USS Tarawa LHA-1 Eagle of the Sea

USS Tarawa LHA-1 Reunion August 5-7, 2014 in Las Vegas

USS Tarawa LHA-1 Reunion Message Post Board - This Page is for Shipmates to Use to Post Their Reunion Thoughts for Everyone to Read.

CLICK HERE to Leave a Message on the USS Tarawa LHA-1 Message Board.

093. 05 NOV 2013 - John HTFN Green - jmgreener@att.net - Looking forward to make the reunion this time around, hopefully. I'm also looking for shipmates from '86-'89. Where are all you Hull Technicians.................!
092. 29 OCT 2013 - IC2 Mike Walline - mwalline45@earthlink.net - I was onboard from 83 to 89 in E Division. Looking for Bob Powell, Mike Fejarin, or any others out there from those years.
091. 29 AUG 2013 - Richard Rodgers - rabbitt1958@gmail.com - Are there any of you old fry cooks out there, Dent, Hishmeh, Bullock?
090. 12 MAY 2013 - Jose Rivera - joser@uescontrols.com - Wow, it's been a minute since I've heard or seen anyone from the Desert Storm/Desert Shield deployment, a great experience and great friends made, under the command of Captain Wirt R. Fladd. Raymie Parker, "Mouse" Mikkelson, Mike Fray, Darrin Schiele, Jeff Sumrow, Rey "Fuji" Fulgencio, Mike "Meat" Muti, give me a shout if y'all are still out there.
089. 08 MAY 2013 - Rod "Harry" Harris - rods4cindy@comcast.net - Come on all you OSs from OI Division who served on Tarawa after 1980. We've got a bunch of Plank Owners who would love to meet you and hear about your time with our ship! We've even been known to buy a drink or two for our shipmates. The truth is "OI DIVISION ROCKS". See ya'll in AUG 2014.
088. 08 MAY 2013 - Victor Taylor - vstaylor@austin.rr.com - During some research, I come across your web-site.  My father (Robert E. Taylor) was a Lt. aboard the Tarawa during its PRECOMM to 1979. Just checking to see if anyone remembers him. I will try to get him to attend your upcoming Reunion next year. Thanks, Victor Taylor, Texas
087. 10 MAR 2013 - Mike Giovannucci - mgvnncc@hotmail.com - I am a plank owner, Pascagoula, Mississippi in 1975, and worked in the forward engine room. MM Mike Giovannucci
086. 18 FEB 2013 - Gerald Jarsulic - gjarsulic@cox.net - I worked in A-Gang Engine Shop, made two Wes-PACs, and one shipyard on it. Thanks for all the good times I had on it!
085. 08 FEB 2013 - Mark Spears - gruntfire009@comcast.net - I was on this great ship in 1982. Cpl. USMC
084. 24 JAN 2013 - David McNair - Mcfire442000@yahoo.com - Notice to all who have requested Tarawa veteran stickers, please email me your home address, and I will mail them to you. My E mail is McFire442000@yahoo.com See you in 2014. Now get back to work! "Sweepers, Sweepers, man your brooms. Give the ship a good clean sweep down both fore and aft! Sweep down all lower decks, ladder backs, and passageways! Dump all garbage clear of the fantail! Sweepers." Have a safe fun day shipmates!
083. 24 JAN 2013 - John "Sprouters" Stoute - Bluebeard50@hotmail.com - How do I register and how much will this cost me? Hello John, CLICK HERE, http://www.tarawareunion.com/whoisgoing.html,to UNOFFICIALLY RE-UP for the 2014 USS Tarawa LHA-1 Reunion. YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY NOW! This is just to let other shipmates know you are planning to attend the 2014 reunion. We are estimating the total cost for the 2014 reunion to be about $200.00 per person, plus your room. Last reunion midweek room rate was $26.99 per room/per night. Our reunions cost pennies to dollars to other military reunions, and we're in JACKPOT Las Vegas, Baby! I will officially have the 2014 Online Sign-up Form on our website (www.tarawareunion.com) for everyone to sign-up on 1/1/2014. I hope you UNOFFICIALLY RE-UP for the 2014 USS Tarawa LHA-1 Reunion today. Let your shipmates know you are planning to attend. AND bring your wife or girlfriend! Best regards, Rick Holly
082. 16 JAN 2013 - Dan Powers - dannpowers@yahoo.com - Hi, I was a Marine ordnanceman with Harrier squadron VMA-513 on two Tarawa Wes-Pac's, 84-85 and 85-86. I lost my Shellback Certificate and I am going to try to get another, but I don't know the longitude, or date we crossed (84-85?) Is there a way to find out? Ok, thanks for your time - Dan
081. 30 OCT 2012 - Andrew Tran - Abono2012@yahoo.com - I am a Vietnamese refugee who was rescued by the US Navy on July 4, 1982 in the south China Sea. I do not remember the name of the ship or the captain. I only know that we were delivered to Hong Kong 4 days later. I tried to get info on this for many years but had no luck. Can you help me locate the right ship and contacts so that I can updates the captain and the personnel on board the vessel that rescued us?
080. 08 OCT 2012 - Henry Homicz - hank1_1@yahoo.com - Anyone out there from S-3 Division?
079. 25 SEP 2012 - Doug Linder - Dougl@klhouse.com - I was a part of the commissioning crew in 1975 in San Diego, then Mississippi, then served until 1979. I was searching the Internet and noticed the Tarawa had a reunion. I looked at some of the names I served with on the flight deck. It took me back. I would like to go to the next reunion. I have contacted a few guys. Pretty cool, thanks for what you are doing.
078. 05 SEP 2012 - John R. Hubbard Jr. - jmjhubbard@gmail.com - It's been a long time since I have seen or heard anything about the TARAWA. It was the best time of my Navy career. I got deployed to some great places, got into some trouble, spent some extra time on the ship, but it was an experience.
077. 17 AUG 2012 - Paul E. Smith - paul_smith955@yahoo.com - 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.
076. 13 AUG 2012 - Danny White - Grtwht@epud.net - Rick and Mary Lou, thanks is not enough for all you have done, but thank you! What a wonderful 4 days! To those who couldn't be there we missed you and hope 2014 will bring you back with us. To our departed Shipmates, we missed you most. I hope to find some of our "lost" shipmates so we can get them to Las Vegas in give or take 720 days! We will try and try until we get them. To all my "old" friends I had missed you greatly and do already again. To all my new friends I can't wait to see you again. "Doc" Reed, you're an inspiration. It was so nice to see you again and meet Jeanica. Already working toward 2014. Fair winds and following seas, Shipmates!! You are always on my mind until we meet again.
075. 12 AUG 2012 - David McNair - Mcfire442000@yahoo.com - A special Thanks to Mary Lou, Rick, Doc Reed, Grace our Blessing, and Gary Clatt for all the hard work that went into organizing this awesome get together, a meeting of great people. We are family! See all of you in less then two years. Also, Thank You to all of you that attended this reunion, and for ones that didn't, you were missed, and I hope to see you in 2014. Havis, thanks for the stories, your memory is grand, and it was great to see you. Larry it was great to see you again, and Bonnie you are a charm. Dan and Barb, so nice to chat with you. Dennis, you're the Man! Jim, you are a great man, knew it way back when, a great boss and friend. You all are my brothers and sisters. See you all in 2014. Gary Clatt I missed you, but it was nice to see you at Kyles wedding (my son).
074. 11 AUG 2012 - Richard Reed - RevREReed47@aol.com - I want to say "Thank You"  to Rick and Mary Lou Holly and Gary Clatt for inviting my wife and me to the USS Tarawa LHA-1 2012 Reunion. I was glad to get reacquainted with all those that were there. It was especially nice to get to see Grace again.  My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time, and if the Lord tarries, we plan to see you all again in 2014. I pray GOD BLESS ALL of YOU until we meet again.
073. 10 AUG 2012 - David Carrasco - txdcarrasco@yahoo.com - I just landed in Honolulu, Hawaii, and I was able to see the old ship from the air, #1 USS Tarawa LHA-1 is still here ! I'll go to her during the week and see if we can go on board.
072. 09 AUG 2012 - Keith Brownmiller - brownmil@gmail.com - Kudos to Rick and Mary Lou for an outstanding reunion. Jo and I had an outstanding time and wish we could have spent more time with everyone attending. The Guests of Honor were outstanding to say the least, and we all felt blessed that Reverend Richard Reed and Grace were there to share their thoughts with us. As mentioned, I am looking for a copy of the '79 cruise book as my unit "LSU Hotel" was gratefully included in your book, and yes I was one of "those" deployed Marines. Jo and I are looking forward to getting together with all of you in 2014.
071. 08 AUG 2012 - Charlie Petrach - dogbitten1@cox.net - Outstanding job to Rick and his wife, Mary Lou, for another great reunion. Had a blast, nice to see the new attendees, Dave and his wife, and Byron and his wife. Already miss all you guys.
070. 17 JUN 2012 - Clark Hays - clarkhays65@yahoo.com - I typed one long greeting just a second ago and lost it because I didn't enter an e-mail. Got one but never use it, Facebook is more convenient. Hoping to make Las Vegas, I will see. Are any of the 92-96 crew out there? I just discovered this tonight, good job to those who worked so hard in creating it, thanks. All hands I'm sure knew then and now that the best division, on the Eagle was, well....A Gang, the A speaks for itself. LOL.  ENC Price where are you? We butted heads back then, but I would like to hear how you're doing! You know I came aboard, made a few circles, went in drydock, worked like hell for three years, floated to Pearl and worked like hell the whole time we were there,  day and night. Floated back to San Dog and four years were gone. You bet I had no moral, but I guess that's why I work hard today. I hope to hear from you, But I damn sure knew that ship from inside to out, and I could do anything that needed done. Really enjoyed those years as I look back. All gave some, some gave all! Hope to see and meet mates in August. The once EN3 Clark Hays just heard taps. Fair sailing to those who still do and thanks. Good night.
069. 14 JUN 2012 - Ron Reckrodt - ron.reckrodt@upnllc.com - Hello all. Going to try to make it out this time for the reunion. I was a fresh air snipe and trying to locate a couple of guys, Chris Martin (photographers mate) and George Estes (signalman). Both on board around 77-81. Like to make contact with any E Division folks from this period also. Hope to see you guys at the reunion.
068. 31 MAY 2012 - Neil Lyons - nlyons@law.stetson.edu - I was wondering if anyone remembered my father, Commander Melvin C. Lyons. He served on the Tarawa between 1990 and 1992. He passed away in November 2010, but I know he loved serving on the ship and loved his time in the Navy. I was just wondering if anyone may remember him, and may have a story to share about him? Thank you all for your service. God bless.
067. 21 MAY 2012 - George Reynolds - george122551@yahoo.com - I helped build the USS Tarawa from 1971-1972 then moved on to actual big steel manufacturing. I am proud to have been a part of this Era of History. Thanks for the Memories.
066. 16 MAY 2012 - Jeff "Gonzo" Gonzalez - Cugonzo@live.com - (S2 Division), I would like to hear from old friends. I see Ben Gross is on the list. Last I knew, you were in Washington.
065. 11 MAY 2012 - Bien de Guzman, Jr. - bandagapo@yahoo.com - I'm Hospital Corpsman June de Guzman I served in the Medical dept. USS Tarawa 1985-1988 its the best time on my whole Navy career. I help lots of shipmates doing medical work, everyone who knows me are welcome to email me at bandagapo@yahoo.com. or email me at tarawababy@yahoo.com.
064. 05 MAY 2012 - Ed Cox - eddiecox3@yahoo.com - I really loved being in the Navy and being onboard the USS Tarawa LHA-1. It was the BEST time of my life! I was in from 1984 to 1988. Any old airdales around still from the Air Department? V-1, V-2 or V-3?
063. 04 MAY 2012 - Glenn Hults - glennroof2@aol.com - I served from 1984 to 1989 as a boatswains mate. I was wondering if anybody else from that time is going? It sounds like fun!
062. 23 APR 2012 - Richard "Griff" Griffin - richardbg1962@yahoo.com - Anyone from G Division going to be there? I was there with Ens. Hogan, Sparks, Kingsler, Dewey and others from 82 to 83.
061. 16 APR 2012 - William Glover - gloverfor19@yahoo.com - Actually served on the Tarawa 1988-1990. Does anyone know or heard from Hector Colon AG (Weather) and Robert (Bob) Haggar both served with me during this time.
060. 21 MAR 2012 - Stephen Cook - Scooktexas@aol.com - I worked construction on LHA-1 and LHA-2 in 1972-1973. I remember the asbestos insulation used on piping.  Does anyone know of any cancer victims from this ship? Also, thanks for your service guys!
059. 12 MAR 2012 - Wallace Fullenwider - wef2661@yahoo.com - Hi, my name is Wallace Fullenwider (Eugene) - I served aboard the USS Tarawa LHA-1 (PRECOMM) OD Division from late 1975 to May 1979. I was shipped back to the States in the middle of West-Pac 1979. Missed the DECOMM - found out too late. Looking to make the reunion August 2012.
058. 25 FEB 2012 - Mark Bato - mbato21@hotmail.com - Hi, my name is Mark Bato. I am looking for my father who was attached to the USS Tarawa LHA-1. He was in Subic Bay, Philippine on 1980 (June-August). Please help me find him. His name is RONALD ANDERSON. He is a Marine. Does anyone know him back on Subic Bay, Philippines (June - August 1980)? Thank you.
057. 18 FEB 2012 - Charlie Petrach - dogbitten1@cox.net - What's up with the lack of people signing up? We had a lot of people that said they were coming? It really is fun seeing what they have been up to.
056. 01 DEC 2011 - Arthur Samel  - Avram911@aol.com - Hello. My name is Arthur. I am in a wheelchair, and I have muscular dystrophy. I am a patch collector. I am looking to get a patch from you. Thanks, Art Samel, 1700 Tuckerstown  Road, Dresher, PA 19025 (I told Arthur I do not have a USS Tarawa LHA-1 patch. Does anyone have a patch? Thank you. Rick)
055. 17 NOV 2011 - Paul Chris Fortner  - paulfortner@gmail.com - To all my V-4 shipmates... This is Fort-dog!!! See yall in August clowns!
054. 13 NOV 2011 - Dan Ringeisen - dringeisen@att.net - I feel the same way about the 3 plus years I lived on the Tarawa. I was assigned to OE division. I was on board for the ship's first two cruises. Yes, it has been a long time. I have been in close contact with two other shipmates, and we are discussing the reunion as well. I hope we can pull it off. Formerly ET1 Dan Ringeisen.
053. 24 SEP 2011 - Joe Polk - email removed - I found a USS Tarawa pin at a garage sale here in Pittsburgh, PA. It was mixed in with some political pins that I purchased. I was wondering who might want this pin for themselves. Please have someone contact me to let me know where I should mail the pin to. Thanks in advance, Joe Polk (UPDATE 27 SEP 2011 - Rick: Kip F. has claimed the pin, and I am putting it in the mail tomorrow morning. Thanks for posting it to the site, but please take it down since it has found a new owner. :) Regards, Joe)
052. 24 SEP 2011 - Rick Jennings - rickrj@stny.rr.com - Any RMs out there?
051. 13 SEP 2011 - Jason Mack - jason_mack76@yahoo.com - I served with Wpns Co BLT 2/1 on the USS Tarawa as part of the 15th MEU in 2003.  I never received a float book after my deployment.  Does anyone know where I can find one to purchase?
050. 29 AUG 2011 - Roosevelt Barham - Emani71_2000@yahoo.com - Hello, Shipmates. I was aboard the USS Tarawa LHA-1 from 1981 to 1985 as an Operations Specialist, (OS). I wish to reconnect with shipmates during that time. Any assistance is appreciated.
049. 25 AUG 2011 - Isabelle Durastel - isa.durastel@laposte.net - Hello, I am not a Marine but a French girl who once met a boy on the train from California. His name is Martin Byrum. We chatted on the train and decided to keep on touch. He was about to join the Marine Corps and was anxious. I gave him my address in France and he wrote me two letters. I answered but got no other mail. The latter dates back to Feb 14th, 1991, posted from the USS TARAWA. Then the years passed and lately I accidentally found his letters and I have tried many ways to find him.  He once told me my letters helped him and I really want to get in touch with him again. Time passes but I still remember his face and enthusiasm. I beg anyone please to help me find him. Thanks for your help, Isa.
048. 13 AUG 2011 - Jeff Lock- jeffrey.lock@navy.mil - My name is Jeff Lock. I am currently stationed at the Navy Yard in DC. I didn't serve on USS TARAWA but on USS PELELIU, great ships. I am a former Chief, LDO, and currently an Engineering Duty Officer. I happen to work with a female that was one of the Vietnamese refugees which TARAWA transported to Thailand on their 1979 cruise. I am trying to find pictures of the refugees to see if she was captured in any of them. FYI, she made it to San Diego through a church sponsor program. There she went to Grossmont and Mesa Colleges, ultimately graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. She has now worked for NAVSEA for 20 plus years, helping to support the ships that made her journey to the US possible. She has made it a long way from TARAWA and being a refugee and has given so much back to the Navy. As such, any assistance would be sincerely appreciated.
047. 28 JUL 2011 - Wes Holy - waholy20@charter.net - I served on the '80-'81 Westpac tour. I was sorry to hear that the boat had been decommissioned. I worked in the radio room as sat com operator. My best time had to be the Perth, Australia stop we had, and of course, the PI. Anyone wishing to get in contact with me can email me. I would be glad to hear from you.
046. 03 APR 2011 - Charles Thelen - cthelen3@cox.net - Reported on or about mid 1974 to PRECOMM in the trailers. I was in S-3 div as a SH-1, Plank Owner. I mostly worked in the trailers on S-3 projects assigned by SHCS Remington (Sleepy) and one SH-1 Kenneth Bradley Banks (Brad) did Tarawa daily ship reviews of building to blueprints. Attended tram and elevator classes in San Diego, Ca. Lived in Gaution, Ms for two years. Advanced to SHC 1975. When USS Tarawa left Litton/Engles and home ported in San Diego we lived in Silver Strand Housing for 1 year until mid-1977 Great area to live. The PRECOMM detail and assigned crew got USS Tarawa out to sea in great shape for her Navy career and the careers of her crew. I Greatly enjoyed my time onboard LHA-! Eagle of the SEA.
045. 03 APR 2011 - Bruce Turner - btbokator@hotmail.com - I am trying to find pictures of Tarawa during Wes-Pac 80-81. I lost my yearbook years ago. Interested in pics or Yearbook of 80-81 Wes-Pac, willing to scan copies. Also, anyone who wishes to contact me, they are welcome.
044. 08 MAR 2011 - Charles Heard (Chazman) - cheard4@cox.net - I was attached to the USS Tarawa from 1979 to 1982. Some of the names on this message board drum up some real good memories. I am planning on attending the reunion in 2012.
043. 19 FEB 2011 - Ralph Cooper - coopdville1967@yahoo.com - I'm looking for a Bob (last name unknown). He was an RP and helped my dad some about 1980 when we lived on Truett Lane in Murphy Canyon. Bob inspired me to become a chaplain assistant (I joined the Army, and later my son joined as a medic...his first assignment in a combat zone was as the chaplain's medic and special duty chaplain assistant.) So, there's good history there. If anyone can help me find Bob, I'd sure appreciate it. My dad was an AE. His name is Ralph Cooper, as is mine and my son's. Bob was Catholic, and I think he had aspirations of becoming a Priest.
042. 14 FEB 2011 - Kenneth Silver - kenslvr1@yahoo.com - Nice as the ship was, I remember the Wes-Pac as my fondest memories. I am recently divorced and have decided to re-visit my favorite port o' call... the Philippines. I'm going to scuba dive and enjoy the nightlife. Anybody want to enjoy the trip vicariously let me know. I will post pics and respond to emails.
041. 01 FEB 2011 - Richard Ask - richard_p_ask@yahoo.com - I live in the Philippines now. I plan to be back in USA, June 2012, for my 1st grandson HS graduation. I would like to attend.
040. 25 JAN 2011 - Rodney "Harry" Harris - rods4cindy@comcast.net - Ahoy shipmates. For those who didn't get the chance to attend the reunion in Vegas last August, you sure missed a good one. There was some great comradely, awesome eats, sea stories galore, and VEGAS. We're doing this again in 2012, so mark your calendars. You wont want to miss another one.
039. 19 JAN 2011 - Ron Stranahan - rmstran@hotmail.com - I served as a RM from JAN 1987 to JAN 1991.
038. 17 JAN 2011 - HM2 Richard E Reed  - RevREReed47@aol.com - Hello Rick, I am responding to a message from Gary concerning the reunion for the USS Tarawa's crew in 2012. My name is Richard E Reed, I am the Corpsman who delivered Grace Tarawa Tran.  I was with BLT 2/3 Marine Medical Group that was embarked aboard the USS Tarawa. I recently went back on board the USS Tarawa on November 29th to meet Grace. I don't know if you have watched the videos/broadcasts of that event. It was a very emotional reunion. I told Gary I would love to attend the next reunion. It would be an honor to be there, and meet some of the shipmates that I got to know during that deployment. Grace lives in Philly. She is looking forward to meeting the crew of the USS Tarawa. Again, it was great to hear from those that I had the privilege to serve with. Sincerely, Reverend R.E. Reed
037. 17 JAN 2011 - Charlie Petrach  - dogbitten1@cox.net - Happy New Year to all, keep talking to the others and get them to sign up for the next reunion.
036. 07 DEC 2010 - Mike Suttle  - suttlefinancial@msn.com - WOW! Just came across this website - had no idea Tarawa was de-commissioned! I was the Embarkation Officer for 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3), for the 1979 Westpac cruise. Lt. Col. Walt Boomer was the CO - went on to become Asst. Commandant of the Marine Corps. Anyway, sorry I missed the reunion - maybe if you have another one..... Semper fi, Mike Suttle Capt., USMC, ret.
035. 26 NOV 2010 - HM2 Richard E Reed  - RevREReed47@aol.com - Hello to all... Kip Napier... (SEE Message 32) I served with your unit with the Medical Group BLT 2/3. I was the Corpsman that delivered Grace Tarawa Tran. I will be arriving in Honolulu on Nov 28th to be able to meet Grace on Nov 29th at 10 AM. I was contacted by the Navy this morning.. Thanks for the post. GBY. I loved the time I spent with the USMC aboard the US Tarawa LHA-1. Hope to get to meet some of my old Marine/Sailor friends from the past. GBY all.
034. 24 NOV 2010 - Randall Armour - randyarmour57@msn.com - Reported aboard Tarawa at Long Beach in '78 as a PC3. Served in X Div at the Post Office. Then to San Diego and on to maiden West Pac cruise. Would like to hear from any former shipmates including the Marines who worked in the P.O. with us during deployment. I didn't get a cruise book so names and faces are a bit foggy as I was back then on liberty. Was saddened to learn that Bill Woolsey had passed as reported on the reunion page. Hope others are well. Best Wishes, PC3 Randall Armour
033. 11 OCT 2010 - Charlie Petrach - dogbitten1@cox.net - It looks like we are getting a lot of interest in the next reunion. Let's hope we can get the word out to many more.
032. 11 OCT 2010 - Kip Napier - kipnemco@aol.com - Aloha, I deployed on the USS Tarawa on its first WESTPAC deployment in 1979. Now, my Marine Corps unit, Battalion Landing Team 2/3, is having its first reunion this month in Phoenix. See www.blt23of1979.com. We were onboard the Tarawa in May 1979 when 442 Vietnamese refugees were provided humanitarian assistance. The Vietnamese girl who was born on the Tarawa, Grace Tarawa Tran, and four other Vietnamese refugees we took care of, will be attending our reunion later this month. They are very keen to reconnect with the medical personnel who gave birth to Grace Tarawa Tran. So we seek assistance in locating the Navy Corpsman (HM2 Richard A. Reed Jr.) (SEE Message 35) and the Attending Physician (Lt. Thomas E. Daniel, USN). Both were present when Grace Tarawa Tran was born. Can anyone help us locate them? Thanks, Kip Napier San Diego
031. 09 OCT 2010 - Tom Murray - sanmagoo@excite.com - I worked on the flight deck in V-1 Department with Chief Mejia who also was plank owner. I served aboard the Eagle of the Sea from 81 to 85.
030. 09 OCT 2010 - Billy Justus - brjustus@yahoo.com - I am too old to re-up, but I visit with a lot of ex-military friends and talk about the good times. I was aboard from 79 through 85. I miss it and have some proud and happy times onboard. I would love to be at one of the reunions if I got the info on when and where early enough to make arrangements. I would not mind seeing some of the old buddies. God bless you all and be safe.
029. 07 OCT 2010 - Michael To - michaelnto@yahoo.com - I really miss the Tarawa and her crew at this time frame. Especially the West Pac in 1998. That was something else. I really miss the crew and the life in the Navy as a whole. I'd like to be contacted with the people who knew me. I am currently in the Army, but miss the Navy very much.
028. 04 OCT 2010 - Mike Erickson - michael.erickson@tennantco.com - Missed the reunion dang it, Looks like it was a real blast. Family commitments took over. 2012... long way off, but at least it is before the Mayan calendar ends lol. Hope to catch up with some of you then.
027. 04 OCT 2010 - Richard Shorter - mutawakill2@yahoo.com - I'd like to know if anyone can find a year book from 1975-1977. I was on the flight deck (V1) during those years. I have not seen anyone I was in with and would like to get a yearbook for those years.
026. 03 OCT 2010 - David Peyton - saltydog1960@att.net - Ohhhh Eagle of the Sea.... wow, 3 years of sailing on this tub. Good memories.
025. 07 SEP 2010 - Ray (Havis) Jones - sincitycountryboy@yahoo.com - Sorry I wasn't able to make the first one. I will be at the second one for sure. I look back and remember sitting in Fly-1 shelter listening to some of the older guys tell stories of the past. Now we are just old sea dogs wanting to remember the good times and the bad times we all had together. Rick thanks for putting this together.
024. 04 SEP 2010 - Gary Germroth (Germ) - glgerm@msn.com  - Damn, I missed it.
023. 03 SEP 2010 - Byron White - bandcwhite@q.com - I got word from Danny White about the reunion, but it was too late. I did not know this website even existed. It was great to look through it and see some old familiar faces. What a lot of good memories. I will be at the next reunion.
022. 01 SEP 2010 - Rodney "Harry" Harris - rods4cindy@comcast.net - We're still looking for some lost shipmates from the PRECOMM folks. Curtus Sanders, Byron White, Gus Karavitus, Dave Anderson, Mike Givens and everyone else in OI PRECOMM or who served from 1975-1979. Get in touch with Danny, Rick, or me. WE MISS YOU!
021. 05 AUG 2010 - Troy Thibeaux - tthibeaux@gmail.com - I was stationed onboard from 1987 - 1991. Totally awesome experience and such a tight crew!!!
020. 04 JUN 2010 - Frank Grosey - grosryjr@npgcable.com - MY FIRST SHIP, 3 MED, 2 GITMO ROUND-THE-WORLD, KOREA, JAPAN, AND EUROPE. ALL 7 SEAS 2 CANALS. I WENT TO THE DECOMM SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA BEING THE PAST PRESIDENT. I DID 3 TERMS, 2 VICE PRESIDENT - MAA . I WENT TO 18 REUNIONS BEFORE CANCER GOT TO ME, BUT I AM DOING FINE NOW THANKS TO THE LONG BEACH VA HOSPITAL. I GOT A FEW STORIES, SEA THAT IS. I HAD A HELL OF A GOOD TIME THANKS TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS IN THE NAVY. TOO BAD THE OLD GANG WENT UP RIVER. I HOPE THE LHA-1 STAYS AROUND FOREVER. I GOT TO BOARD HER IN SAN DIEGO UNDER GARY HALL CAPTAIN, NOW 3 STAR ADMIRAL IN WASHINGTON, D.C. I WILL SAVE THE REST WHEN I SEE YOU GUYS. - FRANK GROSEY
019. 15 MAY 2010 - Dexter "Fly Dog" Howel - dex.howell@yahoo.com - Hope to see people that didn't make it to the decommissioning ceremony. Air Dept Rules!
018. 12 MAY 2010 - Havis Jones - sincitycountryboy@yahoo.com - Boy, I thought I would never see this to come. I see several of the guys from V-1 are going. I lived in Vegas for 15 years and moved to Wisconsin 2 months before she was DECOMMed. Hoping that I can swing it. We all have stories to tell. Hey the big 3-M's are going, Martin, Murphy and Mehia. LOL
017. 28 APR 2010 - Anthony Martos V-3 - a.martos@live.com - Wes-Pac 80-81 - I am looking for anyone in V3: Olsen, Salinsky, Miller, Bodin, Fisher, ...
016. 10 MAR 2010 - Ronald P Johnson Jr. - rjsemperfi88@yahoo.com - Are there many Marines attending the Tarawa reunion?
015. 21 FEB 2010 - Gary B. Clatt - garyclatt@msn.com - Good job Rick putting all of this together. I know several V-1 Division boys that are planning to come. They are all Plankowners. Still working on the planning, however I'm glad someone finally put this together, and we all definitely will be there! Some of the best times of my life were right there on that ship and on West-Pac "79"
014. 20 FEB2010 - James "JJ" Barondeau - tracyroesch@gmail.com - Hey Dipstick, I am using my friend's computer, believe it or not. You've convinced me, I am definitely coming to Las Vegas in July (a day early and August). After four days in the big city, I may never leave the boondocks, again, but I will try it once. I will talk to you in July.
013. 29 JAN 2010 - ABHAN Vandermeulen, C.J. - biblethimpincowboy@hotmail.com - V-1 Division Rules. Vegas, guys count me in!
012. 05 DEC 2009 - MS3 Benjamin "Ox" Gross - emtrn1@yahoo.com - I was on board the USS Tarawa LHA-1 from September 1992 thru May 1997. I plan on attending the reunion.
011. 02 DEC 2009 - Charlie Petrach - dogbitten1@cox.net - Glad to have you come Frank Grosey. I like to hear about the CV Tarawa.
010. 24 NOV 2009 - Frank Grosey - groseyjr@npgcable.com - I am Frank Grosey, Past President of the the Tarawa CV/40 and LHA/1, and I would be very pleased to attend your reunion at Sam's Town in Las Vegas, Nevada.
009. 31 OCT2009 - William R. Mahoney - zonariverrock2003@yahoo.com - Crash and Salvage taught me how to handle the "non-skid" in life.
008. 10 OCT 2009 - DC3 Clayton "Jim" Ritchie - ritchie5@silverstar.com - I was on the TARAWA from 1991-1995. I was just wondering if any of the old gang is still out there?
007. 06 OCT 2009 - ABF2 Hernandez - e_hrnn@yahoo.com - I am seeking a cruise book for 84-85 Wes-Pac or the following Wes-Pac which I believe was 1986 when we crossed the Equator. Would you please direct to whom or where I could get a cruise book for either one of those years or perhaps both? Thanks (fair winds and following seas)
006. 17 SEP 2009 - Charlie Petrach - dogbitten1@cox.net - Looks like no one but the PRECOMM-82 had any fun/friends or great memories. So the rest of you need to get going on reserving your place.
005. 13 SEP 2009 - RJ Lugge - rj.lugge@comcast.net - Harrington, Leonard, Phillips, Chafin, and Brown, I would love to hear from you.
004. 30 AUG 2009 - Rodney "Harry" Harris - rods4cindy@comcast.net - Hey Shipmates, When we met for the DECOMM, 3 days just didn't seem long enough. The first day is traveling and then meeting up with everyone. The second day is a full day. Then you leave the third day after some time together. I know it went by way too fast for me. So I'm planning on staying an extra day at the reunion in August. Just wanted to see who else feels the same way, so get the word out if you're interested. Miss you guys, Harry.
003. 16 AUG 2009 - Charles Sheeler - chuc.sheeler@verizon.net - Looking forward to the reunion. I want to see all the OLD faces and some new ones from the Tarawa.
002. 15 AUG 2009 - Charlie Petrach - dogbitten1@cox.net - Maybe a reunion cruise book.
001. 01 AUG 2009 - Rick Holly - rickholly@rickholly.com - Ahoy, Shipmates! Welcome to the USS Tarawa LHA-1 website. We miss you!

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