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| Name: | Brian |
| E-mail address: | brian@juno.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://leas.batcave.net/norco/drug-prices.html |
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| Name: | Jim DeVries |
| E-mail address: | salemw7ug@gmail.com |
| Name: | Gary Holbrook |
| E-mail address: | hchevy409@aol.com |
| Name: | Gary Malsbury (animal) |
| E-mail address: | gdmals4547@gmail.com |
| Comments: | on the Caiman 65 to 66.Sure am looking forward to seeing you guys again. The reunion should be a hoot. See you in San Antonio. |
| Name: | John L.Stone |
| E-mail address: | patriciastone65@gmail.com |
| Comments: | Served in Caiman 1/62-6/62. |
| Name: | tony frey |
| E-mail address: | tfrey@communitynet.org |
| Comments: | who would believe that just 2 years aboard the caiman would burn in such strong memories. I was 15 when I came aboard the caiman. I'm 70 now. I can remember with joy a piece of every day there. |
| Name: | Ron and Helen Erb |
| E-mail address: | mtncpl@sosinet.net |
| Comments: | Helen and I would like to wish all you CAIMANITES and your spouses a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR and the best of every thing us OLD guys can handle. |
| Name: | Jim Brink |
| E-mail address: | jcb5565@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Had some fond memories of the Caiman, one that comes to mind was when we were at Breamerton Washington State. A couple guys and you know who you are, decided to take our mascot ashore with them. That little guys was mean, can't imagine why. |
| Name: | GT Shafer |
| E-mail address: | gshafer1@aol.com |
| Comments: | Tom
You always were a great backup for Indian and I. Seems like you were back to back with us in a few fights we had on liberty. Fred smiled too much so you just helped him out. See you soon....GT |
| Name: | GT Shafer |
| E-mail address: | gshafer1@aol.com |
| Comments: | Tom
You always were a great backup for Indian and I. Seems like you were back to back with us in a few fights we had on liberty. Fred smiled too much so you just helped him out. See you soon....GT |
| Name: | Tom Stearrett |
| E-mail address: | retsubsailor@gmail.com |
| Comments: | Remembering Fred Cole. It was Roy Grewell's going away shindig at the Pump Room. After several (?) beers I got into it with Fred, who decided to take me outside. We went over to the parking lot and had a fist fight. I blacked his eye with a solid left. The next morning in the crews mess he was heard to say "I guess he's saltier than I thought". After that we got along great. Anyway, Ben Cage put it in the ship's newspaper that he ran out of the Radion Shack "out new yeoman is quite a guy; he must be because he blacked Fred Cole's eye." Those were the days my friend..... |
| Name: | Jim Brooks |
| E-mail address: | idawolf39@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I just want to thank Big John for loaning me some shoes so I could go on liberty and drink some beer with him. (I gained so much weight with all the good chow when I first came on board in Japan mine wouldn't fit.) Also, Larry do you still have all those tapes that you recorded off the albums I bought over there? Sure do miss you guys. It was a long time ago in 1963. Hi to all the rest of you that were on board then. |
| Name: | Gary Spang |
| E-mail address: | x.tangent@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
|
| Name: | Don Bell |
| E-mail address: | dsbell646@msn.com |
| Comments: | My wife, Sandy, asked my shipmates for some help last December when I was in a VA Hospital in Sacramento. I served on the Caiman under Capts. Minnegerode & Hyde in '65 & '66. We had an interesting WestPac cruise, including some Top Secret work off North Vietnam & a couple of other countries. At the reunion, I spoke with one of our LTs, Mr. Ferbrache, who said the restriction on speaking about those missions expires after 12 years- but I still don't tell civilians what we did. A "buddy letter" from a fellow shipmate will help with the VA in documenting a claim for a disability. Thanx to my shipmates for helping me out, esp. Bob Dengel & Capt. Hyde, Gerry Shafer & Indian. The reunion was really thereputic, too. See you @ Branson. |
| Name: | ROBERT(BOB)BOWLIN(ARKY) |
| E-mail address: | trkrbob@gmail.com |
| Comments: | Hi gang from RAZORBACK BASE USSVI AT NORTH LITTLE ROCK,AR
I am now base treasurer and invite everyone to stop in at the boat USS RAZORBACK SS394.Give me a call anytime your in the area.Come and tour the boat as a guest.We also have overnight stay's for 32 people. The boat has not been altered and still smells like smoke boat.we are now working on getting #4 eng running.Last Razorback reunion the guy's slept and ate on board. Meals were cooked by ships cook in the galley.I served and qualified on Caiman. aboard nov 1957 to may 1962.Best years of my life!!! |
| Name: | Steve Dabrowski |
| E-mail address: | sdab_wml@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | I have to make a correction to my entry regarding Capt. Hyde. We did not go up to the wardroom (on the barge) to see the captain on the compressor issue, but rather to get the department head, who was in the meeting. The captain himself did not resolve that issue, but rather released our department head to resolve it with us.
After writing the entry I kept trying to think why we would go directly to the captain and it came to me last night what we had actually done. I apologize for suggesting that anyone would ignore the chain of command in that manner and get away with it. Four decades clouds some details. |
| Name: | Steve Dabrowski |
| E-mail address: | sdab_wml@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | I was an EN3 on board the Caiman from Dec 66 thru August 67 and had the pleasure of serving under Commander Hyde for the final months of his command, and he always served as the model for a top notch leader in my eyes throughout my life since.
We were in Mare Island going through a major overhaul and I was rebuilding the main air compressors. I had not qualified, but still ended up with that project and was often not squared away in dress or regulation hair length. One day some issue came up with the compressors that needed Cmdr Hyde's input on short notice and I went up to the officer's wardroom with another shipmate to see if we could see him. We entered and observed the military formalities of coming to attention, etc. There were a group of officers there, in addition to the captain, among whom Lt Ridley immediately took exception to the length of my hair and began to give me a verbal working over. I was in extreme discomfort and really on the spot in front of the group with no good answer, but the captain did something I never forgot, he absorbed the exchange (largely a one way) for a minute, then he just kind of lifted his hand from his chair arm toward Lt Ridley and then said to me, "you'll get that taken care of won't you" and that was all. We explained the issue, got his ok for what we needed and went back to work. It was just a small example of the kind of man he was and the kind of leader there are far too few of today. I think I did get the haircut. |
| Name: | Jordan |
| E-mail address: | jordan@prodigy.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://oponline.8m.com/temazepam/index.html |
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| Name: | Tom Stearrett |
| E-mail address: | retsubsailor@gmail.com |
| Comments: | It is with great sadness that I note the death of CAPT Robert A. Hyde on 17 June 2010. He was the finest Naval Officer I served under in 30 years of active Naval service. CAPT HYDE RIP. |
| Name: | Dennis R. Maes |
| E-mail address: | runval47@netscape.net |
| Comments: | I have topside watch waiting for my shipmates to return to the boat on time without any violations from shore. |
| Name: | Gary Spang |
| E-mail address: | x.tangent@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | Hey guys,
Sorry I had to miss seeing all of you again... hope everyone had a great time. Maybe next time. |
| Name: | Harold Zimmerman |
| E-mail address: | hlhzimm@gmail.com |
| Comments: | I was aboard the USS Caiman on 6 March 1959,off the coast of Formosa (now Taiwan) for about 12 hours, as an observer from the USS Henry W. Tucker DDR 875. I was impressed with the crew and the ship. I thought seriously of applying to sub school after that experience.
My "Honorary Submariner" card was signed by E.V.MC Keever. It is something that I have treasured all these years, along with my "Shellback" certificate and various other Navy awards and documents. |
| Name: | HAROLD PAYNE |
| E-mail address: | hlpsubww2@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I want to thank you for recommending me for membership in the Holland Club (50 yrs in subs). I have my certificate framed on my wall. I was getting ready to send in my application for membership in your organization when I got the newsletter stating the vote had been taken to not accept those not qualified in subs, for which I was really disappointed. My loss. I went aboard Caiman in Dec. 1945 and rode her out to Guam.,From there they put me on the Chopper. When we left S.D. we had a small terrier for a mascot and she jumped ship at Guam. I'll send some pictures if they're any good.
HP |
| Name: | Margaret |
| E-mail address: | rowan_74@msn.com |
| Comments: | On Veterans Day we thank all Caiman vets for your service. |
| Name: | sandy harter |
| E-mail address: | sh1vht@frontiernet.net |
| Comments: | Hi, I am the wife of Don Bell who was on the caiman between 2004-2006. I know that all information is classified, but if any of you can tell me the month and year of where the caiman was during this time. Don is in the VA hospital in Sacramento Ca. suffering from PTSD. What I am trying to do is get Medical Benefits for him. If any one could just send me a buddy letter it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help. Sandy |
| Name: | Fritz Steiner |
| E-mail address: | navy5717th@aol.com |
| Comments: | I did my at-sea Submarine Offier qualification in CAIMAN in May of 1960. Buck Buchanon was the CO. He had hurt himself diving into a swimming pool the previous weekend and wasn't moving too fast. On one occasion as he was stepping into the Radio Shack he tripped over the transom and in the process spilled a cup of blonde and sweet into the TBL.
CAIMAN was a fine boat. When I was throwing the sticks in Maneuvering I learned the hard way that you couldn't put load on her Jimmys like you could on my REDFISH's FMs--damned near shut one down. It sagged badly as I loaded it. I got a thumbs up, so thank you CAIMAN! |
| Name: | Sara |
| E-mail address: | saraohlidal@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Hello. My uncle (Mom's older brother) was Nick Baross. He was the radio man onboard in 1947-1948. I know for sure he was in Pearl Harbor, Alaska, and the Artic (when she earned the Blue Nose). I will inquire with my Mom about photos (I know she has some) that we could post. Unfortunately, my beloved Uncle has been Eternal Patrol since January 1981. How I wish I could ask him about life onboard! But I remember being a kid and marveling at the large world map in his study with all the stick pins of where he'd traveled to on the Caiman and while serving in the Navy. He may not have been onboard anymore by that time, but he was still all Navy! If anyone out there remembers my uncle or was onboard at the same time, please feel free to contact me. Thank you to all of you who served and sacrificed so much for everyone at home! Sara |
| Name: | Al Jeske |
| E-mail address: | revajeske@twecwb.com |
| Name: | Gary Spang |
| E-mail address: | x.tangent@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | Just want to say "Thanks for your service" and have a great Memorial Day |
| Name: | John Scofield |
| E-mail address: | johnts@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | Hi everyone Well i'm still here I was down for a while stage 4 prostate cancer, but my ever pure and wholesome body rejected it so now all I have to do is get back to where I was whereever that was. Any way looking forward to Reno. I se a few names I must talk to. My best to all. John |
| Name: | John Scofield |
| E-mail address: | johnts@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | Hi everyone Well i'm still here I was down for a while stage 4 prostate cancer, but my ever pure and wholesome body rejected it so now all I have to do is get back to where I was whereever that was. Any way looking forward to Reno. I se a few names I must talk to. My best to all. John |
| Name: | steve robinson |
| E-mail address: | acorntoo@bellsouth.net |
| Name: | RON ERB |
| E-mail address: | mtncpl@sosinet.net |
| Comments: |
wishing all caiman sailors and thier significant others a very merry christmas and a happy and healthy new year. looking forward to seeing all of you again in reno. |
| Name: | Gilbert Grayson |
| E-mail address: | gilbert.grayson@cox.net |
| Comments: | I qualified on the Sea Fox 1965. DBF. |
| Name: | Richard H. Ellett |
| E-mail address: | rhellett1845@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | at the next reunion, please see if there is anyone that was on the tunny on May 3 & 4 1955 that knows that the regulus missiles had W-5 warheads! This is a very urgent request because I am now in contact with some of the crew members of the USSNereus which was on site for the launches on May 3 & 4 1955. And as you know the Nerues was the mother ship for the TUNNY. And we always took good care of the TUNNY at all times, so please help the crew of the Nereus at this time to get the medical help they need from the VA for being exposed to radiation! We all have Cancer! |
| Name: | Gerald Morse |
| E-mail address: | morse4148@msn.com |
| Name: | Jim DeVries |
| E-mail address: | jc.devries@croisan.com |
| Comments: |
Great web site. |
| Name: | Ben Cage,LCDR,USN(RET) |
| E-mail address: | blcage@comcast.net |
| Comments: | I wish I could say I miss snorkling, but then, what could be better? It's hell getting old and fat...especially the old part...Hello to all my OLD shipmates....Ben |
| Name: | Jerry Frost |
| E-mail address: | jfrost1@san.rr.com |
| Name: | Richard H. Ellett |
| E-mail address: | rhellett1845@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Do you have anything on the launching of a regulugs missile with w-5 warheads on May 3-4 1955. these launches were from the USSG Tunny near Hawaii. Other than the info in the book, REGULUS THE FORGOTTEN WEAPON? |
| Name: | K.W. Sanderlin |
| E-mail address: | sanderkw8175@cox.net |
| Comments: | Back from the reunion at Branson. As usual Smitty and Yeo did a great job. I spoke to Smitty via phone today...he has continued his journey to Oklahoma for the annual "Running of the Ex-wives".. He has sponsored entries in at least three catagories: Asian, Domestic and Transgendered. He hopes to place this year. On his return to the land of the Bremalo, he plans to pass through California to see if the recent Supreme Court decision will affect two of his former marriages. If they are legalized and recognized, that will bring his former marriages up to an even number of six! Best of luck.
D'Goat |
| Name: | Warren Webert |
| E-mail address: | wfwebert@verizon.net |
| Name: | Warren (WINDY) Winder |
| E-mail address: | warwin01@cox.net |
| Comments: | Hi Gang; I've been laid low by a screwed up back and a bum
leg so I won't be able to make the May get together. Must be a conspirasy to keep me away. I'll be there in spirit, if not in body. I hope to get squared away so I can make the next gathering. Its been a long time since I left Caiman.5 April, 1963.....that's 45 years...... Wishing you all a grand old time, Your shipmate, Windy |
| Name: | Greg Baer |
| E-mail address: | fc-webmaster@flamincaiman.org |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.flamincaiman.org |
| Comments: | Hey, all you Caimanites - All ahead flank and make your course for the new Video section in the Gallery. You will find some great footage there from the 2004 Reunion Banquet and all kinds of other great videos.
While you are in the Gallery, you might want to also checkout the 150 or so new photos in the Photo section and there's even a new story or two in the Stories section. It's TIME TO REGISTER FOR OUR 2008 REUNION!! See you in Branson! Greg "Hawkeye" Baer |
| Name: | dingleberry |
| E-mail address: | bobdengel2004@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Been called a lot of things but never clean and pure.See all you guys in Branson. |
| Name: | GT |
| E-mail address: | gshafer1@aol.com |
| Comments: | Hoofs
Indian, Baby Giff and Dingleberry will alway be indebted to your wisdom in keeping us clean and pure throughout our Westpac days. See you soon bud....GT |
| Name: | Larry Overholt |
| E-mail address: | larnanas1@verizon.net |
| Comments: | Just updated my info for the log and thought I would sign in.
Very sorry to see Billy (Doc) Jones went on eternal patrol. We did alot of parties at his house in El Cajon. Rest your oars "DOC"... |
| Name: | Larry J. White |
| E-mail address: | ljwhite@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I was on the Caiman from 9/68 to 10/70 as am EM1.
I was surprise to see that the boat was having reunions. I have been going through the pick and recognize a number of my former shipmate. I am sending in my membership fee and maybe be able to go to the next reunion. What memories the pictures bring back. Larry White (Whitey) |
| Name: | Mike Clancy |
| E-mail address: | michaelclancy@att.net |
| Comments: | Glad to be connected with the submarine community again. My wife tracked down the Caiman site after a conversation with her older brother (Ex submariner USS Cavalla SS244?), who said that he'd heard the the Caiman gang was having reunions, and really had their act togther on the internet.
After checking out the website, and it's various content I can't help but agree with him. So what have I been up to all these long years? I've been in the IT field almost since getting out of the Navy at the end of 1971. I'm now in the last innings of that career, and I'm now starting to think about what I might do for the next phase of life. Maybe I can find something next that's not electrical/electronics based, but I seem to be drawn to the stuff for some strange reason. Until I figure the next phase out I'll keep working on life's mysteries I suppose. I'd be happy to hear from any old boatmates to learn how things have been going for them since the Caiman days, and or to just catch up a bit. Mike |
| Name: | Hoofs (Field) |
| E-mail address: | smokeboater@verizon.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://Nada |
| Comments: | Thanks Lucky. Same to you......(much older than me)....hahaha
Chris |
| Name: | Hoofs (Field) |
| E-mail address: | smokeboater@verizon.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://Nada |
| Comments: | Man! Three reunions down and every one a damn blast. Really looking forward to Branson, Missoura so Slick can show me them Missoura Mules he rides all the time!!!
GT you better show up with that damn Indian Reeves or I'm a takin' that Pink Lady away from ya. I gots a bottle of cheap rum saved back just for him. Yeah, yeah, Dengel can have some too .........the whiner. No golf for me boys...mama beat the crap out'ta me and ruin't my shoulder.....! See ya'll there..... Hoofs 66-72 |
| Name: | William (Bill) Lowe |
| E-mail address: | williaml_2@msn.com |
| Comments: | Just wanted to wish all shipmate a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and the best in the year 2008. Am looking forward to the reunion in May
Bill |
| Name: | Dave ( Lucky ) Ehrnschwender |
| E-mail address: | Dehrnschwender@fairbanks.com |
| Comments: | It is always a treat to browses the website and the green book and read the comments of the Caiman shipmates, brings back many pleasant memories. Happy Holidays days to all and Happy Birthday to Huffs! Looking forward to seeing you all in Branson.
PS: Note, the new e-mail address |
| Name: | Richard Nathan |
| E-mail address: | rick@tradewind.org |
| Comments: | Oh my gosh! I'm looking for photos to build a scale model of the boat I was on in 66-67 and I find this site. How wonderful! I was a lowly seaman most of the time but Bob Hyde wrote a commendation in my service record for helmsmanship under his command. This got me a special slot with the surface pukes when I went to mine sweepers. My family is pretty sick of the stories about this time in my life. Thanks to so many great mates who pushed and pulled you into qualification. I'd do it all again in a minute if I could. Thanks! |
| Name: | Allen R. Bailey |
| E-mail address: | aribroab@cox.net |
| Name: | Ray Kuhn, JR |
| E-mail address: | rkuhnjr@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | My Father rode Caiman from about 51 to 55 or so. I read some familiar names and recognized some faces in the pictures. What a great site. Thank you. Ray |
| Name: | GT Shafer |
| E-mail address: | gshafer1@aol.com |
| Comments: | Gentlemen
We are so lucky to have Whit, Chris, Smitty and Yeo doing such a great job for us. Of course, us weapons weenies don't have the training for the detailed stuff. Branson is going to be a great time...Baby Giff, Ned "Indian" Reeves and I plan to partake of the "libations & entertainment". GT |
| Name: | Gary Spang |
| E-mail address: | x.tangent@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | I just rcv'd my latest newsletter, and am saddened to read of the passing of Chief Jacks. He was COB on my first boat, Pomfret, and I knew him as mentor, a fair and just man, a shipmate.
After so many years away from it all, when I was sitting in a room filled with so many unfamiliar faces, he walked up, shook my hand, and, well, he knew me by name! I will miss him. Gary Spang |
| Name: | Smitty |
| E-mail address: | DBFrider@comcast.net |
| Comments: | If your FLAMIN' CAIMAN TALES arrives in other than perfect condition you can print a copy from the NEWS page of our web site or contact me and I will send you another. |
| Name: | Ken Edick |
| E-mail address: | croozer30@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Was onboard from 70-72 part of decomissiong crew.had all intentions of being at first reunion and work got in the way.making plans to be there in 08.lots of good memories.sent pic's to greg and see they got posted.cant remember who all had the red star tatooted on there hand but can add one more in there.anyone in the big sky country of montana look me up.MM3SS KEN EDICK |
| Name: | Victor "David" Hauck |
| E-mail address: | dhinkb@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | From 64 to 66 under Bob Hyde, "Rawhyde" the gator and Bob Mehrlin. Infamous for the Ben Cage "Note in the cigarette pack" scam that initiated me into the core of mullets. I have contacted Fred Cole and Joe Byers but we all move on. There are some great stories to be told. The Catalina adventure, the Horse and Cow war stories, the Club White Hat escapades and 4 or 5 long patrols. Caiman will always have a special place in my heart "and on my right arm" For what ever time we have left---------Good sailin' David |
| Name: | Richard "Fred" Frederick |
| E-mail address: | Richard_Frederick@bcbsil.com |
| Comments: | God! How the memories come flooding back seeing all the names of the people I served with from 65-67. I still remember running around with Dingle and Gorden in SF. Anyone remember xmas in Yokuska in 66 when someone fired off a flare and some other topside watch fired off his weapon? Yes, those were crazy enjobable days.
All the best to you guys! Richard Frederick |
| Name: | Warren (Windy) Winder |
| E-mail address: | warwin01@cox.net |
| Comments: | Hello troops; Sorry that I was forced to miss the doings in
Flagstaff. I spent that time in the hospital getting a brand new hip. I'm about 80% and getting better all the time. I'll Make the Branson Bash though,If the good lord's willing and the devil don't care! 09/04/06 |
| Name: | Dennis R. Maes |
| E-mail address: | runval47@netscape.net |
| Name: | Bill conner |
| E-mail address: | bil@billconner.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://billconner.com |
| Comments: | Surprizing how many names I recognize. Guess my mental block isn't working as well as I thought. I did the westpac cruise in 63 and qualified there. Seems like I was thrown overboard in Yokosuka or maybe Sasebo. All I know for sure is that I got really wet. I drank my dolphins at that ratty little dive in Thieves Alley. Everyone there passed around this really huge glass and added whatever nasty stuff were drinking to it, dropped my dolphins in, stood me on a chair and MADE me drink it. Don't remember much after that ... |
| Name: | Scotty Plumlee |
| E-mail address: | msplumlee@gmail.com |
| Comments: | The great reunion of '06 was a blast. Until I went, I had no idea how much I missed my old shipmates or how much my experences aboard and ashore shaped who I am today. I have photo's and will send them when I get the chance. Thanks to the committee for a great reunion and thanks to my shipmates for a wonderful tour of duty.
Scotty |
| Name: | GT Shafer |
| E-mail address: | gshafer1@aol.com |
| Comments: | Gentlemen
To Smitty, Whit, Greg, Fag and, of course, Chris....that was one hell of a reunion. You boys did "good" Thanks and will look forward to seeing all again. GT Shafer |
| Name: | Bill Seid |
| E-mail address: | WSeid@aol.com |
| Comments: | Flagstaff was great. The biggest difference I saw was people from different eras did more mingling at flagstaff than at Colorado Springs. Both reunions were the best.
I found out that Whit (Whitwell) and his wife know more of my relations in Nebraska than I do. That is what happens when people get together and talk. See you in Branson. |
| Name: | Jim "Tooley" O'Toole |
| E-mail address: | jiminak46@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://home.gci.net/~jiminak |
| Comments: | The Flagstaff reunion was great. Thanks to the association board for the tremendous effort in pulling it off without many hitches beyond the expensive beer. Next time we need to find a place where we can get decent beer at a decent price.
I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about the choice of Flagstaff but it turned out to be a great choice. I'd been to the south rim of the Grand Canyon several times before so passed on it this time. After the reunion Kathy and I went up to the north rim and spent a couple of days. If you've never been there you should try it. You'll never want to do the south rim again. I hope everyone who attended the reunion made it home safely and that none of the staff of the Radisson was offended by the late-night hymns or the invitations to tap dance that Sam Amato extended until way into the night. See you in Branson, wherever the hell that is. |
| Name: | K.W. Sanderlin |
| E-mail address: | sanderkw8175@cox.net |
| Comments: | The day we returned from the Flagstaff reunion, I received an E-mail announcing the upcoming reunion for another diesel boat that I rode during that timeframe. I checked their website to see how their last reunion was attended.
There were 26 attendees! We had that many door prize winners. It's all due to the efforts of the unholy quartet of: Smitty, Whit, Yeo and Chris. These guys could organize a "Chicken stampede". We didn't get to hear ALL of John Schofields "Great Love and War stories" or get all the details of J.K. Bains Leapfrog Contest but it was a great party. Now that they have two difficult reunions in their resume.. They will try to put together a reunion for all of Smitty's exwives. That will be a feat! D'Goat |
| Name: | John Ewing |
| E-mail address: | john-ewing@bellsouth.net |
| Comments: | served in caiman 1946-1953.took a look at the e-mail buit did not reconize any nameswent aboard as EM1/c and was tranferred as EMC to cabezon for its decm. |
| Name: | john doen |
| E-mail address: | none |
| Name: | james selover |
| E-mail address: | jrselover@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | warm seas, no contacts, 10 day port call every 2 days... |
| Name: | Jack Hawkins |
| E-mail address: | jhawl609@wbhsi.net |
| Comments: | Great web site. Thanks for all of your good work. Looking forward to the reunion |
| Name: | Jim Tipton |
| E-mail address: | aur1948@cox.net |
| Comments: | Hi Everyone,
I served on Caiman from '70 until she was decommissioned in '72. I was an IC1(SS) on board. The electricians on board that I remember were Hog Hardin EM1(SS), Batista EMC(SS), Morelli EMC(SS), Harry McGill EM1(SS), Jim Brazel IC2(SS), Eric Williams EM3(SS)later converted to Sonarman, Duck Mallard EM2(SS) well thats all I can remember. Guess I'm getting old. Anyway, I couldn't make the last reunion in 2004 because of a little problem with my ticker (open heart surgery) but I am healthy and straining at the bits to get to the one this year. I'm sure Smitty things I'm lying to him again but I will send in my application soon Smitty. Caiman was a great boat and I'm looking forward to renewing some old friendships. If any of you remember him (Doug Furst EM2(SS)) is going to be at the reunion this year. Well, enough for now, just wanted to say hello to everyone again. |
| Name: | Larry Hudspeth |
| E-mail address: | l.hudspeth@cox.net |
| Comments: | I really enjoy the site. I am James"pinky"Penders son. I had talked to Chris Fields last year through e-mail. I knew that caiman shipmates were a close knit group, I had learned this at a very young age when dad was stationed in san Diego. My "babysitters" were, Chris Fields,Dave Campbell,Fred kurtzman,Mini-chief,carrol don coon. I have probally forgotten some. I really enjoy the sights and sounds. Dad got the ok (1969 I think) to go on the sub,to let us see. The thing I remember vividly is " You boys,shut your yaps,and don't touch anything!" All kidding aside,It was something that I will always remember. |
| Name: | Dave Wheeler |
| E-mail address: | wheelz@midrivers.com |
| Comments: |
On board the Caiman from later 65 to 68. After years of not hearing about the Caiman received the solicitation from Smitty to join the group. Wish I was aware of this at the last reunion as I am living in Montana. Looking forward to the upcoming reunion. It will be great to discuss our great times during the period I was on board, especially the WESTPACK in 68. See you all in Flagstaff |
| Name: | Tom McCabe |
| E-mail address: | tompops@aol.com |
| Comments: | Onboard 1960, pre Nuke School 9901. Love every minute.
Tom |
| Name: | Norman Gage III |
| E-mail address: | StormGage@gmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.799-0000.com/caiman |
| Comments: | Hi! My grandfather served aboard this sub from August 1945 through September 1947. I remember him speaking highly of the shipmates he served with. He joined eternal patrol in year 2002.
I have a painting of the USS Caiman which hangs proudly in my home. Someone gave it to my grandfather years ago. I received it shortly after he passed away. I am curious about the painter (last name Riggs), what he was thinking about when he painted it, what body of water is represented, when it was actually painted, etc., etc. If you click a close up of the Caiman you can see several sailors working… WEBSITE: www.799-0000.com/caiman Greetings! Storm Gage Andover, Massachusetts PS. I really liked reviewing the flamingcaiman website. |
| Name: | Gary Spang |
| E-mail address: | x.tangent@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | Merry Christmas fellas!
If any of the WW2 (or shortly thereafter) Vets could respond, I'd appreciate some info. I'm trying to establish what the dungaree (work) uniform looked like during the war years. I have looked through the photos in the gallery, and even though they are black and white, it would appear that the work uniform didn't change much even through to the early 70's. It looks like you had the blue chambrais shirt and the "stovepipe" dungaree trousers. Did you also have a dark blue dungaree jacket, probably same color as the pants? Most of the photos show a whitehat or ball cap... was the ball cap an issue item? I have seen photos elsewhere of sailors wearing a blue colored "dixie cup", I assume it was because the whitehats would stand out at night. Did you have such an item issued to you? Lastly, what about shoes? Were you issued the 3/4 length "boon dockers" or something else, or did you wear deck shoes (sneakers)? Thanks for any help you can muster? Gary Spang |
| Name: | Tom Thompson |
| E-mail address: | rctspookss@msn.com |
| Comments: | See you all in may. Hope we have a good turn out.Tom/R.C. |
| Name: | Richard Johnson |
| E-mail address: | rjohn0132@sbcglobal.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://spaces.msn.com/members/rjohn57/ |
| Comments: | I remember the deep dive in 1960, I was on the trim manifold pumping water like mad. most of the dependents took it quite well since they did not know just how close we came to eating it.I am not a member yet but will be soon. Great web site
Rj EN3(SS) |
| Name: | T.D.Buckley SM2(SS) |
| E-mail address: | toonbuckley@aol.com |
| Name: | Bob Janson |
| E-mail address: | captinrpj@peoplepc.com |
| Comments: | Surfing the webb I find this.Marvels of modern science.
Thank god for pictures, sure helps the memory.I thought you guys where gone forever. I think we should have the next reunion in Turkey. We can get them to take us out for a dependence cruise. I can see us all fighting over who gets to start the engines, pull the plug, raise the scopes,or run the bridge.Maybe we can buy it back, what a babe magnet that would be. We certainly would gain national notoriety. If they can get millions to take you out to space we should be able get big bucks to them down under right.How we gunna improve the sleeping acommadations? The meals where alright thou, right.What about the drinking lamp, who 's going to control that? The limmies did.Think aboutit! Take care and stay healthy. Looking forward to seeing you all in May. Jan |
| Name: | Rodney Townsley |
| E-mail address: | heyrodney@webtv.net |
| Comments: | Aloha Shipmates; I spent a year (1971-72) aboard as a yeoman striker working with the seaan gang and was part of the Decomissioning Crew. I missed the '04 reunion but hope to make the 2006 event in Flagstaff. I'd like to get in touch with any Decom Crew mambers to trade storys or photos. I live near Seatle and ride a GoldWing motorcycle every day. |
| Name: | carlyn l farris |
| E-mail address: | jamn34@msn.com |
| Comments: | Iserved on the caiman from 54 to 55 out march of 55. I was a 3rd class engineman, My best friend was Jack Ashworth also a 3rd class engineman, if any one has an address or phone number I would appreciate it. Looking forward to the next reunion in may 06,I will never forget the time I spent on the Caiman and over the years I have told stories of that time many times.And if the John Watson EM2 52/54 is the person we called shaky jake ,Looking forward to seeing you also. |
| Name: | Dave Folsom |
| E-mail address: | angelpoint@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | Sending in life membership today.
Gotta have the liscense plate frame!! |
| Name: | Robert B. Mehrling |
| E-mail address: | rbmehrling@nwi.net |
| Comments: | I served in Caiman from 01/05/1964 to 09/29/1967. I reported aboard as EMC and relieved Jerry Jacks as the leading electrican.I was later appointed as COB by CAPT Robert Hyde. The last WesPac I made on Caiman was a very enterresting one specially the 5th patrol. I'm sure those of you that were aboard can remember."Yoe" has told me that I have been directed by the board and Captain Hyde to be at the reunion in May so if I don't flood negitive before, I'll see you then.
Your shipmate Bob "the Wizard" Mehrling,EMCM,retired |
| Name: | Paul E. Guimond |
| E-mail address: | www.larue9777@aol.com |
| Comments: | Served aboard 67-69.I was glad to read all the comments
from the crew. As we all are getting old I couldn't remember some of the names, so enter the years served on the boat which will help me to remember the crew. I see Captain Helm o"toole and a few other names rang a bell, I hope you are doing well. Look forward to hearing from any of you. I live in florida, so if you are everdown this way give me a call. Home number 352-728-6125 cell 352-267-7221. Good Luck & Good Sailing. |
| Name: | Craig Christian |
| E-mail address: | craig_christian@msn.com |
| Comments: | Found out about this today 7-16-05 and thought I would check it out. Was on decomissioning crew 71-72. Worked in aft engine room. I enjoyed the site a lot |
| Name: | GT Shafer |
| E-mail address: | gshafer1@aol.com |
| Comments: | Well...it is Smitty's fault. He found Indian Reeves, who called me and now Chris, Indian and I will all be at the 2006 reunion. That means....we will need more alcohol. I thought we could visit the Subase in New London before it gets shut down....they may have some old Mk 14's with some "gilly" that I definitely remember how to mix up with Red Mountain Vin Rose. Even "pink lady" can be distilled into an doable mix. OH.yea...here we go again.
Thanks Smitty....I will personally buy you dinner in Flagstaff. Tom Stearett can vouch for me. |
| Name: | BILL STUTTS |
| E-mail address: | CITIZENPRINTING |
| Homepage URL: | http://WWW.MSN.COM |
| Comments: | ENJOYED READING INFO AND LOOKING AT THE PHOTO GALLERY. I AM LOOKING FOR ANY INFORMATION ABOUT ANYONE THAT MIGHT HAVE PLAYED ON THE SUBPAC BASEBALL TEAM FROM 1940-1943. |
| Name: | Ken Bucho |
| E-mail address: | kbuc@fascination.com |
| Comments: | Served on Caiman 60-62 in fwd. engineroom. Sorry I missed reunion, will try to make the next one.Hey Big Mac remember the geedunk truck? LATER DBF |
| Name: | John Haley |
| E-mail address: | wdcarver77@aol.com |
| Comments: |
I like to thank you for my plank owner cap . I am sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. How many plank owner are still with us? I will try to get to May's reunion Smooth sailing Haley |
| Name: | John Haley |
| Name: | John Haley |
| Name: | Greg Baer |
| E-mail address: | webmaster@flamincaiman.org |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.flamincaiman.org |
| Comments: | 2006 FLAMIN CAIMAN REUNION
MAY 15-19, 2006 FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA MARK YOUR CALENDARS! SEE THE WEB SITE FOR DETAILS! |
| Name: | SAMANIEGO MANUEL S. (SAMMY) |
| E-mail address: | SAMPURI@SCBGLOBAL.NET |
| Comments: | Hi guys, note my new e-mail address. Nice seeing my old shipmates again, It sure bring back GOOD OLD MEMORIES. Looking forward to our next gathering. |
| Name: | Byron McDonald |
| E-mail address: | macdonald@elltel.net |
| Comments: | ships store is great, and a good job has been done.
Looking forward to the next reunion. |
| Name: | Robert Bowlin (bob) |
| E-mail address: | bob.bowlin@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | HI Gang ;reported aboard 1958.mess cook first job.HA-HA
then as a firman in engine room-then tried cooking ended up as a QM. went to DV school with George Fore RM. looking foreward to getting in touch with all of you. left boat in 1962. served on east coast onboard ss365 hardhead 1964-1969 made 2 west pak trips on caiman,member golden dragon. served with w fender as cob.R M Smith and J J Smith. Mitch,Posey,Gibbons,george fore,Hammering Hank Halpren.Bernie the cook.Gee i can't remember all.just getting older. |
| Name: | Byron J McDonald ( Big Mac) |
| E-mail address: | macdonald@elltel.net |
| Comments: | Have a Happy New Year
DBF See you all at the next reunion |
| Name: | Jerry Jacks |
| E-mail address: | jacksis@comcast.net |
| Comments: | Here's wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas, it was really great to see you this summer
Jerry Jacks |
| Name: | James K. Hall |
| E-mail address: | halljk@cox.net |
| Comments: | I went aboard Caiman at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, Ca in I beleive April 1964 and served aboard her until December 1966. My brother Roy Hall also a Sonarman was also on board for a few months after I came aboard and I beleive at least at that it was unusual for two brothers to be on the same boat. During my time aboard we were involved in a yard period at Long Beach Ca. and mostly training operations in Southern California opareas. We did deploy in 1965 for about seven or eight months to Westpac where we did two patrols of around 45-60 days each and made a run to Viet Nam for search and rescue operations. During my time aboard Cdr. Hyde was the Skipper and Cdr. Gene Cash was XO. |
| Name: | Jerry Gifford |
| E-mail address: | giff1944@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | God its good to hear you guys are still kicking. Would like to hear from any of my shipmates from 63-66. Good memories!
Jerry Gifford |
| Name: | Gary Holbrook |
| E-mail address: | Hchevy409@aol.com |
| Comments: | I served aboard the "Flamin Caiman" 62/63 IC/FN was on board long enough to qualify then off to Nuc School. Was in-charge of the topside gang while assigned. Made the trip to Hunters Point for a new battery,then on to Seattle Worlds Fair,and Vancouver BC for the Northeastern Exposition. Those were "The Good Old Days" lots of fond memories and lost but not forgotten friends. Sorry I missed the reunion,just found the website today. |
| Name: | Dave Folsom RMCS(SS) |
| E-mail address: | angelpoint@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | Onboard 1962-1965. Made westpac trip. Great memories.
Have lots of good pictures I'll sort out. Now back home in Durango Colo, living up Baby Bear Road on Folsom Mountain. |
| Name: | Bill Conner |
| E-mail address: | bil@billconner.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://billconner.com |
| Comments: | I found this site by accident, what a surprise. Since I was the yougest guy on board back in '63, the rest of you guys must be -really- old by now. Fortunately, I'm still just as handsome as always so the years have been kind.
I lost track of the Caiman after I left the Navy so I wasn't expecting to find any current information. Finding this website was pretty neat. I was talking to a guy the other day and the military came up and got me thinking about the old days. To me it had just been another stage of my life that I got through and the stuff that came after kind of blotted it out. Now I'm wasting several hours going over the website. Guess it still matters. Most of the guys I served with were ok most of the time and most of my experiences were good ones. I think I still owe Ryan $10 but, in 1963 dollars that's only about 20 cents so I'm not too worried about it. I haven't talked much about my military service over the years because it didn't seem particularly relevant to anything but finding this site makes me remember stuff. We'll see where it leads. Bill |
| Name: | bert whaley (moses) |
| E-mail address: | bmosesiii@aol.com |
| Name: | Jack Warden |
| E-mail address: | navretjack@comcast.net |
| Comments: | Was good to see you all at the reunion and am looking forward to the next. My e-mail address has changed since my last message. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Now available at navretjack@comcast.net |
| Name: | barney |
| E-mail address: | barnhardt@maxminn.comm |
| Comments: | picture sd kiss left i;m not sure top was morelock right was limey middle not sure but that is barney with the kiss the cap has to be the same as the reuion that we had. remember the guy to my right liked to party with the engineman
worm/zahler i was oiler for both of them at one time first westpac i was oiler for worm was a good guy to learn from bales/bones have pictures of bones but can't rember his name bales should know my wife said after we left the hotel that she seen such a freindship of us. very close bunch of guys that respect one another. so i feel the first commander or someone made this happen to make us so pround of this SUBMARINE SS323 BARNEY EN2 SS |
| Name: | Bob Walters |
| E-mail address: | caiman.ss323@comcast.net |
| Comments: | Just noticed ComSubPac (Rear Admiral Sullivan was a Caiman sailor. See this URL http://www.csp.navy.mil/
and click on Submarine Force Commander.. We ought to get him to speak at our next reunion. HGDU Walters |
| Name: | Tony "Doc" Ziner |
| E-mail address: | tzlz@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | Hi Crew, what a great reunion, thanks to all who worked so hard to make is such a success. Got back from the reunion in time to clean up the mess from Hurricane Charlie, and am sitting here now waiting for Hurricane Frances to hit. While this is an exciting time it does not compare with the reunion and the opportunity to see the crew and to meet others who have served at different times. One thing was evident, the Caiman was a happy boat. DBF |
| Name: | Jim Wall |
| E-mail address: | jlwall@tabletoptelephone.com |
| Comments: | What a GREAT REUNION. Many thanks to all those involved in putting it together. Looking forward to 2006. |
| Name: | B Mc Donald |
| E-mail address: | macdonald@elltel.net |
| Comments: | What a great reunion put together
by a chosen few. Will be greatly remembered. What a bunch of great guys.DBF |
| Name: | GT Shafer |
| E-mail address: | gshafer1@aol.com |
| Comments: | That was a GREAT reunion!!!
Smitty, Fields, Whit, Fag and Capts M and H did really well. I was totally impressed with the reunion. Thanks shipmates....you did well. GT |
| Name: | Jerry Jacks |
| E-mail address: | Jacksis@comcast.net |
| Comments: | Super time guys! JHB and gang did an exceptional job. It was good to see a lot of "old" shipmates there! Karen and I look forward to the next reunion and hope to see even more "old" shipmates.
Jerry Jacks |
| Name: | Tom Bryan |
| E-mail address: | tbryan@eotnet.net |
| Comments: | What a great reunion! It was really cool to see so many old shipmates again. Already looking forward to the next one. Thanks to all the guys that did the hard work, getting things orginized and making it all work. I hope we can locate some of the missing ones before the next reunion. |
| Name: | Bob walters |
| E-mail address: | caiman.ss323@comcast.net |
| Comments: | WHAT A GREAT TIME.. C Springs was a VERY GOOD choice and the reunion was run like a clock. Free beer. I hope that the next reunion can live up to this one. The only thing missing was the soft sound of a Klaxon. The one I stole from the Sailfish weighs too much for the airline baggage handlers..
Walters |
| Name: | Greg Dorado |
| E-mail address: | GNTDORADO@EARTHLINK.NET |
| Comments: | i BELIEVE THREE IS ANY ERROR ON THE YEAR cAIMAN WENT TO AUSTRALIA. i BELIEVE IT WAS IN 1957 i WAS ON IT. |
| Name: | George N. Helm, Jr. |
| E-mail address: | AndreaKHelm@aol.com |
| Comments: | Looking forward to the reunion. I was CO from Feb 67 to Apr 69. Lots of memories. |
| Name: | Ted Wheaton |
| E-mail address: | theodore.wheaton@f22ctf.edwards.af.mil |
| Comments: | It's been a long time. I still remember some great times and a few interesting ones. |
| Name: | thomaspollgreen |
| E-mail address: | thomaspollgreen318@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Greg Baer:
I believe the dog's name was Steve. He had been mistreated by the Jar Heads at Pearl. They had, on one or more occasions, squirted a fire extinguisher at his private parts. All you had to do was pick up a fire extinguisher and/or say "nice doggie" and Steve was ready to fight. When the manuevering watch was set, Steve was allowed on deck. He would stand in the bull nose as if to dare anyone to come on board. One of the other boats had a dog on board, and if by chance the two boats were coming up the main ship channel, both dogs would talk back and forth. When we tied up, the dogs would meet at the dumpster at the head of the sail. Just before I came on board they had another dog (Dachshund) named Snorkel. The story goes that the dog had been taught to do his business on newspapers. One day the steward was making up the captain's bunk. The sheet was laying on the floor. Snorkel thought it was a newspaper. When the boat tied up in Canada, Snorkel quickly became the property of a Canadian admiral. Your shipmate, Pollgreen |
| Name: | C. L. "Harv" Harvey |
| E-mail address: | HarvGayle@aol.com |
| Comments: | I was QM of the watch during the deep dive on the Dependants cruise in 1960. I had my stepfather in the conning tower at the time. He told me he was starting to get scared until he heard me cuss at having to close the stop on the shallow water depth gage to keep from pegging it. |
| Name: | thomaspollgreen |
| E-mail address: | thomaspollgreen318@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http: |
| Comments: | Hello strangers,,,Andy Betz [RA] and Grant Riddle were the only two names Iremember,they will not be at the reunion .. I reported aboard Caiman in 1948[hunters point]just after the BLUE NOSE was painted.Right out of SS school.Left her in 1951 inVallejo {ship yard] Hopefully when we leave COLO Springs there will be strangers NO MORE...
Your Shipmate,,,T.C. Pollgreen STSC{SS]ret. |
| Name: | thomaspollgreen |
| E-mail address: | thomaspollgreen318@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http: |
| Comments: | Hello strangers,,,Andy Betz [RA] and Grant Riddle were the only two names Iremember,they will not be at the reunion .. I reported aboard Caiman in 1948[hunters point]just after the BLUE NOSE was painted.Right out of SS school.Left her in 1951 inVallejo {ship yard] Hopefully when we leave COLO Springs there will be strangers NO MORE...
Your Shipmate,,,T.C. Pollgreen STSC{SS]ret. |
| Name: | BILL LAKINS |
| E-mail address: | BLLAKINS @AOL.COM |
| Comments: |
| Name: | bill lakins |
| E-mail address: | bllakins@aol.com |
| Comments: | crew member 1962 & 1963 IC GANG |
| Name: | Chris Field |
| E-mail address: | smokeboater@comcast.net |
| Comments: | I have to ditto what Gerry T. said....great job to all!
I'm wondering if I need to pack socks and skivies for this, though?? You guy's are all safe....I threw my shoes without soles away. The smell has gotten much better since then. |
| Name: | GT Shafer |
| E-mail address: | gshafer1@aol.com |
| Comments: | It is a great day to see old shipmates that bring back memories of our "glory" days. To the ones organizing this...great job...
The webpage is unbelievable as well as Captain Minnegerode's skill at organization. See you all soon in Colorado Springs...strange place for sub sailors but, hell, we are the elite. |
| Name: | tony frey |
| E-mail address: | tony451@turbonet.com |
| Comments: | I ran away from home at 15, lied about my age, joined the navy and then found myself aboard the caiman from 1958 to 1960. what a place for a teenager to grow up!! I will never forget Prokepec, litttle john, Garasci, ----------the COB catching me in a bar in Hong Kong when I was restricted to the boat, and then ordering me to stay and drink with him. What a crew!!! It was my great irresponsible adventure. Like Tom Sawyer I spent a lot of time painting. I never rose higher than seaman (ss)but I got the lessons that allowed me to go on to college and earn degrees in both Law and Medicine. I'll be there in August and I am looking forward to seeing all of you. |
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