMMIE LEE HAHN ON 15 NOV 1983 SIGN BY A COMMANDING OFFICER R.D. MILLIGAN.
 

Name: Richard Charles Irwin..."Spider"
Date: 01/28/2008
Comments: any shipmates from "67-"69 please contact me...or any other shipmates
 

Name: Robert O'Neil
Date: 01/24/2008
Comments: My brother Edwardserved on the U.S.S. New Jersey from Commissioning until his discharge in 1946. He died in 1985. I would like to know how I can get a copy of the names of the plank owners. Thank you Robert L.O'Neil.
 

Name: Frank Courter
Date: 01/10/2008
Comments: My father Walter "Bud" Courter was on the New Jersey in 53. Any stories or photo's of him would make me very happy. He died 9/2000. Thank you.
 

Name: Jack Cleary
Date: 01/10/2008
Comments: Hi! Looking to say hello to anyone in 4 Engineroom from the 82-85 era. Send me an email.
 

Name: Peter Frederick Jensen
Date: 12/28/2007
Comments: I served on the New Jersey during our Vietnam tour (67 - 69) and was assigned to H Division. I just retired from the police department in the DC area and during my service, I worked as a screener at the commissioning of the WW-II memorial. I still have a few of the handout kits from this service (20) and would like to give them to any WW-II vets that would like to have them.. If you email me with your address, I will send them to the first come- first serve... I wish you all smooth sailing and a safe New Year.
 

Name: Kevin Cooksey
Date: 12/28/2007
Comments: My father (Duane Cooksey) served on the Jersey during Korea in turret #1. He told us that they painted a picture on one of the guns called "Screaming Joan" after my mother. I was wondering if there was a picture of this and does anyone remeber this Thanks
 

Name: Jessi Trafton
Date: 12/28/2007
Comments: My grandfather was on this ship during the Korean War. His name is Maynard Trafton. Though he's still alive he's not doing well and I don't believe I'll ever have the chance to ask him anything about is time on the ship. I'd like to know if anyone remembers him or could tell me more. I know the chances are slim but I it's worth a shot. Thanks!
 

Name: Phil Stern
Date: 12/25/2007
Comments: I was an HMC