Richard (Dick) Myers
CYN3/CR Division
03/67 to 08/68 
myers5star@ yahoo.com
Retired Realtor
Myrtle Beach SC
Served during the first WestPac cruise...many wonderful vivid memories...remember when the Pueblo was seized?...lively times on the gun line...and the day we went into Danang Harbor wide open with the Repose at anchor...would enjoy hearing for old shipmates...seeing too many candles burning to wait much longer.../RJM

Darrel Stender
MR3/A Division
03/67 to 07/69 
dcsinfl@ yahoo.com 
Cad/Cam Manufacturing Manager
Cocoa FL
Damn I Loved that ship and the places we went. Sail on Thunder Duck Sail On The grey ghost

Bernard M. (Bernie) Kiely
BT3/B Division
04/67 to 09/69
BernieKiely@ KielyCapital.com 
President of Kiely Capital Management, Inc.  I am a CPA, CFP, MBA
Mendham Township, New Jersey
I grew up on the Newport News

Ken Orlando
SN/Third Division
04/67 to 10/68
sro4wv@ prodigy.net 
Steelworker
Weirton WV 26062
Would like to hear from anyone who served in the first Nam cruise..... 

David W. Wikholm
RMSN/RM3/CR Division
04/67 to 11/69
cwik@ runestone.net
millwright  (work on grain handling equip.)
Elbow Lake Minn
haven't made it to reunion yet, but hope to before i get a candle. would like to hear from some of the guys in cr div

James Simmons Jr
SN/7th division
04/67 to 11/67 
reigo@ netzero.com
Elementary School Teacher
Columbia SC
I was stationed on the NN at the same time with my father CS1 James Simmons Sr

Ronald K Jones
ET3/OR Division
04/67 to 10/68
ronkjones1@ gmail.com

North Aurora IL

Name (Nick Name)     
Rate/Rank/Division
On board From
Internet Email
Current Occupation
Current Home Port
Comments

David J Mathewson
LTJG/Nan
04/67 to 10/68
djkcmath@ yahoo.com

Signal Mountain TN

Ponce (Speedy) Gonzalez
FTG2/Fox Division
05/67 - 07/69
ponce_g@ hotmail.com
Technical Manager
Redwood Shores, CA

Dennis L. Hassel
BMSN/1st
05/67 to 11/69
dhassel@ wi.rr.com
Fork Truck Operator
Butler, WI

David Hughes
FTG2/Fox Division
05/67 to 09/70
 hughesdw@ comteck.com
Equipment Specialist, DuPont Photomasks
Peru, Indiana

Steve Kennedy
FTG-3/Fox
05/67 to 07/70
steve5327105@ yahoo.com   
Copier service tech/Webmaster
Stuarts Draft Va.

Kenneth ( Ken )Cronin
RM2/ OR
05/67 to 01/70
jackenc@ aol.com
Retired telephone worker (Qwest)
Vancouver Washington
Like to hear from anyone while I still can. (hear that is)
Just retired after 30 years with good ole ma bell. Time flies while your havin fun.

Stan R. Ellwood
PH3/EX Division
05/67 to 07/68
ellwoods@ sbcglobal.net
Telecommunications Sales
Peoria, Illinois
I have lots of pictures and memories of the cruises in the Caribbean and the first Vietnam cruise. Love to hear from anyone that served at the same time. 

William R. (Bill) Stewart
SN/3ird Division
05/67 to 10/68
bstewart@ cunninghamgolfcar.com 
Customer Service
Frankfort, KY
Anyone in the 3ird div. during the Nam Cruise please email me. Anyone know Jimmy Smith from Philly?

Carl W. Cole
RMSN/CR Division
05/67 to 08/68
carlcole@ comcast.net 

www.TranHungDaoTrip.com     

http://www.carlwcole.com  
IT Manager
Charleston, SC

Steve Caulder
MM#/ M Division Engine Rm 4
05/67 to 02/71 
steve_caulder@ abss.k12.nc.us
Enviromental/Saftey Manager
Haw River NC
The Gray Ghost from the East Coast, the Tokin Gulf Yacht Club and many good times on RR.

Stan Greene
SM3/CS Division
05/67 to 06/68
stanley.greene@ yahoo.com
Retired  - former Railroad and US Postal Service Clerk
Dallas NC
Some of my best memories are from the 1st nam cruise.  Would like to hear from anyone from the CS Div.  She was the best ship ever sailed under the American Flag and it breaks my heart every time I think about her being scrapped.  I had an emergency appendectomy on board in 67 and would love to hear from anyone involved in my operation.

Jim Mayhew
RD2/OI Division
05/67 to 02/70
mayhews@ netzero.net

Pipe Creek TX

Harry (Shotz!!) Shotz 
SH3/Ship Service
06/67 to 10/68 

HVAC Industry
Philadelphia, PA
The time I spent on "Thunder" was an incredible experience for a 19 year old. This was the ships first tour of duty in
'NAM, I am proud to have been part of her crew.

Deceased
11-20-07

David Plumb
LTJG/6th Division
06/67 to 12/68
plumbdw@ hotmail.com
writer/college professor
Fort Lauderdale, FL
What a gift to find this page and to have the chance to thank the great crew that made our first cruise one with no accidents no wounded just a well-trained team. Thank you so much.

Gary E Hughes
FTG3/FOX Division
06/67 to 08/70  

Supervisor, Location Services, Div of Child Support
Lincoln, IL

Stuart (Stu-Ball) Edinger
RM2/CR
06/67 to 08/70
stuedinger@ aol.com
Senior Telecommunications Analyst
Parlin N.J.
Part of the Radio crew during the first two Nam cruises and North Atlantic/Med. Glad to hear from old shipmates

Doug (Steve) Schumejda
ETR3/OE Division
06/67 to 10/69 

Long Island, New York

DECEASED
6-2005

John S. Keister
SH3/S-2/S-3
06/67 to 07/68
kasjak11@ yahoo.com
Sappi Paper Mill  shipping Dept, & prior Police Officer New Jersey
Norridgewock Maine
Proud to have served on such a great ship & the memories of those aboard & the action we saw will always be a part of my life.

Richard H. Long
 BT3/B Division
 06/67 to 08/70 
 
 Retired GMC
 Davison, Michigan 

Daniel J Seymour
LTJG/Nav and Communications
06/67 to 11/68
danseymour@ dc.rr.com

Palm Desert CA

Joe DeNatale 
QM3/NAN
07/67 to 11/68
joebats@ sc.rr.com 
Retired
1808 Gypsy Ct. Surfside Beach, S.C. 29575

Dr. Dennis M. Agin
LT/D Division
07/67 to 07/69
n8iln@ mindspring.com
Retired
Marysville, OH
Looking for old shipmates from the 67-69 Nam Deployments. When you look at the 67 Cruise book, remember who the editor publisher was (Lt D.Agin) We served with honor and pride!

Junius C. (Smitty) Smith Jr.  
SN/4TH 
07/67 to 07/69 

Security/Courier/Maintenance
134 Patalanda Rd. Wilmington, N.C. 28409

Paul G. (Jerry)  Stai
MM2/A Division
07/67 to 02/71
stai@ charter.net 
Semi Driver for Pepsi
Watertown, WI
Would like to hear from old shipmates.

Dominick Paruta
SN/Cook Division
07/67 to 11/68
paruta3@ aol.com 
Computer Programmer
Clifton, NJ
The best 17 months of my life is when I served on board the Grey Ghost. I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world.

Keith Shaver
SN/1st Division
07/67 to 11/68
keithshaverjr@ yahoo.com
Retired NYS Corrections officer
Ogdensburg NY
Had some tough times. Had some good times. Wouldn't change a thing. Served with some great men, on a great ship.Would like to hear from anyone I served with. Good Luck to all. You deserve it.

Carl Rayburn
SF1/R Division
07/67 to 10/68
elba@ ptd.net
Lead Product Quality Manager at US Army Research and Development Ctr
Tannersville PA
I served with the navy for 20 years, the New Port News was about mid way through my military career.  After serving aboard her through one deployment to Viet Nam and transvering through the Panama Canel both directions to and from Norfolk, VA I was transfered to shore duty after that one Viet Nam deployment.  I left for San Diego for two years, just a few days before her final deployment. Final three years of my career I served as recruiter in my home town of Texarkana, USA

E L Rickey Strickland
SN/Mess cook/Barber/Laundry
7/67 to 12/68
rstrickland20@ sc.rr.com
photographer
Florence SC
I served on the USS Tweety DE 532, before coming aboard Thunder. I was assigned to the deck force at the bow until I grew my sea legs, chipping and painting and soon advanced to mess cooking, the food was really good too! I got on night duty so I got to see a lot of you guys coming for midrats and snacks. The cooks were really good guys, they fed mess cooks well, even giving us steaks from the officers freezer reefers.The bakers were the best, fresh bread and tuna salad sandwithes with the bread still hot! I had laundry duty and later Fred Koch, the barber from Ohio, taught me to cut hair. Then I moved to the chief's and first class barbershop and then to the officers. I was honored to meet some really great guys, both enlisted and officers too. That was fantastic duty,a lot of them were balding and it took only a few minutes to trim them up. I had a lot of free time up there, I was down the passageway from the chapel. A lot of you guys used to get me to trim your hair and save your sideburns. The hard part was getting up to the shop and not getting stopped. The marines guarded that area really tight. I still remember taking on fuel and having the pigtail detail and taking on stores and ammo. I heard someone say we shot over 47,000 rounds on the first tour. I am proud to have served with you guys, it was a great way to grow up fast! I guess we had about as many varieties of guys from every kind of background and somehow we all seemed to get along pretty good, confined to a small area. Sometimes I think of some of the times we had and how much we trusted each other. I loaned a lot of money without interest, I never lost a dime of it, so I think it was a great crew to have served with! A lot of you guys did favors for me, sorry I don't remember your names but I remember one of you guys cutting and polishing the base of a shell casing for me to make an ashtray for my daddy. He even welded bent coins to hold his cigars. Daddy is gone now, but I still have the shell! One of the ship's photographers used to help me learn how to use my cameras. I never thought it would be my career after I got out, but he did me a lot of favors.
I had a Canon Super 8 movie camera that I used to shoot the incident when we took the Vietcong aboard and the sharks were all over them. I was about 10' from them when they came aboard. I really felt sorry for those guys.
My son David served with the third ID when they took Saddams palace. He is 70% disabled from the raid. My daddy was a POW in WWII in Germany. When he was liberated, he was only 67 pounds and it took 2 years to get him back to his health. We sure had it easy compared to what they went through. Looking back, those years on Thunder were great times, we lived and grew up it a time that will never be matched. I remember buying  sharkskin blues lined in silk in Japan and paid the guy in cash and a few weeks later, my blues came in the mail. I never doubted the guys honesty. I remember we used to keep our wallet under our mattress with cash and never missed a dime.
God bless all of you great guys, and smooth seas.
ps  Does anyone remember Costello, the big guy who ran the galley. He told us a lot of tales that I still think about sometimes. Does anyone remember the pendelum at #2 mess deck going to 45 degrees?

James V (Jim) Henry
SN/Ships Service
07/67 to 11/68
JandL4AU@ yahoo.com
Retired from Internal Revenue Service after 33 years
Birmingham AL
I worked in the laundry, ship's store, and soda fountain. I also was one of the DJ's for the ship's on-board radio station. Some may remember that I was from the deep South and had that Southern accent.

 Gail (Ghost) Boyet
BMSN/4th Division
07/67 to 05/68

Retired Construction
Poplar Bluff Missouri
hello boys just saying how yall doin call me @ 15737766231

L J Henry
GMG3/5th Division
07/67 to 11/69
geronomiosknife@ gmail.com
country musician singer/songwriter
houston tx.

Tom Fahy
RD3/OI Division
07/67 to 11/68
fahyhtomas@ gmail.com
Semi retired Engineer
Stratford CT

Frank D. (Frank) Reagoso, Jr. 
AG3/Operations
08/67 to 06/68
frank@ reagoso.com
Owner of a hotel management company
330 Brintons Bridge Road, West Chester, PA 19382
I couldn't wait to get home from the Nam trip but I often think of the wonderful people I met and the closest friends I have ever had in my life.

Dennis M Agin
LT/Dental
07/67 to 07/69
n8iln@ att.net
retired
Columbus OH
I am presently the Director of The Coalition For Veterans -- a group that is attempting to help all who are suffering from the ravages of Agent Orange and the VA. (cell) 614-204-9234 I am on a 40% VA Disability from Agent Orange and I was in country for three days.

Jon Hutt
SK3/S-1 Division
07/67 to 11/68
wjonhutt@ yahoo.com

Saugerties NY

Charles Rickborn
SN/OL Division
07/67 to 03/68
charlierickborn@ aol.com
Diesel Mechanic
Metter GA
Three Cheers for the Greatest Lady in Grey! She took us there and brought us back. Thanks for the memories. Some are good, some bad, but thats life. When I finaly found my way to this page it took my breath away. It's good to see that some of my shipmates are still kickin!(the cake gets smaller every year)

Oscar L. (Buddy) Gilbert III 
CYN3/CR moved to EX
08/67 to 11/68
oscar1945@ cox.net 
Battalion Chief Va. Beach Fire Dept.
501 Buffer Court Va. Beach, VA 23462
What I said before still stands:  The first Nam Cruise wasn't a whole lot of fun - long hours and lots of noise.  I did get to go a lot of places (Hong Kong, Pearl Harbor, Japan) that I probably wouldn't get to go any other way.  Had a good time with the people I met, working both in Communications and in the Captain's Office with Clyde David, Senior Chief Kolasci, and YN1 Sepulveda.  Would give the world to live it all again, walk the decks, stand in pay and chow lines, feel the ship sway while underway.  Great folks and some not so great, but we were the Crew of the "World's Largest Heavy Cruiser".  Not a whole lot of people can say that.

Mel Richards
GMG3/5th Division
08/67 to 07/69
Richardscmd@ aol.com
Retired IBEW Electrician
Terre Haute, In.

Robert (Mike) Lanier
HM2 - H Division 
08/67 to 08/69
Mike.Lanier@ 141.com
Management Consultant / N N Webmaster
Charlotte, NC

Richard M. (Rich) Stafford 
LTJG/Admin Weapons Navigation
08/67 to 11/69  

Human Resource Director
1000 N. Lindendale Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831
Would be great to hear from any shipmates that I served with.

Wayne A. (Greek) Provencher 
MM3/M
08/67 to 01/71
wprovencher@ roadrunner.com
Auto Parts
Limerick, ME

John S. Atkinson
BM3/Side Cleaners
08/67 to 11/68
 johnsatkinson@ yahoo.com 
Electrician
Egg Harbor, NJ
Happy to know that your still out there.

Donald A Strader     
E3/Gunners Mate
08/67 to ??/68
     
Locksmith
Columbus, Ohio

Clayton (Buddy) Clark    
SA/Ship Serviceman
08/67 to 06/69
benjisissy@ yahoo.com
Salesman
Muskegon, MI.
Miss serving you at the ship's store.

Robert L. (Bob) Tait 
RDC/OI
08/67 to 05/68

Retired
Corpus Christi, Texas
The Newport News was one of the best ships I ever served on. Captain McCarty was the best CO I ever served under. Will
never forget our Vietnam cruise. The OI division had a great group guys.

Deceased
7-11-2006

Rodney (Rodney) Tracey
MMFN/M
08/67 to 12/70
RTRACEY01@ YAHOO.COM
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER
ClearSpring, MD
Had a real good time on Thunder. Met a lot of great guys like Bill,Howie Glassmen,Centafonic and everyone else in M - gang

Current Home Port
Comments

Terence (Terry)  Orden
SN/OL  
08/67 to 12/69
terryorden@ hotmail.com
I have worked as machine repair in a utility plant and am currently a machine builder.
Rochester New York
I made the first and second WestPac cruises and loved them both. While there my favorite place was Olongapo City P.I. One interesting event was lunch with Michael Caine on the set of "Too Late the Hero" I sincerely hope life has been good to you all as all of Thunders people deserve that.

Robert (Bob) Davy
ETN2/OE Division
08/67 to 03/70  
davhue68@ yahoo.com
Retired Police Sgt-Line of duty injury.
Morris, IL/Omaha, AR
I thought I was the only one who could not forget Thunder and what we were and did way back then, but from the comments of others I see that I am not. Finding this page and seeing old shipmates make me feel like I am back on board again.

Joel (Pinky) Pinkus
BT1/B Division
08/67 to 04/70
Carene7@ aol.com
Heating & AC Contractor
4 Spruce Dr., Brookfield, CT. 06804

Howard W. (Howie Scoop) Matchett
MM3/Machinist Mate
08/67 to 08/69
matchett_howard@ emc.com
Sr. Commodity Specialist, C.P.M.
13 Lakeside Street, Salem, NH 03079

Don (Doc) Costigan
DN/Dental
08/67 to 09/68
alcoholdrugrehab@ aol.com
Owner/Clinical Director-New Bridges Outpatient Rehab. Centers (alcohol and drugs)
Virginia Beach, VA
A turning point and special time in my life.

Charles (Bud) Bennett
SN/S3 Division
08/67 to 11/69
blbennett@ nl.rogers.com
Office manager
Grandfalls, Province of Newfoundland, Canada
Would like to get in contact with guys in S-3 division.

harold j (boats) young
BM1/1st Division
08/67 to 12/71
howdy71@ optonline.net
retired was security guard
adelphia new jersey
glad to see all the great guys that were on the newport news during the two tours of nam and putting her out of com..

Bob Scriven
EM2/E Division
08/67 to 06/69
bscriv@ comcast.net
EMCS retired/USN
Loveland CO
I just happen to stumble onto this site. Newport News was the best duty I had during my 20 year career. I even turned down shore duty orders to stay on her. It was really a shame she had to be destroyed in the manner she was. Anyone who wishes to write, I would love to hear from you.

John B Tillson II
Cpl/Marine Detachment
08/67 to 10/68
seaeagle329@ aol.com
Retired
Orlando FL
Have often thought about days aboard with some fond memories and some not so fond. Battle off coast of Vietnam in Tonkin Gulf that led to my breaking my foot was not so fond. Still paying for that one.:-{  Was really bumbed out when I heard they scrapped the News. She was a grand ol ship and I am proud to have served aboard her, even if I was just a Marine ;-}. Semper Fi. My son is now in the Navy and is a Officer Candidate. He has been in for almost 9 years and is a Rescue Swimmer and Air Warfare Specialist. Very, very proud of him.
 

Clifford (Cliff/Fish) L Hadick
MM3/R Division A gang
08/67 to 10/68
chadick46@ yahoo.com
Project Manager, Commercial / Industrial Construction
McHenry IL
We all grew up on that 1st cruise. Lots of fond memories. Dick Bradway (I still have your sea bag and I think you might have mine), Mike Yoch, and a bunch of names that unfortunately I've forgotten. Lots of good memories. Only place I never got to was Austrailia on the second cruise. ASs I remember we were supposed to go to Perth, Austrailia as we opperated with nthe HMS Perth on the 1st cruise ( I was in Boston Naval Shipyards when the Perth was commissioned)... my 1st lesson in how small the world really is..... It would be good to hear from any of the guys...

Uwe Siemers
CWO-3/S-1 Division
08/67 to 08/70
uwe.siemers@ usarmy.mil


Super site, keep it up

John S (Jack) Osborne
PN3/EX
09/67 to 05/68  

Police Officer - Corrections - Courts Officer - presently Retired
Milwaukee, Wi.
The 'Gray Ghost' will always be with me. Anybody remembers Me pls. contact.

Robert (Bob) Reichenbach 
FTG1/Fox
09/67 to 06/68  

Tech Writer Truck Driver AC Mechanic something else later
Central Florida

John (Boomer) Baker Jr. 
SN3/Gunner Mate
09/67 to 11/68

Roadway Express Driver
Hamilton, Ohio

John (Red Ape) Dowell
FTG2/Fox Division
09/67 t0 08/70
johnad_99@ yahoo.com
Nation support specialist for Amdahl
270 Saddle Club Rd., Weatherford TX
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of some event or one of the men I served with on Thunder. 

Bob Fahy
SN/EX
09/67 to 12/68
RFAHY10414@ AOL.com
Officer of a transportation company
Bethel, Conn.
Sorry to hear she was scrapped.

Phillip (Phil) Macauley
First Lieutenant/Lt./De
09/67 to 06/69
phmac@ starband.net
Gov't Consultant with Litton/ PRC in Dahlgren Va.
15529 Kings Mill Rd. King George, Va. 22485
The Newport News was the finest ship that I ever served on - bar none. After leaving the NN I served in three DDGs,USS Conygham(DDG-17) OPS, USS Dahlgren(DLG-12) OPS/XO ,and USS John King(DDG-3)XO Also served on various staffs and training billets in Norfolk area. Retired from CO Fleet Training Unit Atlantic, NAB Little Creek in  Nov '84. Now using my architecture training to design laboratories for the Navy at Naval Surface Warfare Center,  Dahlgren Va. BMCM Virgil Jennings leading  Chief on NN always said "There's a world 
of difference between the cruiser/ Battleship navy and the rest of the  surface fleet" BOY!  was he right.  I've served on some fine ships, but they were not the Newport News. I think of her
every day. My best to each and everyone  of you who served on the "Gray Ghost from the US East Coast" you and she were the best.

Charles H (Chuck) Murray     
BM3/1st/4th
09/67 to 11/69
flbound_us@ yahoo.com
Heating and Air Conditioning
Rye, New York
I'm looking for information on  Joel Greenburg and  Jimmy "the postman" O'Rourke

James R.(Jim) Thacker
SN/R Division
09/67 to 02/71   

Ship fitter
Butler, Kentucky
I would like to hear from old ship mates to talk about past times. 

David (DJ) Rozier
EM3/Electrician
09/67 to 11/69
bandit91367@ adelphia.net 
Plant Manager
Hopewell Virginia
I served during the first 2 West Pac cruises. Played a lot of double deck pinochle and loaned out a lot of Louis LaMour books. Where is Shihkoski, Loffler and Michael Yoch?

Dan Sanford
FTG2/FOX Division
09/67 to 03/69
dsanford@ tampabay.rr.com
Yacht Underwriter
6208 Eaglebrook Ave. Tampa, FL 33625
Long live the Grey Ghost from the East Coast.
AKA the Lonely Bull.

Edward J. Poff
RMCM/OR Division
09/67 to 08/70 
rmcm_usn_ret@ embarqmail.com
Retired Comm Mgr (Civil Service); Retired Dept. Mgr (Validity Corp.)
Sebring, FL and Rappahannock Academy, VA
This was truly the best shipboard duty I had in my 25 year career.  I will never forget "Thunder" and her wonderful crew.  Without the benefit of RM A School, we had some of the very best Naval Reservists "communicators" and CPOs'I have ever had the pleasure of serving with. Would love to hear from
ex-shipmates.

William A McGregor
SMCM/NAN/COMM
09/67 to 04/70
WWmAMc@ aol.com
Retired
10 Pinson Dr.,Honea Path,SC 29654

Reinaldo (The Spic) Iglesias
SA/Laundry
09/67 to 05/68
RIGLE57750@ AOL.COM
disabled
Brooklyn NY

David (boats) Karche
BMSN/7th Division
09/67 to 05/68
davidkarche@ yahoo.com
retired chef
Maysville W

Name (Nick Name)     
Rate/Rank/Division
On board From
Internet Email
Current Occupation
Current Home Port
Comments

Joseph L Juhasz
GMG3/6th Division
09/67 to 10/68
bluez0740@  aol.com

Douglassville PA

Brian Phelps
SN/5ht Division
09/67 to 11/69
 

Paul L. (PJ) Johnson 
IC-2/E division
10/67 to 08/69 

Translation Administrator--Bell Atlantic
Altoona,,, Pa.
Newport News was the greatest ship ever. I Enjoyed my tour of duty on this ship. Hope to hear from shipmates soon. Proud to serve on the GRAY GHOST from the East Coast. Do you remember Thunder Duck?

Joseph (Sparky) Spataro   
SN/1ST/S-2
10/67 to 03/69
Lvthunderbolt@ cox.net
Automotive Technician
Las Vegas, Nevada
Check the web site all the time and remember well ALL the great time in Ports we visited as well as the nights when the smoking lamp was out during our re-arming @ sea and when Turret 3 would go to Rapid Fire and any of us that were in the # 3 mess hall eating would look at eachother and say here we go  GQ in 3 mins.. What great memories !

Paul ( the frog) Urban
SN/NAN
10/67 to 05/69
paul@ xactsol.com
Sales manager
New Jersey
Where is everybody first cruise to nam.?

Jim M.(Krop) Kropelnicki
SN/1st Division
10/67 to 10/68
 lkropelnicki@ aol.com
Retired
Stillwater MN 55082
Bruce Goodwin I saw your message to Buzzy and Sumner. Any one I knew contact me. It would be nice to hear from you.

Jerome (Jerry)  Delaportas
BMSN/IC3/First & E Division
10/67 to 06/69
Jerry148@ AOL.Com
Electrician (IBEW- Local Union #3)
Farmingdale,New York

Raymond R. (Ski) Krolikowski
BT3/B Division
10/67 to 09/68
raykrol@ msn.com
Firefighter
Philadelphia, PA
I was just down at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and saw the USS Des Mones-CA134.  This brought back a lot of memories.  I served in Boiler #3 during the Viet Nam War. I have many positive memories of my time on the "Grey Ghost from the East Coast."

Franklin W. (Woody) Collins
SK3/S1 Division
10/67 to 11/68
fcollins@ nassig.sicily.navy.mil 
Active Duty US Navy-SKC
Sicily, Italy
Retiring 30 Sep 02.  Current plans are to remain in Sicily as a NAVSUP contractor employee.

Howard Lutz
RD3/OI 
11/67 to 09/69  
 
Automotive Machinist 
8947 Fox Trail Tampa, Florida 33626

Bruce Goodwin 
BM3/1ST
11/67 to 11/69  

Onan's Power Generation
Andover, Minnesota
I have lived and worked near Minneapolis, Minnesota since my discharge.  I am now planning a move to northern  Minnesota (Mahnomen).  I think of all the guys I served with often. I had hoped to find Buzzy Gibson and  David Sumner listed here.

Daniel L ( Frenchy) Fries
SN/2ND/Main Battery T-1 T-2
11/67 to 07/69 
newpynews@ aol.com 
machine repairer/delphi automotive systems
Englewood. OH
Had some good times/Had some bad times GOD bless the sailors of the NEWS.

Mike (Bus Head)  Foust
SK3/R Division
11/67 to 07/69
foustmike@ hotmail.com
Industrial/commercial painting contractor,   buy and sell streetrods
Kissimmee, Florida
What an experience for a dumb kid from Ohio.  The time in the Navy on the USS Newport News or Thunder was an adventure and memory I truly treasure, the two Westpac cruises, the hard work, the great liberty ports, the growing up experience or "right of passage".....damn....lets get together and do it all again!!..........hope to hear from R division warriors....what ever happened to Joey Holloran, his brother Jim?, Hiram Williamson and all the newbees on the second cruise? I have been in Florida since '74, and married for 33 years, 4 kids thru college and semi retired, wife and I travel and just got back from cruise Norwegian Lines thru the Med.....had all the memories come flooding back ..bulkhead, overhead, passageway, port and starboard...had a ball telling the wife. Didn't we have some times...

Bruce (Yardbird) Yarborough
LT/Crudesflot11 Staff
11/67 to 04/68
BYarbor711@ aol.com 
Retired FBI Agent
Las Vagas
I was the Naval Gunfire Support Coordinator for RADM KINNEY while we were embarked on the NN. Except for trying to sleep in a stateroom directly across the passageway from the barbett on turret #2, while it was firing, the experience was absouletly the best.  My films were loaned to Howard Tucner, the NBC reporter who did the story for the Huntley-Brinkley Report, and I even got them back and recently sent them to Chief Goad so he can make DVD recording of the film.  Many great memories of the ship and crew.

David N Shaffer
RD1(OS1)/Staff of Com Cru DesFlot 11
11/67 to 03/68 
dsha1941@ cox.net
Retired OSC/Retired USPS
El Cajon, Ca. 92021
Rear Admiral Sheldon Kinney's staff of CCDF11

James E (Jim) Steverson
RM3/7th.Div for first cruise 11/67-05/68 then CR Div 2nd cruise 10/68-07/69
11/67 to 07/69
sjp1604tcc@ msn.com
2008 Retired- Insurance Agent - American General Life&Acc
Moved from Lakeland,Fl. in '07 to Murfreesboro,Tn. to be near grandkids
The date of this submission:Aug"08 I have great memmories of my time on the "News".It's been 39yrs since I left her,but sometimes it seems like yesterday.I've had a great life, a blessed life. I was married to the girl who waited for me on Aug 9,1969, we're still together. We have 2 great children,Scott and Lisa and 2 wonderful grandkids,Ethan and Emma. God has been so good to us over the years and I thank him for that.Without him, I don't want to think what would have been. I'm not much of an emailer, but would love to hear from anyone who remembers me and wants to reconnect, if only breifly.

Velford C Strain Jr.
RD3/OL/OI Division
11/67 to 07/69
velpatsyl@ aol.com
Retired :  Was a general aviation technician ,PLUS
Pulaski, Tennessee
Retired from San Antonio, TX, Playing at being a cattle farmer!

Thomas LaMay
SN/NAV
11/67 to 08/68
debbie.lamay@ hotmail.com

North Beach MD

Mike Main
BM3/2nd Division
12/67 to 04/68
MMAIN999@ aol.com
Custom Home Builder
Bryn Mawr, PA
A terrific experience for me was to serve on the Gray Ghost. I regret the ship has been put into mothballs. I went to Phila. base to see the ship and they had cut the guns off--I felt bad about that.

Thomas (Tom) Davidson
LtJG/OI Division
12/67 to 12/69
nitlion@ comcast.net 
VP Sales & Marketing
Philadelphia PA and Queens Creek AZ
A great two years on THUNDER.  Went to a DDG out of Charleston after that, but it could not compare!

Victor (Vic) Jones
MM2/A Division
12/67 to 10/73
vej0nes@ bellsouth.net
Computer and Network Forensics
Atlanta, Ga. 30102
I spent an unusual amount of time on board the Gray Ghost from the east coast, or Thunder coming aboard in 67 and staying until 73. As I recall, I think we where in our home port about 360 days during my entire tour.  I went from FN to MM1, and continued my career until August 1987.  I recieved the Navy Accomadation Medal with the combat 'V' for my actions during the great explosion, a week I'll never forget.  I can remember many of the crew, but was surprised to find a picture on one of the sites of the AC&R Gang.  Presently, the President Eagle Eye Forensics providing Computer and Network Fraud and wrong doing for Federal and Commerical Cyber Crime

Jerome C Seison
ETN2/OE Division
12/67 to 09/70
jseison@ comcast.net

North Stonington CT

John Poulos
ETN2/OE
67 to 68
avanti@ erols.com
Owner Hi-Tech Electronics (Retail Stereo Store)
Annapolis, Md.
I served on Thunder for the first Nam deployment than went to ET B school. I left the Navy after 12years as a ETC in Annapolis Md.

Len (Ski) Maharowski 
Hospital Corpsman, Striker SN/H Division
1967 to 1968
investigativesolutions@ verizon.net 
Licensed Private Investigator (retired PA State Police)
Dunbar, Pennsylvania

Richard M. Wright
RD1/OI
67 to 69
AnchorRest@ aol.com
USN Retired.  Operations Manager K-MART Wilmington, NC
Wilmington, NC
Westpack '67-'68 was quite an  experience! Wouldn't take a million dollars for the experience but wouldn't do it again for a million dollars. Would love to have a beer with Harry David and Chief Miller.

Michael R (sparks) Trice 
EM2/electrical
67 to 69
       
Electrical Contractor
Frederick, MD. 21704

Warren Curtis (Webb) Webster 
BT1/B
67 to 71
carolynh@ udata.com (sisters)
Supervisor at power plant
Nebraska City, Neb.

George Bousman
GM3/6th Division (3" 50 CAL AA GUNS & ROCKET SYSTEM)
1967 to 10/69 
duckhunternys@ yahoo.com
construction
Sodus Point NY

Tim Williams
SN/OL (Lookout)
67 to 69  

Engineer
Tampa, FL
I still have dreams about those two cruises, I should say nightmares! Something good to have behind you. It sure brought back a lot of memories seeing this home page.

Richard Joseph Zannone
SN/MM
1967 to 1968
nzannone@ lvcm.com 
General contractor/ maintenance and repair
Las Vegas, Nevada

Randy Stick
FTG2/Fox Division
67 to 68
rstick@ btc-bci.com
Plant Superintendent
Bloomingdale,MI

Larry Wiley
RD3/OI Division
67 to 68
jack-emily@ bright.net 
Water Well Contractor
Union City, Indiana
Like to hear from shipmates.  765-964-7442

Paul (Chief)Kolasci Jr.
YNCS
1967 to 1968
cal.patti@ suddenlink.net
Retired Navy, Retired Civil Service
Bryan  Texas

Richard W Smythe
SN/5th Division
67 to 08/68

retired,bellsouth...self employed
Jacksonville FL
I enjoyed reading the crew listing. Didn't recognize much, or very many names, sorry. Anyone may contact me and I will respond, just don't check e-mail often.

Gary Peterson
BM3 1st Division
1967 to 1968
cosdiv12@ yahoo.com
Department of Corrections
Imperial CA
 

Johnny W (John Wayne) Hutchens
EN3/A Division
67 to 08/69
jwhsparky@ geusnet.com
Retired
Greenville TX
Looking for Thomas G. Wesselhoff. Who lived in California. Does anyone remember Thunder Duck. Picked him up at sea.

Harden Wheeler
BM3/4th Division
1967 to 1969
whee112@ aol.com
Retired
Winston Salem NC
I was the coxwain of the admirals barge, and the captains gig. Probably rememembered making the Chinese landing when we picked up Viet Cong in North Viet Nam. Now retired educator from the Forsyth County School  System, as teacher and coach.