Monday, June 08, 2009 at 17:52:50 (MDT)
Name:Bill Romanak 
Rank/Rate: E3
Division/Squadron: 4th division
Years Aboard: 1 yr 1965
Comments: had a great time was incharge of paint locker
Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 10:05:53 (MDT)
Name:Roger Schroeder 
Rank/Rate: AQ3
Division/Squadron: IM3 F-4 radar/VF-41
Years Aboard: 71-74
Comments: I agree with the other comments,including the the storm.
Friday, June 05, 2009 at 19:53:28 (MDT)
Name:ALBERT TURPIN 
Rank/Rate: sn
Division/Squadron: 4th div
Years Aboard: 65-67
Comments: HI GUYS
I WAS A COXSWAIN ON #6 U BOAT. LOOKING FOR ANY ONE WHO SERVED ABOARD THE ROSIE
THAT MAY HAVE KNOWN ME.
GOD BLESS ALL
AL TURPIN
Friday, June 05, 2009 at 12:27:24 (MDT)
Name:Larry B. Foster 
Rank/Rate: BM3
Division/Squadron: 4th Divn (#2 Uboat coxswain)
Years Aboard: 1966-1968
Comments: Came aboard the Rosie when she arrived Subic Bay. Has just completed a 6 month VietNam cruise aboard the USS Bausell DD 845. Requested brother duty and
was tranferred to the Rosie. My brother Gerald (Jerry) Foster and I both were
in 4th Divn. After the VietNam cruise, did the 1967 Med cruise. Had a great time. In May 2009 at Jacksonville, Fl, my brother and I attended the FDR Reunion.
Had a great time and was good to see so many guys from 4th Divn that we served with and good to meet so many other shipmates.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 20:25:12 (MDT)
Name:Paul McParland sr
Rank/Rate: usmc ret.
Comments: books found free fdr cruise books vietnams 1966 67 and mediterranean 1967 68 also greatlakes boot camp company 248 july 1 1965 aug 27 1965
owner of books was john p donofrio if he cant be found will give to sailor who was in company 248 are on fdr cruise contact paul McPartland usmc ret. pay poostage only 727 525 5241
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 17:06:45 (MDT)
Name:Leroy C Calvin 
Rank/Rate: AM3
Division/Squadron: V2
Years Aboard: 1952-54
Comments: I took 2 med cruises and went around the horn to Bremerton. WA I went above Artic Circle and below the Anartic Circle. Crossed the equator in both oceans . I was an aviation stuctural mechanic and I really enjoyed my time aboard the FDR.
Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 20:52:59 (MDT)
Name:Joe Snodgrass/New Palestine, Indiana 
Rank/Rate: DK3
Division/Squadron: S-4 Disbursing/TAD from VF41
Years Aboard: 1970 Med cruise
Comments: Was aboard for the Shake Down Cruise in 1969 getting ready for the 1970 Med Cruise. I was VF-41's Disbursing clerk attached to the Air Wing. Had a great time aboard and good friends with some to this day. Wouldnt' trade my experiences in the Navy for anything. Everyone should have to serve.
Saturday, May 09, 2009 at 13:12:37 (MDT)
Name:Donald H. Schenck
Years Aboard: Sometime in the '50's (Korean War)
Comments: I just attended the funeral of DONALD H. SCHENCK who served on board sometime in the 50's (Korean War).
After his time with the Navy I worked with Don for many years at General Electric Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati, Ohio As Engineering Designers. I don't know if anyone on board remembers him but he was a real asset to the Navy.
Rod Allen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 12:22:23 (MDT)
Name:Bravitt Manley 
Rank/Rate: YN2
Division/Squadron: VF-84
Years Aboard: 1975
Comments: Best cruise in Navy history - all ports and fun - very little actual sea time!
Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 11:24:09 (MDT)
Name:Chuck Franta 
Rank/Rate: CS3
Division/Squadron: S-2
Years Aboard: 1968-1971
Comments: Like to hear from other crew members from thoes years. Had a great time.
Love to hear from other cooks.
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 18:44:40 (MDT)
Name:Albert H. Murray 
Rank/Rate: ADJ 2
Division/Squadron: VQ 1 Det
Years Aboard: 3 days in 1967
Comments: I was an EA 3 B Skywarrior Plane Captain assigned to VQ 1. All of the carriers I flew from were the big ones, Indy, America, Kitty Hawk, Enterprize. Then one day my pilot Cdr. Bob Arn said, "We are going to the Roosevelt for three days"! My thoughts were,"SO"! then we landed aboard and was I ever surprised. The ship was small, but well maintained and I seem to remember some good chow. Then the next day we launched, I road backwards in the cockpit and after the flight my shoulders hurt from the short cat stroke. But fliy our missions we did and I am very proud to have been there. Also served on her sister the Coral Sea. I am also looking for Frank Nocella who served in one of the squadrons on the last Med cruise. God Bless
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 08:49:41 (MDT)
Name:Jim Grant 
Rank/Rate: ABF3
Division/Squadron: V4
Years Aboard: 76
Comments: Came aboard in the Med, she was my first sea deployment. Waited in Rota for the Rosey to catch up! Played round on their airfield for a couple of weeks! It was an experience I'll never forget. Michael Laberti was one in my division I remember, funny he had family in Albuquerque then, guess where I live now! Never got to get all the goodies from the ships store for a crew member. Payroll fouled up while I was on board and didn't get it straightened out for most of the cruise! Anyone remember the loading of POV's in Mayport, saw quite a few crushed by the crane I drove mine on! Went with her to Portsmouth for decommissioning, that was pretty sad even though I wasn't on her long, sure miss being at sea. Went on to Iceland from there, ended up in Specwarfare in Little Creek (reserve SBU24). I would love to hear from anyone in V4
Sunday, April 05, 2009 at 17:32:27 (MDT)
Name:Winford R Propheter (Rip) 
Division/Squadron: 4th Div /Boats
Years Aboard: 70-71
Comments: It was an experiance of a life time, from the strange to the fantastic. I loved driving them 50' boats. Meeting people from all over the states as we transported them from the ship to shore and back in the Med. Seeing Rome, Barcelona, Palma, Malta, Athena, Rhodes, and all the other stops. I have some nice 8 x 10's of the Rosie and personal photos from that trip on my wall and look at them often and remember when. I am glad I was sent to Mayport and to the Rosie
Thursday, April 02, 2009 at 13:59:13 (MDT)
Name:Billy Pritchard
Rank/Rate: sasnBm3
Division/Squadron: 2nd div
Years Aboard: 69 71
Comments: did my share of scraping and chipping paint.went on to operate the old crane on flight deck, transfering material and supplies ship to ship and refueling.. tough work, but still had a ball ,,miss old rosie....
Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 12:24:43 (MDT)
Name:Larry T. Brannon 
Rank/Rate: AB-3
Division/Squadron: V1 arresting gear
Years Aboard: May 1951 - May 1953
Comments: Looking for fellow arresting gear members?? Please contact!
Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 18:24:28 (MDT)
Name:John Aradi 
Rank/Rate: AE-2
Division/Squadron: Va-172 Bluebolts
Years Aboard: 1966-68
Comments: I wish I could do it again!!
Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:49:06 (MDT)
Name:RAY RILEY
Rank/Rate: SM3
Division/Squadron: R
Years Aboard: 58-62
Comments: I MADE 3 MED CRUISES ON THE ROOSEVELT. LEFT 6-1-62
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 11:10:48 (MDT)
Name:Mike Brooks 
Rank/Rate: E-2
Division/Squadron: V-1
Years Aboard: 1976-1977
Comments: Hade a blast..
Friday, March 06, 2009 at 08:22:50 (MST)
Name:Roy Burress 
Rank/Rate: et/sn
Division/Squadron: oe
Years Aboard: 73-75
Comments: S.I.N.S.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at 23:35:37 (MST)
Name:MARION E PRUITT JR 
Rank/Rate: AMH3
Division/Squadron: VF-14
Years Aboard: 3
Comments: I worked in the VF14 airframes shop for 3 years and would like to hear from anyone who was there 1962-1965.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at 14:15:18 (MST)
Name:robert jones 
Rank/Rate: s/n-gunnersmate
Division/Squadron: 5th division
Years Aboard: 9/60 - 9/62
Comments: Have not seen or heard from anyone since discharge in 62.
Friday, February 27, 2009 at 23:12:41 (MST)
Name:Jerry Gregg 
Rank/Rate: AK3
Division/Squadron: S7
Years Aboard: 74-76
Comments: I served in Main Supply for apx. 2 years. (Took me a long time to stop answering phones without saying "Main Supply") Would like to hear from anyone in the office during that time. Especially looking for the following: D. "Mark" King, Al Moriarty, Mike Broome and Ted Bresky. Many nights at sea spent listening to music until 2am in that office, which I painted bright blue one night much to Lt. Malone's surprise.
Friday, February 20, 2009 at 21:03:19 (MST)
Name:Dan McAllen 
Rank/Rate: BM3
Division/Squadron: 4th div boat crew
Years Aboard: 76-77
Comments: on board for last med cruise, remember the wreck in the straits of Messina, capt. Bordone was a great skipper, a real liberty hound!I remember pulling into Mayport the last time and all the giris from the top of the tides strip bar coming out in a speed boat to greet us!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:55:35 (MST)
Name:Mike Koza
Rank/Rate: DT3
Division/Squadron: Dental
Years Aboard: 74-76
Comments: Played on the ship's softball team with a great bunch of guys.We had a good team.We didn't lose many games and we got out of alot of duty playing in tournaments.
Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 08:19:35 (MST)
Name:Robert Wendling (Ding) 
Rank/Rate: MR2
Division/Squadron: A-Division (Machine Shop)
Years Aboard: 1966 to 1970
Comments: Hi Billie!! I was a shipmate with Johnnie Fox(Red). We were on the 67-68 Med. cruise together. A correction to Billie's entery of R-Division. On FDR Machine Shop was A-6 Division.
Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 01:46:08 (MST)
Name:Johnnie W Fox (deceased) Billie Fox - daughter 
Rank/Rate: MR3
Division/Squadron: R div
Years Aboard: 1965- 1968
Comments: MY FATHER SERVED ON "ROSIE" FROM 1965 TO 1968. HE PASSED AWAY IN 1989 BUT ALWAYS TALKED FONDLY OF HIS NAVY DAYS. SO MUCH SO THAT I JOINED 2 1/2 YEARS AGO. I AM LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO HAD KNOWN HIM. IF HE HAD LIVED HE WOULD HAVE WANTED TO FIND HIS SHIPMATES THAT HE HAD SERVED WITH HIM.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 20:58:06 (MST)
Name:Ralph Patey 
Rank/Rate: IC2
Division/Squadron: E-Division
Years Aboard: 63-66
Comments: Remember L.V. Boler, Joseph Valente, Freddy Paris, Curtis Elliot, P.G. Menna
Wiring trunk fire in the Med that sent us to the yards in Brooklyn
Flung a propeller blade that sent us back to Brooklyn Yards.
and more
Monday, February 02, 2009 at 20:18:01 (MST)
Name:Joe Snodgrass 
Rank/Rate: DK3
Division/Squadron: VF-41's Disbursing Clerk
Years Aboard: 1970 Med Cruise
Comments: Was attached to S-4 Division from VF-41 as their Disbursing Clerk. Navy was a great experience that I have never regreted. Met some good friends in the Navy.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 10:36:36 (MST)
Name:William Morris 
Rank/Rate: SM3
Division/Squadron: CS Division
Years Aboard: 1961-1965
Comments: Made 2 nine month med cruises. In the cuban blockade. Looking for any swabbies from Signals.
Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 17:29:04 (MST)
Name:Stuart Hoskins 
Rank/Rate: Lt. Eugene Calvin Hoskins
Years Aboard: 1949
Comments: Hi, My father was Lt. Eugene Calvin Hoskins. He was killed in a mid-air collision during the 1949 tour of the Mediterranean Sea. I was wondering if anyone might remember him.
Thank you, Stuart Hoskins
Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 13:54:32 (MST)
Name:Garry Grubbs 
Rank/Rate: ABH-2
Division/Squadron: V-1
Years Aboard: 1965-1968
Comments: Enjoyed my tour..
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 11:07:39 (MST)
Name:Thomas D. Bourdage 
Rank/Rate: AE2
Division/Squadron: VFP63
Years Aboard: 1970
Comments: Just checking in to see if anybody is still out there from the "Eyes of the Fleet". Remember work ups off Gitmo and the shore Det there, New Years in Jax, the shore det to the Greek air base, the split weeks in France with a week off Cyprus in between?
Saturday, January 03, 2009 at 11:29:45 (MST)
Name:Wayne Klammer 
Rank/Rate: YN-3
Division/Squadron: X and R Div
Years Aboard: '64-'66
Comments: Looking for George Carter YN-1. George was in the Engineering Log Room. Also would like to e-mail anyone else that was in R or X division during this time
Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 15:51:49 (MST)
Name:DENNY HICKS 
Rank/Rate: E-5 / HT
Division/Squadron: "R" DIV
Years Aboard: 4
Comments: I'M LOOKINGFOR A PATCH FOR MY JACKET, I WAS ON BOARD FROM 72 TO 76. IT'S A PATCH OF A ROSE, THAT SAYS ROSIE UNDER NEATH IT. AT THE BOTTOM IT SAYS F.D.R. C.V.A. 42.... ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO CELL ONE, OR KNOW WHERE TO PURCHACE ONE, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD CONTACT ME. I'VE BEEN LOOKING THROUGH VARIOUS SITES AND HAD NO LUCK.. THANKS DENNY
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 18:07:54 (MST)
Name:Alwyn V Johnson 
Rank/Rate: ABH-2
Division/Squadron: V1-Fly-3
Years Aboard: 1965 to 1966
Comments: It was the best of times. I would go back and do it over again if I could. I loved working on the flightdeck.
Saturday, December 06, 2008 at 08:47:55 (MST)
Name:Mike Stacey 
Rank/Rate: AE2
Division/Squadron: VA 176
Years Aboard: 1972 to 1974
Comments: None
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 09:15:50 (MST)
Name:Harry Joswiak 
Rank/Rate: Dental Tech
Division/Squadron: VR1
Years Aboard: Oct.1950-April 1952
Comments: Would like to hear from any one from that period of time.Proud to have been aboard.God bless all of the rosy crews.
Monday, November 17, 2008 at 17:49:59 (MST)
Name:Bill High 
Rank/Rate: AN
Division/Squadron: V1Div.
Years Aboard: 1957/1958
Comments: I was in Flight deck Control
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 17:05:23 (MST)
Name:Charlie Hughes 
Rank/Rate: RD3
Division/Squadron: OI
Years Aboard: 66 - 69
Comments: It was a time I will never forget. The pictures brought back good memories.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 22:21:52 (MST)
Name:Hurley (Mac) McManus 
Rank/Rate: ATN-3
Division/Squadron: V-6 Avionics
Years Aboard: 1962-65
Comments: I'm looking for anyone who served with me during 62 to 65. Especially Wendell Lovell and his nickname was "POO" for parts on order. He was a ATM-2 when we served together and he was from Waycross, Ga. He was a great friend and sure would like to find him.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 06:57:50 (MST)
Name:Robert Wendling 
Rank/Rate: MR2
Division/Squadron: A Division (Machine Shop)
Years Aboard: 1966 - 1970
Comments: VETERANS DAY - Thanks to all who served there country USA
Friday, November 07, 2008 at 17:27:45 (MST)
Name:Armando Soliz 
Comments: Anyone have info on fire that took the lives of 8 of your shipmates 4 Nov 66. Working on a poss book of the Vietnam War. From what I can tell at least 2 were Firefighters (?) I would like to add them to the book, so we don't forget them.
Thanks for your help, I can also be reached at 541-868-7057
Thursday, November 06, 2008 at 04:20:53 (MST)
Name:J Trischler
Rank/Rate: AT-2
Division/Squadron: VF41, TAD to IM3 Com Nav
Comments: Great site, brings back a lot of memories
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 18:52:23 (MST)
Name:Pat Taylor 
Comments: Looking for anyone who served with my husband, Gerald (Jerry) Taylor, during the years 1968-1970. He was in the boiler room - 2 Charlie Team. Any pictures would be appreciated. Thanks.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008 at 13:46:11 (MST)
Name:Ken Gran 
Rank/Rate: SK2
Division/Squadron: S-1/W
Years Aboard: 1/67-5/70
Comments: The time of my life I remember the most and best. Served in the Supply Office and in W Division as Weapons Storekeeper. Love to hear from old friends who might see this so comtact me. Now living south of Atlanta, Ga.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008 at 13:45:56 (MST)
Name:Ken Gran 
Rank/Rate: SK2
Division/Squadron: S-1/W
Years Aboard: 1/67-5/70
Comments: The time of my life I remember the most and best. Served in the Supply Office and in W Division as Weapons Storekeeper. Love to hear from old friends who might see this so comtact me. Now living south of Atlanta, Ga.
Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 23:06:12 (MDT)
Name:Gerald Koska  
Rank/Rate: E-3
Division/Squadron: S-1
Years Aboard: 1969to1973
Comments: Had some great times and miss some good frinds,and good times in the Med.
Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 23:03:54 (MDT)
Name:Gerald Koska  
Rank/Rate: E-3
Division/Squadron: S-1
Years Aboard: 1969to1973
Comments: Had some great times and miss some great in the Med.
Thursday, October 02, 2008 at 17:12:16 (MDT)
Name:Steve Barton 
Rank/Rate: Ensign
Division/Squadron: R
Years Aboard: 1975-1978
Comments: I was the Assist. R-Div. officer during the last cruise and remember the night of the collison very well. We were going through the Straits of Messina lit up like a Christmas tree with friendship lights. The freighter that hit us had tried to pass on the starboard side and beat us out of the straights. She was running dark with no one on the bridge, being steered by her after-steering crew. Complete idiots! Since we were in the straights the CINS radar had a 20 deg. blind spot aft as the sweep crossed the stacks, so nobody in CIC saw her coming. I believe the first to see her was the fantail watch. Scary night for those guys.
I had come off of watch in Main Control, hit the mid-rats, and was in the HT shop with Chief Kuhn and several other guys playing guitars together when we heard "attention to starboard" on the 1MC. We thought this was strange to render honors to another ship in the middle of the night until they came back and corrected themselves to say "collision to starboard". Right away we felt the impact and that sickening shudder as Rosey's bow plowed into the freighter. We though at first that we had hit a sandbar and run aground. We all high-tailed it to our stations (repair lockers for us), broke out the OBA'S and other equipment and sent repair parties down, down, down trying to find any damage.
The MM's & BT's did a tremendous job of bringing us from standard speed (090 rpm) to all back full without dragging boilers off the line. Your efforts no doubt kept the collision from being far worse than it might have been if we had lost manuverability and wound up dead in the water. As I recall, the MM's & BT's took her out of "reverse" and into a slow forward crawl to push the Liberian grain freighter over until her keel hit the mud, preventing her from sinking or becoming a hazard to navigation in the straights when we finally backed out of her. An incredible achievement for the snipes and the helm! I also recall the grunts running all over Rosey with their M-16's, and then pulling pieces of wood from the Liberian ship as souveniers before we pulled out of her. Those of us in R-Div. spent alot of hours tethered to the starboard catwalks to try to make repairs prior to pulling into Naples.
As cruises go, Rosey's last was pretty interesting.
Monday, September 22, 2008 at 13:55:06 (MDT)
Name:Anthony Natale 
Rank/Rate: ABH3
Division/Squadron: VH1 Crash Crew
Years Aboard: 1968,1971
Comments: As much as I thought I hated the time I was on the ship, I always think back to them as years that Ill never forget.I learned so much about life and how to work with all as a team
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 10:26:48 (MDT)
Name:Robert Scott 
Comments: My dad served on the FDR from 62 to 65 is name was Stephen B Scott, his nickname growing up was "little Stinky" or "scotty" that followed him in the navy as well. His best friend on the ship was nicknamed "rabbye" but, for some reason I can't remember his full name. I do know he was a plane captain on an A3D, with VAH-11 and I think his plane was 603. And I do remember my grand mother telling me, that he was blown over the flight deck in 64 I think, and I was told of some funny stories about him and his shipmates, at a port of call in spain. I still have the little Jewelry box, with the metal top and the FDR on the top of it. Unfourtunalty My dad lost his battle with cancer in may of 05. I would like to ask if anybody remembers him or has any funny stories of him, please drop me an email mattsjobu@yahoo.com He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero, and I would love any stories that anyone can remember.
Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 14:15:06 (MDT)
Name:Ralph Harker 
Rank/Rate: QM3
Division/Squadron: N Div.
Years Aboard: 65 - 67
Comments: Great Memories on the Rosie. Really saw the world and then some.
I'm proud to have served with all my shipmates on board the Rosie.
Would like to hear from some of the guys in "N" Div.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 01:43:38 (MDT)
Name:Julian Bradford 
Rank/Rate: AN
Division/Squadron: VF-14
Years Aboard: 66-67
Comments: I came aboard just in time for the WestPac deployment. Fresh out of "A" school and ready to take on the world. We crossed the Equator on July 4 1966, thereby becoming "star spangled shellbacks" after being passed upon by King Neptune and his royal court. Rio liberty was amazing; I had no idea how bad their inflation was and it was two days of really energetic liberty to use up $22 worth of cruzeiros! Once we got on line at Yankee Station, it was a lot of hard work, little sleep, and looking forward to whatever rest or sleep could be found. Food was always magnificent, likewise the coffee. Finally, Subic. Ah, the joys of Olongapo City! San Miguel beer, baluts (did I really eat four at a sitting?), pancit, lumpia, and tuba. GIRLS! Will I ever forget my friend Milagros, Mila for short? No way, Jose! Developed appendicitis, was taken over to the Navy hospital at Cubi Point, it burst before they got me opened up, and I was two weeks in hospital with drain tubes in me, thus missing the trip to Hong Kong. Christmas came; so did Bob Hope, Joey Heatherton, Anita Bryant (shudder), the Korean Kittens and I don['t remember who all else. A fine show. When we were relieved, it was off to Cape Town where we got no liberty thanks to the liberals in Washington who thought giving the crew liberty would seem to indicate that the US condoned apartheid.
I couldn't end this entry without saluting the brave people on the Oriskany. On October 26 1966 they suffered a major fire with the loss of life. We weren't far from them at all when i t happened and we were told all hands turned to in order to fight the fire and everyone performed with dedication. I will never forgot the prayer our chaplain offered on the 1MC that night and my thoughts: if not for God's mercy, that could have been us.
A lot could of happened, a lot didn't...and we came home finally. The Rosie was a fine ship and I served with the best shipmates a young sailor could have asked for. A day doesn't go by that I don't remember some part of that cruise.
Fair winds and following seas to all!
Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 19:48:22 (MDT)
Name:James W Young 
Rank/Rate: Ltjg
Division/Squadron: PAO +Engineering Log Room
Years Aboard: 1968-70
Comments: Memories of those days have mellowed with time.
Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 15:41:25 (MDT)
Name:Walter Nagy Jr. 
Rank/Rate: E-4
Years Aboard: 66-69
Comments: My dad was on this ship at this time. I have alot of pictures and his memories.My father has only a couple of months left of his life at the age of 63 and i would appreciate and friends who knew him or anyone w/memories to e-mail so i can let my dad know about everyone. i would greatly appreciate it and i know my father would also be happy to have heard of your lives now. my name is Cherry and my e-mail address is cherrytrio@neo.rr.com. THANK YOU AGAIN!!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 13:23:07 (MDT)
Name:Anthony Amador 
Rank/Rate: MM3
Division/Squadron: M - Div. #3 Eng. Rm.
Years Aboard: 1975 to 1977
Comments: Enjoyed my time on the Roise alot of good memories.
Thursday, August 07, 2008 at 18:20:20 (MDT)
Name:Rick (Super Snoot) Smith 
Rank/Rate: ABE3
Division/Squadron: V2 Catapults
Years Aboard: 1972 - 1975
Comments: Great times aboard "Rosie". Starboard Cat rocks!Looking through the pictures from Dyer and remember too well the cold days rebuilding the "cats".
Monday, August 04, 2008 at 14:46:49 (MDT)
Name:Dennis 
Rank/Rate: E-4/Radioman
Division/Squadron: Communication
Years Aboard: 1974 - 1977
Comments: I may the last Med. cruise with "Rosie" and was the last "RM" to leave her. Had great times aboard the Roosevelt.
Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 17:58:16 (MDT)
Name:John (Rick) Beekman 
Rank/Rate: SN
Division/Squadron: OI Div
Years Aboard: 1963-1965
Comments: Great Memories on the Rosie. President Kennedy assassinated..Screw breaks we sail from the Med to NY then back to the Med to finish the cruise....Captain Miller tells us Vietnam war starts over 1MC...So many great Memories with a Great crew and a Great Ship..may the Rosie live in our memories always...
Sunday, June 22, 2008 at 15:37:16 (MDT)
Name:Ross E. Brown 
Rank/Rate: MM3
Division/Squadron: A Div.
Years Aboard: 65-67
Comments: Med. cruise 65, around the horn in 66, just found this site, I'm lovin it. would like to hear from some of the guys in "A" Div. , air cond. & refrig.
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 10:03:16 (MDT)
Name:Dan Pfaff (PUFF) 
Rank/Rate: E-4 ABE
Division/Squadron: V2 cats
Years Aboard: 66-69
Comments: Believe it or not i recently moved to Florida from Toledo, Ohio. I followed my daughter down to a place she thought was the best! Well that place was Atlantic Beach, Just about a mile from were the old F-ilthy, D-irty and R-usty was parked! Love to hear from any of the gang
Monday, June 02, 2008 at 16:00:12 (MDT)
Name:John D Purifoy 
Rank/Rate: N/A
Comments: Would love any info on USS FDR deployment to vietnam. Would really like to find a copy of the cruise book for the time period. My father was aboard and it would make a great gift for him
Sunday, June 01, 2008 at 21:02:00 (MDT)
Name:Charles Duffy 
Comments: I have a picture of all all the officers on the USS Roosevelt with the ships Captain. WWII era black and white. I maybe able to scan it. It is a big photo. Let me know.
Sunday, June 01, 2008 at 20:28:17 (MDT)
Name:Charles Duffy 
Comments: Sorry, if I over posted. Uncle Charlie did not go into the Korean conflict with this ship. As I remember this was one of the last aircraft carriers built at the end of WWII. He went to South America and worked for the church.
He did tell me about a major fire on the aircraft carrier. It was nasty.
Sunday, June 01, 2008 at 20:11:58 (MDT)
Name:Charles Duffy 
Comments: My uncle who is now 84 years old was the ships chaplain. This aircraft carrier never saw any battle.
It went to the mid east for some type of party on it with some oil rag heads.
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 07:41:38 (MDT)
Name:J.E. (Burt) Baker 
Rank/Rate: MM2
Division/Squadron: A Div.
Years Aboard: 04/03/56 ---01/10/59
Comments:
I spent my time in Chill water plant and main refrigeration plant.
Memories grow more fond as the time passes.
WHAT A RIDE!
Friday, May 16, 2008 at 11:13:35 (MDT)
Name:Larry Alcorn 
Rank/Rate: AN
Division/Squadron: V-1
Years Aboard: 2-61 to 10-63
Comments: Made 2 Med Cruises and 2 tours in the yards. Worked as a talker/elavator op., blue shirt and in flight deck control. I turned 17 on 10-27-60 and reported aboard 2-61 so I grew up on the ship. Love to hear from shipmates.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 18:29:15 (MDT)
Name:Bob Schultz 
Rank/Rate: E-4/ADJ
Division/Squadron: HC-2 Det 42
Years Aboard: 1970
Comments: I was one of the aircrewman that went in the water after the A-6 crashed in Feb. 1970. We rescued Ltjg Hickok (Wild Bill); however the other pilot wasn't as fortunate...RIP!. Enjoyed my time on the "Rosie" and all the good liberty ports, Palma was the best! Settled down in Spotsylvania, VA and retired, in 2003, from a career in NAVSEA. Would enjoy hearing from anyone who made the 1970 Med cruise. Regards, Bob Schultz
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 09:20:16 (MDT)
Name:John Schwinghamer 
Rank/Rate: BMSN
Division/Squadron: 2nd Div
Years Aboard: 65-67
Comments: Med cruise, WestPac. Mess cooking/dry break out for 3 mos, then 2nd Div, chipping paint, refueling, rearming, replenishing, collisions at sea, bridge watches, qualifying as a helmsman, crane operator, off loading a A4 Skyhawk with the cranes cargo whip & not the boat hook (as required) and watching officers assemble on the elevator and pier so they could testify at my court marshal and hang me from the yard arm, never happened but there where large bites missing from a part of my body, being the pointer in gun mount 3, pointer gets to pull the trigger (too much fun) getting 6 hits, 3 near misses, 1 miss, without fire control radar and out doing the Marines using fire control, refueling from the USS Messinoa when she lost her steering, breaking away, men in the water, throwing life rings and my life jacket in after them, the fire in the paint locker after replenishing, being listed as missing/dead because I hit my rack after almost 48 hrs without sleep and didn't hear anything including the repeated 1MC calls for me to muster( my rack was 4 racks up and not ch'd very well) France, Italy, Spain, Rio, becoming a Shellback on the way there being a Shellback on the way back (much better),Japan, Hong Kong, the PI, Cape Town SA painting the side off the ship in our dress whites?, But all in all my time on the FDR was the best time of my life.
Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 10:42:43 (MDT)
Name:Dave Strong, USMC
Rank/Rate: PFC/LCPL
Division/Squadron: Marine Detachment
Years Aboard: 1962 - 1964
Comments: Great experience in a young persons life. Last saw the FDR in 1971 Subic Bay. I was a Marine assigned to the USS Montreal and assigned to the 3rd Battalion 9th Marines Combat Group heading to RVN. When I saw the ship it had been the first time in 7 years and I must admit it brought back memories. I was the pointer in gunmount 5-2. During my time on the ship it was the "cold war period" so there was a lot of good times.
Monday, April 14, 2008 at 21:28:02 (MDT)
Name:mardis n hall 
Comments: I built a 1/350 FDR from scratch for all that serve on her. enjoy!
Friday, April 04, 2008 at 07:45:45 (MDT)
Name:Leroy "Nick" Nicholas 
Rank/Rate: DC2
Years Aboard: 7/49-3/53
Comments: My wonderful husband of 53 years was aboard the Roosevelt from 7/49-3/53.
He passed in November of '07 from mesothelioma. If anyone remembers him could you please contact me. Thank you. Kitty Nicholas
Thursday, April 03, 2008 at 09:30:47 (MDT)
Name:Glenn E. Muzzy (Muzz) 
Rank/Rate: AT-2
Division/Squadron: VA-15
Years Aboard: 1958 - 1960
Comments: HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF MY TIME ON THE "ROSIE" AND THOSE I SERVED WITH. STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH A LOT OF THE GUYS BY ATTENDING THE ANNUAL FDR REUNIONS (www.ussfdrcv42reunion.com)
Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 19:38:07 (MDT)
Name:Wynne Davis 
Rank/Rate: AO3
Division/Squadron: G DIVISION
Years Aboard: 1964-1968
Comments: Really saw the world and then some.Hope to hear from anyone that was in G-DIV
especially FLT DECK CREW
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 13:37:44 (MDT)
Name:Janet Galbraith 
Years Aboard: 1945-46
Comments: My father's name was Wilbur 'Willie" Schertzinger. He died in an auto accident in 1959. I was only 2 months old. My grandparents kept most of the letters he wrote from the ship in late August of 45 through 1946 and gave them to me when I got older. It is all I have of his. I was wondering if anyone may have been aboard with him and could share any memories with me. I am proud he was a sailor and aboard the USS FDR. He wrote of Rio and Cuba and the cruise in the Mediterranean and daily life aboard the ship. Although I am pushing 50 I still long to know him better. Thanks, Janet Galbraith.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 10:32:58 (MDT)
Name:Chester Hiestand 
Rank/Rate: ABU3
Division/Squadron: V-1 Divison
Years Aboard: 1957-1960
Comments: Signed the decklog back in 2006. I would still like to hear from any shipmates who served with me in V-1 Divison during that time period if any of you are still around.Again I would like to say Im very proud to have served with all shipmates on the FDR during my 3 cruises to the Med.
Friday, March 21, 2008 at 09:45:03 (MDT)
Name:Brian F. Ryan 
Rank/Rate: MM3/MM2
Division/Squadron: M-Div #4 EngRm
Years Aboard: 1974-1977
Comments: I had just sat down to mid-rats and the collision alarms sounded. I and the dozens of others eating on the aft mess deck jumped up and scrambled back down into the enginerooms and firerooms. I felt the lurch just as I was going down the last ladder to the upper level of #4. I jumped in to assist the Throttleman answer the Emergency Back Full Bell. We almost dragged the boilers off the line.
That was the night we hit that freighter in the Straits of Messina.
Friday, March 21, 2008 at 09:36:24 (MDT)
Name:Brian F. Ryan 
Rank/Rate: MM3/MM2
Division/Squadron: Eng-M #4EngRm
Years Aboard: 1974-1977
Comments: I was standing the mid-watch, cold iron, in #4 Engine Room. It was about midway through the watch when the XO snuck into the space by way of the emergency escape trunk from the lube oil level to the ladder well that came up in the medical department. He was wearing sneakers. He didn't see me reading a book, I was sitting up on top of the mainsteam crossover pipe. I slid down to the upper level deckplates and climbed down into the snake pit between the LP Turbine and the reduction gears. When I came up he greeted me, and I told him I had been down sounding the bilges. A narrow escape, and another fond memory.
Friday, March 21, 2008 at 09:21:08 (MDT)
Name:Brian F. Ryan 
Rank/Rate: MM3/MM2
Division/Squadron: EngDept M-Div #4EngRm EM04
Years Aboard: 1974-1977
Comments: I was onboard maybe a week, got busted for smoking in an unauthorized area. I was scared to death. The XO referred me to the CO for Mast. Capt. Easterling was the CO. The Captain read me the riot act, then dismissed the charges and told me he never wanted to see me again. He never did. I stayed in another 20 years and retired as MMCS(SW).
Friday, March 21, 2008 at 09:10:48 (MDT)
Name:Brian F. Ryan 
Rank/Rate: MM3/MM2
Division/Squadron: M-Div, #4EngRm, EM04
Years Aboard: 1974-1977
Comments: I'm looking for a Decommissioning Coin. I was transferred off the Rosie about 2 weeks before the decom ceremomy, for a class convening date at AC&R School. When I arrived onboard the Hunley in January they had a yellow package notice at the ship's post office for me. The notice actually said that my coin had been returned to sender because I had not arrived on the Hunley. Returned to Sender?! The Rosie was gone and so was my decom coin.
She was a great ship, and had a great crew. Wow! 30 years sure pasted quickly. Quick story.....Cannes, France,1975...I don't remember is we arrived a day late, or the truckload of milk arrived a day early. It sat on the dock in an unrefrigerated truck for a day or two. I was attached to the S-2FS division as a MessDeck MAA. I was in charge of 3 Mess Cooks and we worked the Garbage Grinder room. We took care of the disposal of all the ships food service refuse. The garbage grinder was a monster machine that occassionally spit back spoons and knives at us, that had made it into the garbage can in the scullery. Anyway, the ship had to take delivery of the spoiled milk. It went from the boats, up the aft port acom ladder, and down the hatch to the garbage grinder room. We opened the boxes( 6 gallons each ) plopped the bags into the machine's hopper and cut them open with box cutters. The sour milk ran down the scupper and out into the blue mediterrian just under the acom ladder. The area around the acom ladder became engulged in the milky cloud. I think it was 500 boxes, maybe more. Our stomaches were as sour as that milk. One of many of my fond memories.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 21:26:21 (MST)
Name:johnnie fox (deceased) billie fox daughter 
Rank/Rate: MR/ E-4
Division/Squadron: Machnist Mate
Years Aboard: 1965-1968
Comments: Hi I am the youngest daughter of Johnnie Fox he served on the Roosevelt from 1965 to 1968. He always talked fondly of the ship and his navy days. He called her his old girl and he took it very hard when they destoyed her. He died in 1989, so I dont have him to ask about the navy anymore. I joined 2 years ago and I am serving on the USS George Washington. Please email me if you knew my father or if you have any old pictures or stories about the old ships. I am on a nuclear class carrier and would like to know how they differ.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 12:21:15 (MST)
Name:Jonnie W. Fox (dceased) Sandy Fox Widow 
Rank/Rate: MR /E4
Division/Squadron: Machinest Mate
Years Aboard: 1965-1968
Comments: I am the widow of Johnnie W. Fox who served on theFDR.He was a machinest mate.He was on a med cruise and Vietnam cruise.If there are any of his shipmates out there I woulde like to hear from them.His youngest daughter is in the US Navy today as a ABF on the USS George Washington.I wonder a lot about what he would have thought about her being in the Navy.
Friday, February 29, 2008 at 18:28:06 (MST)
Name:john staroba 
Comments: looking for pete tyler from mississippi served on fdr in 63/64 if you know anything my e mail address is jstaroba989@aol.com
Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 13:20:10 (MST)
Name:john staroba 
Comments: looking for a sailor named pete tyler from mississippi i served with him at nas mayport florida in 61/62 he went on the fdr iwent on the intrepid we had our orders swapped would like to hear from him thank you
Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 00:09:07 (MST)
Name:Luis Rosales 
Rank/Rate: E-3
Division/Squadron: V4
Years Aboard: 4 from 72 to 75
Comments: I have good memories of Rosi was my nick name to, make good friends
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 11:43:21 (MST)
Name:ROY ZEBROWSKI 
Rank/Rate: RM3
Division/Squadron: CR
Years Aboard: 68-70
Comments: GREAT TO SEE A SITE LIKE THIS
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 06:59:15 (MST)
Name:Charlie McIsaac 
Rank/Rate: QM2
Division/Squadron: Navigation
Years Aboard: 73-77
Comments: I remember that storm on the return trip from the Med in 74. I have a photo of a wave breaking over the flight deck about a third of the way to the island structure. Those were the good old days when we got real eggs on holidays and Sundays only. Remember actually drinking my powdered scrambled eggs the morning of the storm. Then the long summer in the yards in Philly. Tons of chipping of paint and re-painting that summer.
Then there was the collision in the straits of Messina with the Liberian tanker. I was stuck on light duty at the time with a full leg cast (injured during the hangar bay basketball games). The rest of Navigation was at Sea and Anchor detail. Was stuck in our berthing area watching "Young Frankenstein" (probably for the 10th time that cruise) when the collision alarm sounded. I remember hobbling around the nearest life-jacket stations trying to get a life-jacket without getting run over.
We had a great department and some fabulous guys.
Friday, February 22, 2008 at 13:11:45 (MST)
Name:Gary 'Rube' Ruebeling 
Rank/Rate: EM3
Division/Squadron: E Division
Years Aboard: '71-'74
Comments: Some fond memories. Three Med cruises, one extended to 10 mos. Lots of good times w/ Brokaw, Willy Ford, Red Moore, Kizer, Johnson. Ran the movie booth w/ Bob Jenkins from 72-73. Picked out most of those crappy movies for you guys. Sorry. Sweated a lot back in the movie booth, right beneath the jet engine test stand, keeping those old antique 16 mm projectors working. Enjoyed most of it.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 20:29:37 (MST)
Name:George Clark 
Rank/Rate: RM2
Division/Squadron: TACRON 22
Years Aboard: Only via air waves
Comments: While on watch and switching frequencies, once or twice I picked up your call sign in the Med(61,62,63). It was a warm feeling to know she was in the Med. Never saw her. Never forget her call sign as well as XYKD, YATF,NTXC. I was BUIR or W2XC, I think. FDR would be proud. God Bless
Monday, February 11, 2008 at 11:22:19 (MST)
Name:George DeVirgilio 
Rank/Rate: SHSN E-3
Division/Squadron: H then S-3
Years Aboard: 2
Comments: Just looked at the model of Rosie that Bob Wills built. Fantastic job.
Thursday, February 07, 2008 at 11:35:57 (MST)
Name:Chip Wagoner 
Rank/Rate: MM3
Division/Squadron: M-Div
Years Aboard: Oct 73 -May 74
Comments: I came to the Rosie right out of A school while I was waiting on Nuke school. I was flown over to the Rosie (they were already in the Med). I worked in #2 Engineroom. I read the mishaps and sea stories but don't see anything about the major storm we went through coming back from the Med. As I remember it, we took some pretty good damage (catwalks, steam cats, hanger bay door). I recall the c-rats since we couldn't serve real food. If I remember correctly, we even ran a little low on fuel. Tell me this wasn't all just a dream.
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 11:50:42 (MST)
Name:Karl Tobien 
Rank/Rate: PN3
Division/Squadron: X-Division
Years Aboard: '76-'78
Comments: No, John, but I was on board for Rosie's final Med cruise ('76-'77), when the Liberian freighter crashed into us on a dark night in the Straits of Messina. The colliside happened at starboard front, square into the X-DIV berthing compartment, one level up from the hangar bay. It knocked some guys right out of their racks! And I'll never forget the horrified look on their faces! But we made it into Naples by the next morning, for repairs...
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 10:42:38 (MST)
Name:John Rankin 
Rank/Rate: FT 2
Division/Squadron: Fox Div
Years Aboard: 58-61
Comments: Can anyone recall the year we went into dry dock in Bayonne and hooked a channel buoy into a screw? Best liberty, St. Thomas during shakedown 59.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 19:54:06 (MST)
Name:John Nash 
Rank/Rate: ABH3
Comments: I was nevere aboard the roosevelt but served on the Shangri La when you were in Mayport. I was there from l965-l968 anyway I have agrandson I am trying to get patches for. I'm trying to get them from the Saratoga,Kennedy and the Roosevelt. I have them for the Shang,Kennedy and Saratoga but no Roosevelt any help would be appreciated. I can't find any on the internet. I only saw the Roosevelt one time in all the time I was in Mayport. Thanks in advance John Nash.
Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 18:20:50 (MST)
Name:JAMES G.BURKE 
Rank/Rate: mm3
Division/Squadron: m div.
Years Aboard: 2yrs
Comments: ISERVE ON BROAD THE ROOSIE BACK IN 6/73 TO 7 75 SERVE MY TIME IN ENGINE ROOM #3 STARTED OUT AS A E1 AND MADE IT UP TO E4 WAS PROMTED IN 1975 OF JUNE HAD A LOT OF FUN AND ONE REMEMBER ME YOU CAN WRITE TO USNMM3@SBCGLOBAL.NET
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 at 07:03:45 (MST)
Name:Jack Orehostky (ski) 
Rank/Rate: AIRMAN
Division/Squadron: V1-Flight deck control
Years Aboard: OCT.60--SEPT.62
Comments: GOOD TIMES ON THE ROSIE. CAME ABORD IN DRY DOCK BROOKLYN N.Y.GOOD CREW,WENDEL,JONES,MASON,JONASON,CAFIREO,DESIPIO,SPARKS,AND MANY MORE.A MED CRUISE NAPLES.ROME,CANNES,SOME OF MY BEST YEARS.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008 at 14:15:14 (MST)
Name:Frederick W. Zizelman 
Rank/Rate: AE3
Division/Squadron: Ship's co./VF-75 Aviation Elect shop
Years Aboard: Oct-45 To July 48
Comments: Assigned FDR out of Great Lakes Navtngctr--boot camp, via NAS Chincotigue, Va.Did Rio & FDR's first Med cruise, visting Naples, Malta, Gibralter, Tangiers, Lisbon and Athens. Wonderful experience
Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 16:22:16 (MST)
Name:Terry Patterson 
Rank/Rate: E3 FN BT
Division/Squadron: B DIVISION FWD EVAPORATER
Years Aboard: 68 70
Comments: Hello they called me Patterson,I worked in fwd.&aft.evapotator rooms.I was aboard during the 11 month overhaul in '69.I carried steel & asbestos in garbage cans on my back out of the Rosie worked hard.I did a Med cruise in '70. I mixed chemicals by hand to put in the evaporators to keep the scale off of them. I have cancer now pretty bad,so if any of you fellas that served with Patterson down in the hole better be sending me some e-mails.I have some pics of the Rosie I will try to scan them and send them to BOB. See Ya Patterson
Friday, December 28, 2007 at 09:07:36 (MST)
Name:Merrill Tindall 
Rank/Rate: HM-2
Division/Squadron: H-Division
Years Aboard: 1967-1968
Comments: Lots of surgery that year. Also, stitched a lot of cuts and treated lots of bruises. I have many fond memories of that Med cruise. The corpsmen I worked with were the best.
Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 08:10:10 (MST)
Name:geo cooper 
Rank/Rate: abe-3
Division/Squadron: v-2 cats
Years Aboard: 73-76
Comments: a memorable time of my life. a group of us are still in contact after 30 years some of the best friends i ever had.
Monday, December 24, 2007 at 20:36:44 (MST)
Name:DENNY HICKS 
Rank/Rate: HT-2
Division/Squadron: R-DIV
Years Aboard: 1973-1976
Comments: I'M LOOKING FOR THE ROSIE PATCH OR THE SHIP PATCH, I CAN NOT FIND ANY INFORMATION ON LINE, HELP THANKS DENNY
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 09:39:35 (MST)
Name:Karl Tobien 
Rank/Rate: PN3
Division/Squadron: X-Div, Personnel Office
Years Aboard: 76-78
Comments: Made Rosie's final Med cruise (10/76--04/77) from Mayport, Fl. Assigned to 150-man decom crew at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Oct '77 (after Rosie's historic decommissioning), doing the transfers, separations, and retirement docs for the remaining crew members. Then in Jun '78 at my EAOS, did my own separation from active duty...officially becoming the very last active duty crew member in history to depart this famed ship called Rosie! Tons of memories, great folks & places--too many to recount: some good, some bad (some really ugly!), some legal, some not...., but mostly recall the good times with good friends!
Today I'm a writer and author. My 2006 Random House book, "Dancing Under the Red Star," a biography & memoir, tells the shocking and inspirationally riveting true life story of the only American woman in history to survive the Siberian death camps in Stalinist Russia, who eventually lived to escape and make it back to the U.S. (an extraordinarily mindblowing story...for anyone who appreciates a really great historic read! - books available through amazon.com, or elsewhere)
Blessings to ALL former shipmates & readers of this site! (Don't forget to vote "Republican" in 2008...and thank the Lord Jesus for all the days of your lives!)
Friday, December 14, 2007 at 07:14:10 (MST)
Name:DRAKE E NILSSON 
Rank/Rate: AK-3
Division/Squadron: VF 41 ONBD
Years Aboard: 1969 THRU 1971
Comments: For a while there I thought my time on the Rosie was a dream, It seemed the only thing I could find out about her happened before my 2 Med cruses aboard.
Thanks Bob, They say you can never go home. HEY WHAT DO THEY KNOW,
D Nilsson (nick name Brooklyn)
Monday, December 10, 2007 at 13:53:37 (MST)
Name:Marshall 'Willie' Williams 
Rank/Rate: AE3
Division/Squadron: VF-111
Years Aboard: 75,76
Comments: I was onboard in 75 and 76. Sundowners, VF-111. Med-PAC, Memphis,Tennessee.
Friday, December 07, 2007 at 08:36:09 (MST)
Name:Edward Casacia
Comments: My father is a plank holder and was onboard the Rosie during her commissioning and shake down to Rio. Can't wait to sent him a link to this site. Great job. Thanks.
Monday, November 26, 2007 at 16:47:27 (MST)
Name:Johnston, Joseph L 
Rank/Rate: 3rd Class PO
Division/Squadron: V-2 CATS
Years Aboard: 73 - 77
Comments: Almost the best time of my life. I have photos of myself and Phil Dyer on the Acropolis in Athens , Greece. Cats was a very dangerous job, but when we were 18 ,19 ,20 ,21and22 we had no fear.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 20:13:58 (MST)
Name:George DeVirgilio 
Rank/Rate: SHSN E-3
Division/Squadron: H then S-3
Years Aboard: 2
Comments: Need help. Lost my 2 Cruise Books (1959 & 1960) during move from PA to AZ. They are in a box that fell off my trailer somewhere inbetween. If anyone has one they would part with (reasonably), I'd be interested. Thanks. George DeVirgilio
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 20:09:53 (MST)
Name:George DeVirgilio 
Rank/Rate: SHSN E-3
Division/Squadron: H then S-3
Years Aboard: 2
Comments: What a hoot. Remember like it was yesterday, not '59 & '60. Came aboard in Jan 1959 in 3rd Div (2 weeks) then H-Div as Corpsman striker(11 mo) finally S-3 Div as accounting clerk till Dec '60. Miss the good times. Was from PA now living in AZ. cwhepkat@cox.net if anyone wants to talk. George DeVirgilio
Friday, November 16, 2007 at 12:44:20 (MST)
Name:TERRY EUGENE WRIGHT 
Rank/Rate: E-3
Years Aboard: 2
Comments: AMAZING TIMES, GREAT FRIENDS, GREAT SHIP....73-75
Friday, November 09, 2007 at 16:01:08 (MST)
Name:Gary Lewerenz 
Division/Squadron: Air Sea Rescue
Years Aboard: 60-62
Comments: Looking for anyone who was aboard during 60-62 and in Air Sea Rescue. Interested in swapping stories. Anyone remember the Top Hatters?
Wednesday, November 07, 2007 at 17:09:11 (MST)
Name:Garry B. Coston 
Rank/Rate: YNSA
Division/Squadron: VA-15
Years Aboard: 6 Months
Comments: Reported aboard the Rosey in December 1974. I had just reported to then VA-15 homeported at NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville for duty. The squadron was deployed out in the Atlantic on "The Rosey" for REFTRA. I was immediately (after one day at NAS Cecil) flown out to the Rosey to my squadron. I remember the trap which was scary but fun at the same time. I remember seeing Rosey from the air and she looked to be so big. Later I found out that she was one of the smallest carriers in the Navy, but was the biggest ship in the world when she was first built. A Petty Officer from my squadron was there to greet me (PN2 Foss) and immediately escorted me to the berthing department; while walking through the passageways aft, a jet trapped on the flight deck and the noise was so loud I made myself a part of the deck. PN2 Foss laughed and told me that everything was o.k. but to me I thought a bomb had dropped on the flight deck. I deployed or served on a total of 6 carriers during my 20 year career, and Rosey was the best and finest ship and carrier that I would ever serve on. Yes, she was the oldest, but she was the best. She made do with less and always came out first with the least. She is forever in the hearts and minds of her crew and lives on forever through them!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007 at 10:26:50 (MST)
Name:Amy 
Comments: My dad served aboard Rosie. I am not quite sure what years. I have heard many stories of his travels and have seen the "Rosie" book lots of times. Just wondering if anyone knows where she is now. Any help would be great.
Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 11:44:43 (MDT)
Name:Randall Dee VanValkenburg 
Rank/Rate: JO3
Division/Squadron: X Division
Years Aboard: 1970-1971
Comments: Anyone from X Division, send an e-mail. We'd love to hear from you.
Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 09:23:48 (MDT)
Name:Tom Angus 
Rank/Rate: PN3
Division/Squadron: Personnel DIv.
Years Aboard: 1969 - 1971
Comments: I was orginally assigned as an SN within the Frist Div. later I transfered to the Personnel Div.
I am glad I served but was glad to get transfered to shore duty ( St. Louis, MO 1971). Some of us from the Public Affairs Office and the Personnel Office have been tracking one another down and visiting. I have not been able to locate Joe Moy (Personnelman). If any of you could help me find him, that would be great.
Thanks
Tom
Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 22:27:43 (MDT)
Name:ann 
Years Aboard: 1966
Comments: JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE HAD INFO ON MY FATHER WHO SERVED I BELIEVE AS A PLANE CAPTAIN ON THE FDR, KEITH (SKIP) BERRY. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ANY COMMENTS.
THANK YOU
Saturday, September 08, 2007 at 16:39:38 (MDT)
Name:Bob
Comments: This is a "test"
Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 12:39:53 (MDT)
Name:James W Young 
Rank/Rate: Ltjg
Division/Squadron: Engin Admin; PAO
Years Aboard: 68-70
Comments: I was in the Log Room during the overhaul and moved to PAO after we sailed on the '70 Med cruise. The memories are more pleasant as the decades pass.
Sunday, August 05, 2007 at 18:29:23 (MDT)
Name:Robin B Reese (Brantley) 
Years Aboard: 1951-1953
Comments: Anyone with information about Brantley please contact me. I am his daughter. He passed away in 2002. He served on CV42 in the early 50's and was a boxer from Texas. Anyone who knew my father please email me at jesusfreek_one@yahoo.com
Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 22:22:56 (MDT)
Name:Edmond Masson 
Rank/Rate: aoan
Division/Squadron: G divison
Years Aboard: 66-69
Comments: I will never forget or regret my years aboard the FDR.....Would like to hear from any of the old G divison guys that made the west pac or med cruise doing those years.
Sunday, July 01, 2007 at 21:06:28 (MDT)
Name:William E.Wetherholt 
Rank/Rate: BMSN
Division/Squadron: 2nd & 4th
Years Aboard: 5/57 to 11/60
Comments: What great years in my life. So many memories, so many friends. Looking for any info to locate Jerry Owens from Rockford,IL, John Hall from Charlotte,NC Jimmy Hall from Brevard,NC , John Brooks from Philadelphia,PA.
Went to FDR re-union in Jacksonville this year. A great time making new friends. You owe it to yourself to attend a re-union whenever possible. Next year it will be held in Covington, KY.
The above mentioned shipmates are just a few I would like to reunite with, but anyone that knew me or thought I was an ok shipmate( friend) by all means get ahold of my ,via e-mail, and let's renew our past. Life it too short...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 16:47:17 (MDT)
Name:Richard Dillon 
Rank/Rate: BM3
Division/Squadron: 1st division
Years Aboard: 1972-1976
Comments: Had a great time aboard the Rosie, met some wonderful guys. Eubanks, Murphy, Rosensteel, Newman, Wines, Eno, Carlino, Timmer (his wife Trudy made some fantastic peanut butter fudge) and even Duplechin. Worked for Whitehorn, one of the best Boatswain mates I ever met. Then he was replaced by Stanford one hell of a great guy. LTJG Griffin was our officer another great guy.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 12:51:17 (MDT)
Name:Skip Hawk 
Rank/Rate: PN 3 E-4
Division/Squadron: Personnel
Years Aboard: 1968 - 1970
Comments: I came to the Rosie mid year 1968 and was assigned to Personnel Division. Ilater ran the Educational Service Office behind the focsal. I made the Med Cruise 1970 and was discharged upon arrival to the states in July. I served four years and before the Rosie I was attached to VC-4 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida. You could not have asked for better sea duty than a carrier and the Rosie was like sailing with the history of ship and the Navy. It was my task to do all the discharges on the way back from the Med to Mayport. There had been an early out given and a bunch of us got out early. All and all it was a good trip! I currently live in Cincinnati, OH
Tuesday, June 05, 2007 at 13:03:40 (MDT)
Name:Billy Moore 
Rank/Rate: LT
Division/Squadron: V-2 Cats & AG
Years Aboard: 73 - 74
Comments: The V-2 Division was a hard working group.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 19:58:28 (MDT)
Name:Elio J. Loi 
Rank/Rate: Ltjg
Division/Squadron: Comunications
Years Aboard: '57 - '59
Comments: Postal Officer
Registered Pubs Custodian
Crypto Watch Officer
Armed Forces Courier
Monday, May 07, 2007 at 15:44:34 (MDT)
Name:Gerald Busby 
Rank/Rate: DS1
Division/Squadron: S-7
Years Aboard: 1971-74
Comments: I would like to hear from shipmates in S7 Div, the Aviation Cal Lab, and Asst Chief Master-at-Arms J C Williams.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 19:02:08 (MDT)
Name:Lawrence Zagranis (Zag) 
Rank/Rate: EM3
Division/Squadron: E-Div
Years Aboard: 1966 thru 1968
Comments: Worked in A&O Power shop, battery locker, lighting shop. Would like to hear from Lew Cartwright, Roger Irvine, Don Marcum or anyone who served during 66 - 68
Monday, April 09, 2007 at 20:11:32 (MDT)
Name:Phil Dyer 
Rank/Rate: ABE2
Division/Squadron: V-2 Catapults
Years Aboard: 72-75
Comments: Great site, thanks to Bob for putting it together
Friday, March 30, 2007 at 02:02:18 (MDT)
Name:Joseph Henry 
Comments: Can anyone provide information about a plane crash on the FDR on 10-10-1952. LCDR Null was killed? Lt. Burtshell was rescued by the USS Ammens.
Thanks,
Joe Henry
Friday, March 23, 2007 at 22:28:52 (MDT)
Name:Bobby Jackson 
Rank/Rate: YN3
Division/Squadron: X-Division, Admin Office/3M Office
Years Aboard: 1971 - 1974
Comments: Was looking for information on the Rosey and came across this site. Great Site. Would love to hear from shipmates that was in X-Div during the same time as I was.
Friday, March 23, 2007 at 20:54:46 (MDT)
Name:Joe Snodgrass 
Rank/Rate: DK3 (Disbursing Clerk)
Division/Squadron: S-4/VF-41
Years Aboard: 1970 Med Cruise
Comments: Had a great time on the Rosie on the 1970 Med Cruise. An experience I'll never forget. Glad I had the opportunity to serve.
Saturday, March 03, 2007 at 23:03:32 (MST)
Name:MARION E. PRUITT JR. 
Rank/Rate: AMH3
Division/Squadron: VF-14
Years Aboard: 1962-1965
Comments: I worked in the airframes shop and on the flight deck.
Sunday, February 11, 2007 at 15:47:47 (MST)
Name:Martin C. Zemek 
Rank/Rate: F1c
Division/Squadron: V6 USNR
Years Aboard: 8 April 1946
Comments: My Father is still living. He served aboard the FDR for a short time but considered it the highlite of his navy time.
Thursday, February 08, 2007 at 19:21:50 (MST)
Name:robert thomas primmer 
Rank/Rate: e3
Division/Squadron: electrician division
Years Aboard: 1975-1977
Comments: need help my computer dosent let me see whole pages need new one would like to here from anyone who served with me as i told bob ex wife destroyed all my cruise books letters of accomadations everything so if your out ther email me please thanks
Thursday, February 08, 2007 at 18:39:52 (MST)
Name:Larry Green 
Rank/Rate: CS3
Division/Squadron: S-2
Years Aboard: 1958-1961
Comments: Rosie was my first carrier.I had a lot of friends that I will never forget.Would like to hear from them if they see this and remember me.I worked in the forward bake shop when deployed baking all the bread for the ship.Made three Med cruises and had a great time on all of them.
Really sad that they scraped her.
Monday, January 29, 2007 at 19:10:08 (MST)
Name:john sizemore 
Rank/Rate: sn
Division/Squadron: 4th.
Years Aboard: 1974-1977
Comments: one hell of a time!!! loved the boats and the ship. R.I.P. Old Girl.
Monday, January 22, 2007 at 15:59:19 (MST)
Name:Eddie Spirito 
Comments: If you remember me, you know that I am outspoken. There is a bunch of you hose monkeys out there who refuse to associate with the rest of us. We are all old now; and most of us are fat, middle class, married & divorced and no one gives a crap. Even with the passing of 35 years, we are still as close as we were then. Take my word for it; you do not know what you are missing. If you had issues then, they are history now, so get off your butts, you have friends here.
I will be honest and say that I dislike computers. However, had it not been for my PC, the individuals who were my shipmates over 35 years ago, and are still considered friends, would have been lost forever. Amazingly, after confirming that we would have aided another in a life-threatening situation up on deck, it was agreed that we would respond in the same way today.
There is always that certain bond between some, regardless of the time that has passed, that you will throw caution to the wind for another. These men meet this criterion.
Eddie Spirito (aka: Heart Attack)
Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 13:26:34(MDT)
Name:Eugene Kipp 
Rank/Rate: petty officer?
Division/Squadron: ?
Years Aboard: 52-54
Comments: Remember the med cruise all too well, Great website.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 19:54:31 (MST)
Name:Stirling Gosa 
Comments: My father, R.V.Gosa was stationed on board in 1958-1959. He was a Yeoman 1st Class at the time. AS a young lad I remember going on board.
Thanks,
Stirling Gosa
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 11:24:16 (MDT)
Name:schweizer, joseph v. 
Rank/Rate: petty officer?
Division/Squadron: ?
Years Aboard: 52-54
Comments: I'm really trying to find out info about my late father, Joseph V. Schweizer I know he was on board I believe in those years, he was chief mechanic on a Corsair. PS: any info on Jerome Peitzman during the same period.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 05:01:36 (MDT)
Name:Terry Lennox 
Rank/Rate: MR3
Years Aboard: 1972 -1974
Comments: I was in the machine shop on the 73 med. trip
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 18:07:52 (MDT)
Name:Chester Hiestand 
Rank/Rate: ABU3
Division/Squadron: V-1 Division
Years Aboard: 1957-1960
Comments: Would like to hear from any shipmates in V-1 division who served during that time.Im proud to have served with all shipmates on board the Rosie during my three cruises to the Med.
Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 10:36:47 (MDT)
Name:Jude C O'Connor 
Rank/Rate: Radarman 2nd
Division/Squadron: OI Division
Years Aboard: 4-57 - 11-59
Comments: Spent most of my time in Electronic countermeasures (ECM)My cleaning station was 07 level so I got to see just about everyone who came up there for the view and to watch the airops. Broke my heart to see the Rosie scrapped. I was hoping that it would be made into a museum so I could take family aboard. Jerry Hopkins and I got on the cover page of the shipboard newspaper, "The Presidential" in 59 with the Notre Dame in the background. Three days in Paris with six hours sleep.
Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 19:22:02 (MDT)
Name:Larry Carl 
Rank/Rate: SN
Division/Squadron: First Lieutenant's detail (5th Div)
Years Aboard: 1.5
Comments: Came aboard in the winter of '68 while she was in drydock. Assigned to scraping paint and rust from stem to stern and spent many days standing in the nets rigged forward where the bow flairs up toward the flight deck running an air sander to grind down rust spots, red leading, then the final haze gray coat. Chipping hammers and scrapers were the order of the day. I had the honor of crawling around the huge anchors and howse pipes to spot paint each one. During deployment our division handled the distance line that established communications between us and other ships alongside over a sound power phone system used during replenishment of fuel, ammo, and supplies. I held the line with 4 other crew members eventually commandeering the sound powered phones for an easier job relaying distance information from bridge to bridge. When an opportunity came to work and berth in the Sail Locker at waterline level I took it. I operated 2 sewing machines: 1 for small tailoring work and the other for large canvas under the guidance of SN Abbey. Pulled 3 month mess deck duty. I left the Rusty Rosie to go to Data Processing Class A School March '70 NTC/RTC San Diego eventually ending my enlistment at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington DC. While there I worked in the large computer facility they had at the Naval Annex, Arlington, VA.
Friday, October 13, 2006 at 16:29:10 (MDT)
Name:Paul Wagoner 
Rank/Rate: Brigadier General USAF
Division/Squadron: VF-101
Years Aboard: 1963
Comments: Carqualed off Jacksonville in May 1963. Never been so scared in my life. Flew the F-4B Phantom. Made 16 carrier landings and then joined the USS Enterprise in the Med. What adifference.
Thanks to the wonderful ship's crew that made my time aboard a wonderful experience.
Monday, October 09, 2006 at 18:18:37 (MDT)
Name:George Rose 
Rank/Rate: ETR3
Division/Squadron: OE Division
Years Aboard: 1965-1966
Comments: Good experiences.
Monday, October 09, 2006 at 10:32:41 (MDT)
Name:William J. Thibault, Jr. 
Rank/Rate: BT2
Division/Squadron: B Division
Years Aboard: 1957-1958
Comments: Was Oil King in charge while aboard. Any guys who were in the Oil Shack Gand during those years please get in touch with me via e-mail.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006 at 09:50:44 (MDT)
Name:MEL ALLEN 
Rank/Rate: ame-3
Division/Squadron: AIMD/IM-2 DIV
Years Aboard: DEC.71-MARCH75
Comments: HAD A WILD AN WOOLEY TIME ON THE 1972 CRUISE! LOTS OF FOND MEMORIES, ANYONE FROM THAT CRUISE OR DEPT. GIVE ME A SHOUT!!!
Friday, September 29, 2006 at 13:55:05 (MDT)
Name:Jerry Lynch 
Rank/Rate: CS2
Division/Squadron: S-2 Division
Years Aboard: 1966-1968
Comments: Made WesPac and Med Cruise aboard FDR. Went through Shellback iniation on 4 jul 66, enroute to WestPac. Would like to touch base with S-2 buddies especially "Shep", Bob Sheperd, who I have been unsuccessful in locating over the yrs., lived somewhere in MD. Great website, keep up the good work.
Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 22:37:34 (MDT)
Name:M.E. "Sam" Houston 
Rank/Rate: Radarman 3rd
Division/Squadron: OI
Years Aboard: 1964-1967
Comments: This is a great site...I really enjoy the pictures. Crossing the equator in 1967 brings back a lot of memories.
Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 22:13:09 (MDT)
Name:Jerry D. Batton 
Rank/Rate: oscs(sw)
Division/Squadron: OI Division OPS
Years Aboard: May 64-Nov 68
Comments: 3 meds and a west pac the good old days thanks
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 18:36:33 (MDT)
Name:J. Cliff O'Connor 
Rank/Rate: Radarman 2nd
Division/Squadron: OI
Years Aboard: 57-59
Comments: Spent most of my time in ECM. 2 Med cruses and a turn at GITMO. Gorden Layton was the leading PO at the time.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 17:02:09 (MDT)
Name:Pete Gutschneider 
Rank/Rate: Ltjg
Division/Squadron: OI division
Years Aboard: 1965-1968
Comments: The best years of my life and some of the most wonderful guys in the world .
Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 13:40:23 (MDT)
Name:Tom Bailey 
Rank/Rate: HM3
Division/Squadron: H Division
Years Aboard: 1966-1968
Comments: Many good memories of ports and friends. Also, put a lot of stitches in a lot of guys. Saw a man fall over the side - luckily he was a jg :-) Would love to see a forum added so we can talk to each other and post messages.
Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 09:58:05 (MDT)
Name:MKC Jim Swaim USCG Retired 
Rank/Rate: BT3
Division/Squadron: B Div Oil Shack
Years Aboard: 56-58
Comments: Was aboard (lived in barracks) prior to Recommissioning. Then went around the Horn to Mayport. Stayed aboard until RELAD Sep 58. Prior to the FDR, I was on the USS McKEAN DDR-784. Still communicate with several old shipmates from both ships via the computer.
Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 09:02:34 (MDT)
Name:John M.Fray 
Rank/Rate: EM3
Division/Squadron: E Div
Years Aboard: 2yrs 3months
Comments: worked in the powershop refrigation and air conditioning for most of my 2 yrs. made part of a med cruise Oct.64 to Dec. Then a complete med cruise June 65 to Dec. 65. In may of 66 made a wespac going around South Africa to the south China Sea. Returned in february of 67 and was seperated march 2nd.he navy did what they promised...join the navy and see the world!
Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 08:54:30 (MDT)
Name:JACK MELTON 
Rank/Rate: MM3
Division/Squadron: M-DIV.
Years Aboard: 1951-1954
Comments: GREAT SHIP. LOTS OF GOOD MEMORIES. 3 MED CRUISES & AROUND THE HORN TO BREMERTON FOR NEW FLIGHT DECK. TRANSFER TO USS YORKTOWN FOR 1955.