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| Name: | Carl Killius ENC (Ret) |
| E-mail address: | ckillius@msn.com |
| Comments: | I was stationed aboard MSO490 from Apr 1984- Dec 1985 and worked in the forward Engine Room. I was a 2nd class while on board and was present on the cruise to Panama with Illusive. The storm on the return throught the Carribean was massive and memorable. The Leader First Stopped in Cuba as mentioned in on of the stories I read here, Before entering port, we had our swim call. I remember the 50 cal. was set up for a shark watch and we went swimming and while about 10- 15 sailors was in the water, the handrail supporting the cargo net we used for getting back aboard broke and everything had to be fished and reattached. After Gitmo, we went to Nassau for 4 days liberty, and then to Panama, passed through to the Pacific and spent a week doing exercises, then back through the canal. This was when it got rough, seemed like a lifetime of tossing about but I don't remember how long it actuaaly was. We stopped at Cuba again and Illusive went back towards home and we went to Puerto Rico for another tasking. After this we returned to Charleston. During my time aboard, the Leader went as far north as Boston(moored alongside Old Ironsides), as far south as Panama, East to Puerto Rico, and west Charleston (being slightly further west than the Pacific entrance to the Canal). I left the ship and the Active duty Navy in Dec. 1985. I returned to the minesweeping community in 1988 in the reserves attached to Helicoptor minecountermeasures unit 19 in Alameda Ca. and spent another 7 years there in the tactical support division.
Carl Killius ENC(Ret) |
| Name: | Sean Murphy |
| E-mail address: | sean@murphy.net |
| Comments: | ET3(SW) 1989-1991
Great memories, great website. |
| Name: | Bill Castle |
| E-mail address: | castle11@cox.net |
| Comments: | Mark Bradley RM3, USS Leader 1963-1966+, passed away in his sleep early Saturday morning 7 Nov 2009. |
| Name: | William "Bill" Castle |
| E-mail address: | castle11@cox.net |
| Comments: | Sept 1962-Jul 1966 (two WesPac deployments)
Quite a four year cruise! I was an RD2/RD3/RD2 (that's right!). Great shipmates and experiences. Crossing the T with Typhoon Faye, successfully—without loss of life—radar navigating the tricky San Bernadino Strait during the night in near typhoon conditions, Market Time, good liberty with great buddies like the Willoughby brothers, Frank Cean, Gerald Harjo, Mark Bradley, Bob Magee, John Merina, et al. Oh yeah water hours—I remember tracking rain squalls so we could intercept them and have freswater showers. Canvas-bottomed racks where "trice up" really meant something! Enough of this... I got married in July 1966. Judy and I have two children(Tobin and Kristina)and six grandkids. I retired in Oct.1988 as an OSCM(SW). This is a wonderful site! Leo "Stewburner" Najera, Mark Bradley and I have made contact. Hopefully I will be hearing from more of you. |
| Name: | Maelin |
| E-mail address: | maelin@yahoo.com.br |
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| Name: | Thomas Wolf |
| E-mail address: | tomwolfsr@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I served on the Leader in 1987-1989 as a Reserve |
| Name: | Thomas Amsden |
| E-mail address: | thomasactivation@aol.com |
| Comments: | Served and lived 4 lifetimes on USS Leader MSO 490,
April 81-May 84 Checking in, anybody up for a catch up conversation? Peace 256-527-5550 |
| Name: | jeffrey divincenzo |
| E-mail address: | bigchevy832001@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | my future father in-law served aboard the uss leader during the vietnam war, and as a gift i would love to find him any piece of the ship and frame it would anyone know if something like exists? |
| Name: | Camryn |
| E-mail address: | camryn@earthlink.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://waldy.2trom.com/acetaminophen/drugs.html |
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| Name: | Joel Rodriguez |
| E-mail address: | jo8347@aol.com |
| Comments: | Excellent website and pleanty of good info, I served on all 2 sweep from Jan. to Dec 1991, but my home sweeo is the USS Affray I have many pics of all the sweeps including the gulf and videos as well. God bless You all |
| Name: | Pete Qualiano |
| E-mail address: | rkartch@comcast.net |
| Comments: | My uncle was stationed on the USS Leader during WW2, does nayone out there remember him?
thanks, Rich. |
| Name: | Don Drennen |
| E-mail address: | ddrennen@travelers.com |
| Comments: | I served on Leader from 81-85 as OPS/Supply and was in the 81 and 83 Deployments. Great memories of a great ship and crew. |
| Name: | Don Drennen |
| E-mail address: | ddrennen@travelers.com |
| Comments: | I served on Leader from 81-85 as OPS/Supply and was in the 81 and 83 Deployments. Great memories of a great ship and crew. |
| Name: | John Flint |
| Comments: | Executive Officer, USS Fortify (MSO-446)
October 1981-September 1983 |
| Name: | Rance Jurevwicz, Capt., USA, Ret |
| E-mail address: | info@veteranprograms.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.veteranprograms.com |
| Comments: | Are there any good Veteran Service Officers (VSO) out there? We think so. In fact, we have a growing directory of VSOs nominated by veterans. These VSOs have demonstrated excellence in helping veterans secure service-connected claims and increase ratings. They return phone calls too. If you need a good VSO in your area visit our web site at http://www.veteranprograms.com.
Keep up the good work on this site. As stated previously, we added it to our monthly newsletter as a resource for all veterans. Thanks! |
| Name: | bm 2 mills |
| E-mail address: | buddykeith@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | was my honor to serve aboard this vessel in the gulf in the 80s.no finer crew sailed as far as im concerned. |
| Name: | Kevin Garrick |
| E-mail address: | garricks@fairpoint.net |
| Comments: | Served aboard USS LEADER '83-'85 Great ship and crew. Had alot of fun guys!! Great job on the site. |
| Name: | david holmes |
| E-mail address: | dholmes@steilsurvey.com |
| Comments: | On board 1982-1984.
Anybody out there? |
| Name: | david holmes |
| E-mail address: | mustangtbug@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | On board 1982-1984
Anybody out there? |
| Name: | Ariella |
| E-mail address: | ariella@yahoo.com.br |
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| Name: | Ben Cousyn |
| E-mail address: | ben86406@npgcable.com |
| Comments: | This is a beautiful site to honer U,S,S, Leader.
Comander Church hill came in my store and got all of the Oak furniture for his room, we finished it and too all of the stuff that was a danger to the ship he brought a magnet to us so we could take any thing that might draw any kind of danger to his ship, we got an invation to the ship party and my wife Mary and my self met a lot of important people and we had a good time and the boat fitters did a good job installing all of the wall units, they really looked good in his room. when he came back to our store he said that every thing was in the delta they had to throw all the stuff of to get away from the enemey, but any way he was alive and his wife was happy,he was a good men and we all liked hime and his family. Ben PS, the name of the store at that time was Cousyns Furniture and it was in Stanton California. |
| Name: | John Gorman |
| E-mail address: | john.gorman@covidien.com |
| Comments: | I was the Supply Officer of USS Leader during most of Desert Storm. OUTSTANDING Website. |
| Name: | mugu |
| E-mail address: | MUGU@MUGU.COM |
| Comments: | OH MY GOD THIS GUYMAN PEOPLE WANT TO KILL US,
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| Name: | Rance Jurevwicz, Capt., USA, Ret |
| E-mail address: | info@veteranprograms.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.veteranprograms.com |
| Comments: | INCREDIBLE WEB SITE! This web site is a fantastic source for veterans who want to maintain contact with one another, learn about different aspects of the Armed Forces, and educate one self about your site information. We have added a link to our monthly newsletter so that more veterans are made aware of this invaluable resource. Also, please visit our web site in order to learn about benefits you are eligible for today. Learn how to increase your service-connected compensation and VA pension. Again, Thanks For Your Great Web Site! |
| Name: | Ed Churchill |
| E-mail address: | etc1415@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I was the CO of the Leader during the minesweeping in Haipong Harbor. I was the commissioning CO when she was re-commissioned at the Long Beach Naval Station. |
| Name: | Robert Banks |
| E-mail address: | rssbiz@live.com |
| Comments: | Served on Leader 1981 to 1984 First LT.,MCM Officer |
| Name: | Robert Haley, PNC, USNR (Ret.) |
| E-mail address: | chiefhaley@gmail.com |
| Comments: | Bravo Zulu on your web site. I was on the USS GALLANT (MSO-489) in 1980-81 when she was homeported at Treasure Island, California. |
| Name: | Robert Haley, PNC, USNR (Ret.) |
| E-mail address: | chiefhaley@gmail.com |
| Comments: | Bravo Zulu! Great web site. I spent some time on board USS GALLANT (MS0-489) while she was homeported at Treasure Island in 1979-80.
I was also on the USS WASHTENAW COUNTY (LST-1166) from 1962-63. In the mid '70s she was converted to a Minesweeper Special (MSS-2) and also swept Haiphong Harbor. Keep up the good work. |
| Name: | John Allison |
| E-mail address: | sphere321@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I served as a QM on Leader from 1985 - 1987. Loved the ship, the crew and the experience. Nothing like breathing the stack gas! |
| Name: | MONTY HEILWAGEN |
| E-mail address: | montrose_37@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | ONBOARD THE LEADER 1978-1981 |
| Name: | Bill Lindell (Cook) 3rd class |
| E-mail address: | carollindell@msn.com |
| Comments: | I was trained as a cook by Dallas because Bill Hicks went to the brig for not wanting to cook. I was on the Leader from 1967 to 1968.One trip to Wespac. Cheese(nickname)was the head steward, he did the sewing for us. Webb was the Chief Bosen Mate. Lou, 1st Class was the engine mate. My nick name was Little Stew. I got an early out because ship was going back for 13 months. I am hoping to hear from any of you guys that were there with me. |
| Name: | joe alberts |
| E-mail address: | joealb@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I served on the USS Lucid MSO 458 1962/1965.I would enjoy hearing from the guys i served with.I`m also looking for pictures that i have from those days and Looking forward to correspond with old shipmates.
joe alberts |
| Name: | EDWARD D. DAHM |
| E-mail address: | edd969@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I SERVED ON THE LEADER FROM SEP 1975 TO AUG 1979. IT WAS
A GREAT SHIP AND I ENJOYED MOST OF MY TOUR THERE. I WAS ON THERE FOR TWO CO'S, LT WAITE AND LTCDR MILLER. I MADE THE NATO CRUISE IN 78-79 AND HAD A BLAST. I REALLY LIKED ENGLAND THE BEST BECAUSE WE SPOKE ALMOST THE SAME LANGUAGE. I HAD MANY GOOD FRIENDS ON BOARD BUT TIME MAKES THINGS RUN TOGETHER AND I DON'T REMEMBER MANY OF THEM. I WAS AN HT2 AND WORKED FOR HT1 KITCH. I LEFT THE LEADER AND WENT TO SCHOOL IN DAGO. I THEN SPENT THE REST OF MY SERVICE BETWEEN FRIGGATES AND DESTROYERS. I RETIRED IN 91 AS A DC1 AND RETURNED TO MY HOME IN MICHIGAN AND AM THERE STILL. WELL MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU. V/R EDWARD D. DAHM DC1 U.S.N. (RETIRED) |
| Name: | Jerry Von Kohn MACM (sw) ret |
| E-mail address: | sandiego_678@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Served on recommishing crew in 1972 and did "end sweep" great seeing some of the old guys ans reliving the days.
Great web page |
| Name: | Alan LaBerge, RMCS(SW/SS), USNRET |
| E-mail address: | aplaberge@gmail.com |
| Comments: | It was my fist sea duty tour (outside the reserve DD's)Served aboard as leading ops LPO (RM1) for several years in the early 80's. Made the Norlant/Med run. I don't believe there were any finer or more well rounded communicators in the navy, then those that served on sweeps.
Some of my fondest memories and shipmates were onboard. PS Just curious...anyone remember "Sweepers McBride"? |
| Name: | W. W. "Mike" Warren |
| E-mail address: | usslucid@usslucid.org |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.usslucid.org |
| Comments: | Members of the minesweeping community; The Lucid MSO-458 Foundation was formed by a group of minesweeper crewmen who served aboard US Navy MSO's. MSO's are a class of wooden hull oceangoing minesweepers that are now decommissioned and fading from public memory. The group has obtained the USS Lucid MSO-458 and has her docked at Bradford Island, California. Work has begun! The organization is restoring her and a public museum is established. The MSO is a little known and poorly documented, extremely interesting facet of Naval history. The USS Lucid Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the minesweeping men and their wooden ships, the last all wooden US Naval ships, to navigate the oceans. We will be telling the stories of Mine Recovery and UDT teams, Floating Pigs, Hammer Boxes, Magtails, Aluminum Engines and Towed Sonar. The little known stories of Contact, Magnetic and Acoustic minesweeping as well as the mystery of Magnetic Countermeasures will be told through the displays, narratives and museum media. Typhoons, tiny ships and ice-clad superstructures are only a small part of the "Wooden Ships and Iron Men" story. From sweeping the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam, observing the final Nuclear blasts on Johnston Island to sweeping the Persian Gulf, "Where the Fleet Goes, We've Been" will be clearly illustrated. Since there is no other Naval Museum that even attempts to tell the story of the MSO the USS Lucid is an important and living detail of US Naval History. First, Lucid must undergo a restoration. Previous civilian owners for commercial use have modified her. She needs hull repairs and painting and re-outfitting to be brought back to her former Naval dignity and glory. The Lucid MSO-458 Foundation has a workforce of planners, engineers and volunteer manpower who are vested and committed to this grand and worthy project. Bringing her to life is a large financial undertaking. We’re looking for tax-exempt gifts from the Military Industrial sector and individuals to help with this extremely valuable endeavor. Of course, all donors will be properly and prominently acknowledged aboard the vessel. Your donation will help preserve this vital part of Naval History. Please join us in telling the MSO story by sending a tax-exempt gift to Lucid MSO-458 Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation through our website. http://www.usslucid.org |
| Name: | edward rodriguez |
| E-mail address: | www.rodvino@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | dear sir - while trying to research a mr. harvey e. toponce,i found your site interesting.i happen to own many personal letters of mr. toponce which he wrote to his wife ruthie, most of them are from 1955 . please contact me ,should you have any interest.
regards, ed r. |
| Name: | Jeff Smith |
| E-mail address: | jsmith@atomicbearing.com |
| Comments: | EN (A-GANG) 78-81 What a hoot. A good ship and a great crew.
Best of luck to all. Jeff |
| Name: | Richard L. Newkirk |
| E-mail address: | catfishenjones@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | Hi Mike
I was just remembering the best day I ever had aboard the Leader. It was the day Dave Scott and I were given the day off and we went sailing on the three masted Prince Louis that was tied up across the pier from us in Harbor Boat. I think the worst day was the one that the xo, bob garnett called me to the bridge during a general quarters "drill" to inform me that my grandfather had passed away and that I couldn't go home to be there to comfort my mother. Richard L. Newkirk Richard L. Newkirk |
| Name: | Mark Stefanik |
| E-mail address: | mbstefanik@earthlink.et |
| Comments: | I am the prospective Executive and Commanding Officer of MCM Crew LEADER. My goal is to establish a link between the LEADER of the past and the LEADER of the future. I appreciate all of the hard work you have put into this site and I would love to hear more about it - my E-mail is above.
I believe that the heritage of our name - LEADER - is incredibly important and a source of pride. Hopefully you will concur and keep in touch. Sincerely, Mark B. Stefanik LT USN |
| Name: | Brian Hiatt |
| E-mail address: | devildog45co@starstream.net |
| Comments: | My uncle and the Leaders first commanding officer, CMDR Harvey E. Toponce passed away on May 21, 2007. I am curious to know if there is anyone that reads this guest book that knew and/or served with him. Please contact me by my e-mail or posting here. Thank You. |
| Name: | Myron Berry BM3 |
| E-mail address: | mberry51473@roadrunner.com |
| Comments: | just updating email address |
| Name: | Calvin Hunt |
| E-mail address: | crhunt@optonline.net |
| Comments: | Served on board the USS Leader from September 1971 - August 1972. I was the PN3 onboard at that time. |
| Name: | Calvin Hunt |
| E-mail address: | crhunt@optonline.net |
| Name: | Mark (Welby) Caldwell |
| E-mail address: | caldwell2@frontiernet.net |
| Comments: | I served as an RM3 on Leader from August 1971 (before recommissioning) until July 1973. My fondest memories are of the great guys onboard, enlisted and officers alike.It's hard to imagine that it's been 35 years since those days. I remember well the other guys in the radioroom. Chief Mac, Terry Knight, Dominic (Dago) Famia, Tom Cunningham, and Shorty Page. Yes Paul, I remember you very well too. By the way, the Engineering Officer was Ltjg. Robert Gompers, and we also had a green Comm. officer, Ens. Andy Jensen. I was one of four guys named Mark on that tiny ship. Myself, Mark Evans, Mark Poole, and Mark Mendelsohn. Also remember the likes of SM2 Rucker, Dave Kish, Bill Gordon, Dan Barrows, Ed Sheehan, PN1 Warner, Rick (crazy man) Newkirk and others that come to mind every so often. Anyone wanting to reflect on those great times on the Leader, send me an E-mail. |
| Name: | George Atwood |
| E-mail address: | atwood318@alltel.net |
| Comments: | I was stationed aboard Leader 72-73
EN-2, main engine room. |
| Name: | walter jahn |
| E-mail address: | walter_jahnintx@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I was on the leader in the gulf during desert storm Hay Delashmutt,Snoke or Beasley you out there????Great web site |
| Name: | Marshall Mota |
| E-mail address: | moodyrivers1234@msn.com |
| Comments: | I was on the USS GRASP during the VIETNAM ERA,How I'd love to reach some of myMATES, Your site was inspireing,God Bless THE USA |
| Name: | David Scott |
| E-mail address: | scottfree123@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | I was an RD3 on the Leader from 1971-72 and served with my great friends Rick Newkirk, Mark Evans, and Mark Mendelsahn. I disagreed with the war, but I loved the men I served with. I am now retired, living in NC and on my cruising sailboat, have one daughter who is a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, have been married 30 years, am a active environmentalist and also active in liberal politics. I would love to have fellow crew members contact and visit me in NC where we live on a large inland lake. 910-646-3274 |
| Name: | Kevin MacKenzie |
| E-mail address: | Kevinm552@verizon.net |
| Comments: | I served abored the Leader from 83 to Sept.85. Very good job on this web site! I had a great time aboard that ship...Great bunch of guys we had in the aft engineroom...Jablonski,Watson,Studholm ect. I still have the photo of all the guys on the bow of the ship taken during the Panama cruse, enlarged and hanging on my wall. |