- Mike Cormier - bluestardad@gmail.com - V3 Division - Hello Shipmates! I was stationed aboard USS Tarawa from November 1980 to June 1982. The V3 Division Officer was LT. Sheehy, LPO was ABH1 Roark. I reported aboard at Naval Station Cubi Point, Philippines during WESTPAC 80-81. Ports of call that I remember are Singapore, Pataya Beach, Thailand, Mombosa, Kenya, Perth, Australia, and South Korea where I left the ship due to emergency leave. I rejoined the ship's company when she returned to homeport in San Diego. A few months after that we sailed to the Naval Shipyard in Long Beach, CA and were there when the Navy brought the USS New Jersey out of mothballs for a refit. I left the Tarawa in June of 82 and went to AD "A" school in Millington, TN. I had some great friends on Tarawa. Lost touch with them over the years, but about 7 years ago I crossed paths on line with Paul Smith again. We remain great friends to this day and share some good stories about the Tarawa with our friends and families. Fair winds and following seas to all who read this. If any former shipmates remember me I would be pleased to have you contact me if you so choose.

- Steve Stanfill - stevz94@cox.net - CR Division - Terry Hefley, I remember you. Do you remember Dean Farris and Terry Blake, the CDPS programmers? Do you remember Bob Frazee?

- Lewis Carroll - lughi@yahoo.com - Second - Lil deck ape that got to go to Copsman A School. I sure miss Pappy and BM1 Easy Spencer.

- Paul E Gray - pegray@carolina.rr.com - 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Kaneohe Bay, HI - I was a Marine Lance Corporal serving on WESTPAC '83.  I contracted pneumonia very early in the deployment, and I remember I was the first one admitted to the ship's hospital that deployment.  All of the Navy medical personnel were quick to treat me and very attentive to my needs.  I have fond memories of the ship as we participated in the Multinational Peacekeeping operations that same year.  I was in Hawaii in May 2011 and I'm sorry I did not get over to the middle loch at Pearl to see her again.  Thank you, Tarawa.  You will always be a special lady. 

- AN Carlton Matthews - reptocarl@gmail.com - V-3 - During Westpac '80-'81 I was in the beauty contest for shellback initiation. My photo is in the cruise book we got after we returned home. I'm dressed as a woman with my back to the camera. I represented all of the airdales. Unfortunately I didn't win.

- Paul E. Smith - paul_smith955@yahoo.com - V-4 - Thank you Tarawa, old friend, for hauling us old salts around. I have made friends and lost some, too. You made our dad smile with pride (Cmdr. James M. Smith ret.) when both of his sons, LI3 James M. Smith Jr. and ABFAN Paul E. Smith, were under your care. So I salute you and honor and thank you.

- William (Bill) Woolsey - lily0755@sbcglobal.net - I simply wanted to give an update on one of the Tarawa's crew members. My uncle, William (Bill) Woolsey, was on the USS Tarawa LHA-1 in the early 1980's. He died July 2008. He loved being a part of the Tarawa. He told me all sorts of facts and stories about the ship. And, he proudly wore a USS Tarawa cap. In fact, he only wore it for special occasions because he didn't want to wear it out too soon (his words).

I know he would have made every effort to come to the reunion. The Tarawa was one of the best parts of his life. I wish your group a most successful and memorable reunion.

Sincerely, Phyllis Ferguson