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20 Dec 2001
Re: Johnson, Gerald A. "Jerry" USS SABALO - '57-'58
Mr. Jeff Owens, Please include the above name and email address on your "Sabalo Shipmates" list of crew members. I have found this website for my father (Jerry Johnson), and created a email address for him in hopes that he will be able to contact some ol' Navy buddies.
This goes out to pretty much all his addresses -- for those few that
don't know -- Fred lost his fight with cancer last Tuesday [18 Sep
2001] evening ---- there will be a memorial service Monday the
24th at the Roseburg National Cemetery -- off Harvard -- it will be
short and casual -- just
how Fred would have liked it -- if you can attend that would be
wonderful
and if not just lift a toast to him the next time you think of
him.
He will be missed but I know there are a bunch of people out there that
will hold him in their hearts. My email is rolley_97470
yahoo.com
please keep in touch. Robin Holley
Can't believe that after 35 yrs of waiting for a reunion with my buddies, friends and comrades, that some asshole who views camels as sex objects screwed it all up!!
Truly sorry that I was not able to see you all, but am willing to try for this another time. It 's been nice to hear from some of you via email or phone and to know that you're doing well. Please keep in touch if possible . . . 508-238-7302
I hope that none of you had family or friends who were lost in Tuesday's attacks. We thought of you all and wondered if any were stranded en route. When it became apparent that no planes were going to get out of Boston this week, Rita and I took our boy (Charlie 11yrs.) out of school and headed to Maine for a few days . . . funny how quickly priorities can change.
With powder dry and Flag flying . . .
Pete
Npt.NUWC.Navy.Mil-----Original Message-----
> LT Herbert B Harris-Warren's home town was Groton, CT; he retired
with the rank of CDR in 1960, answered the call to final patrol 1 Oct
1972, and was interred at Arlington. He served as CO of SS320, the
Bergall after leaving the Sabalo.
> -Roger
> Naval Undersea Warfare Center
> Code 2131, Bldg. 1170, Rm. 113
> 1176 Howell St
> Newport, RI 02841-1708
> Phone: (401)832-5092
> FAX: (401)832-6401
> email: richardsrtnpt.nuwc.navy.mil
> http://www.nuwc.navy.mil/
Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2001
From: Bob Dergan
I was a Scream'in-Seaman on the Deck Gang with Keenis Fugate
& his Fender guitar; later RM3 thru Westpac tour. Great
memories in
Honolulu with Hydock & Labrache using our new invention - the "AQUA
LUNG" - around Hawaii before it became a State. Diesel Boats
Forever.
hotmail.com
Oh yeah I remember I served on the Sabalo during the summer of 1959 as a midshipman (mostly useless as far as submariners go) but did go on to serve as an officer aboard the Tiru (SS 416) in the early 60's.
As a historical note, I recall a major awards/medal ceremony aboard
the Sabalo that summer where the captain (Masek) was presented some
sort of
medal and perhaps the crew or some crew members were also decorated at
that
time. I later learned from the officer who had been Sabalo's X.O.
at that time that the award(s) were for something important the boat
had
done during a previous special ops. I think it was in the
Kamchatka
area.
[Anyone have any details to add to this? - Jeff Owens]
I also have an 8x10 glossy photo of the excellent Sabalo meets sail (Chilean navy training sailing ship) which is signed by Captain Masek.
I enjoyed reading your information about the ship -- do you know of any links to the USS TIRU (SS 416)?
Hey Jeff, Just wanted to say what a good job you are doing with the
web page, saw a new entry in the roster, an old shipmate of mine, Pete
Oullette, contacted him and have been exchanging old sea stories. I
purchased a scanner today, and as soon as I get the hang of it, I will
be forwarding some pictures to you 63 to 65, don't remember the names
on them but after you put them on site, sure someone will be able to
name them.
pdq.net
Thanks for all the info on the Stickleback. I was on the second
commissioning crew at Mare Island and served on her for about 18 mo's
prior to being discharged. She was a very good boat with a good crew.
As you probably know, the initial crew came from the Cabezon SS 334
which was being decommissioned. I think the only crewmember that I knew
from the Cabezon at the time of the collision was a fellow by the name
of Dan Mungerson. I did talk with a fellow who
was in the forward engine room at the time of the collision. Most of
the
comments I've read and heard relative to what caused the accident are
pretty
much what I had heard. Apparently they had just made a run on the
Silverstein
and were going deep with a pretty good down angle when one of the main
breakers
blew and they lost power. This put them in an emergency surface
situation
and unfortunately they broached right in the path of the Silverstein
which
was in the attack mode at flank speed. The collision was indeed on the
port
side and in the hydraulic manifold area.
Jim J.
Jeff, In answer to your question about the time I was on the 302 the
answer is Jan 60 until Dec 62 I think. I transferred to the Medregal
but I can
remember when. Know I got out in Nov.63. I recognize all the people in
the
"Queen of the Sabalo" picture that Earl sent. I'm in that picture end
of
the table (Four to the right of Alley) with my head cocked (Must have
been
tired). As I said I recognize all of them, but dam if the names come
back
to me. The more I check in with your web page the better my memory
gets.
I now remember who Earl is.
Keep up the great work - at my age these memories now become very
important.
The wespac in 1970 we hit every port we could get to..They
called it a map cruse. We went into the combat zone 3 times..just for a
few days so we could get 1 months advance pay tax free. Our overseas
home port was Subic..we caused alot of trouble in Okinawa so we were
asked to go to Subic. The leading cook was Tony Parra. I was the
only other cook. We went to Japan of course..Yokusuka, Sasabo, Subic,
Langley Point I think was one of the ports, Kaohshuing, Keelung in
Taiwan, Bangkok, and one other port
before that but I don't remember the name. Zamboanga PI, Seoul &
Yang
Po Ri RK, Hong Kong and of course Guam and Hawaii. Oh yes, we got into
trouble
in Hong Kong, a few British nurses came on board to take blood, and
they
gave us several bottles of rum, and we kinda, well we made them exit
from
the after battery hatch. They were wearing short skirts and the head
nurse
caught us and complained to the British authorities. On our trips to
the
combat zone we would take recon marines near the border of North Viet
Nam
and drop them off, and sometimes we would pick them up. I
remember we were chased by a North Korean gun boat, we got away. Other
than that
not much happened...
Rev. James H. Robertson
I have been looking for info about the Sabalo for quite some time now. My father served on it from 1955 till 1959. You should have seen the look on his face when I stumbled on to your site. I think he made me look through every article and photo you have on there. He saw some crew men he served with in your mail bag.
My father was very excited to see you are organizing a reunion. I think he is going to try and attend. Nothing for sure yet because he is having orthoscopic surgey on his knee in 2 weeks, have to see how things go first. He now resides in northern Indiana, around the Ft. Wayne area, and it is not that far of a drive for him to go.
I greatly appreciate the site you have developed here
My father's name is Keenis Fugate, served 1955 till 1959, TM3; says he has a lot of pictures stashed somewhere of the members and of the Sabalo, and some of the rescue of the Stickleback. Finding them might be a large task, I will crack the whip on him to get them found, unless he cracks me first, L.O.L.
aol.com
Operated with Sabalo 1959-63 while on USS Gudgeon SS 567,
Pearl. Looking for old boat sailors from our time.
Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks and good luck!
Daniel K. Washeck
Jeff - Thanks for passing this info on to me and thank you for your
interest in getting this thing off the ground. I would very much
like to attend a Sabalo reunion. So, you can put my name down as
a yes. Of
course this is tentative as who knows what might transpire between now
and
Sept. Please keep me updated. I spent a lot of time in the
bilges
of the 302 tracing out
systems. She was my first boat and I still have fond
memories. Will look forward to hearing more from you on the
reunion.
Woody
My wife and I certainly will try to make it. However, the reunion dates conflict somewhat with my forty-fifth high school reunion and the Croaker's which is being held in Buffalo (not sure of the date). As you said, Peoria isn't exactly a hot spot of interest (also Duluth). We both still labor for pay (work) so I'm not sure if we can take the same time off for over a week or two. I'll let you know ASAP. Sabalo is special to me, I made Chief on it in 67.
Just spoke to Harold Losby- (COB) in Florida. Remember "Honeybee"? Buzzing around gathering data on everyone? Could remember my kids' names after thirty years. HB is interested in a Sabalo reunion in Peoria, and plans to attend the SSVII. He doesn't use the internet, so I volunteered to keep him posted, and I'll keep an eye on your site. Sadly, he brought a tear to my eyes: Max Moon, Morgan and Stetler are all gone. Our lives were in good hands when they were on watch, and we'll never meet better men: embodiments of the word "Shipmate". On a happier note, I intend to copy your latest crew list and send it to him snail-mail, and if anyone can fill in missing info, it will be him.
HB also asked me if I'd kept any of the pictures I took on one of
the Wes-Pac
trips (66-70 ?? - remember the cruise book?). In the
interest
of privacy, I promised to destroy all snapshots when the book was
complete,
and suffering from uncontrollable honesty, I did. These records
of
both the innocent and the guilty are all gone. I remember
flashing a thousand pictures with no film just to keep the b-girls from
feeling
left out. God, what a mosaic I have in my brain. Am wrestling
with
the reunion myself. Sort of like spending a thousand dollars for
a
week-end in the Starlight - without girls. Long way from
Calif,
and don't know if bride of 37 years could get enthused over diesel
greybeards
arguing trim-and-drain. The mention of a casino in Peoria (where
the
$%&@@! is Peoria?) may interest her. I also still smoke the
pipe,
which is much worse than having VD these days. I'll keep you
posted.
Thanx again for the site.
Best, Ron Gorence
Just went back through the mailbag & it reminded me of an old
shipmate & a few sea stories. One of the people I worked for
in the forward engineroom was EN1(SS) Perry Alley. Alley was a
great engineman & mentor to the troops that worked for him.
He had some interesting
tattoos - Engineman gear on the top of his head - eyeball on the back
of
his head that looked at you if he tilted his whitehat forward - two
pigs
making more pigs on his back. There were many other characters on
board. I will try to jog my memory & pass some stories along
to
you & our shipmates. Red Padgett shipped over while we were
in
Yokosuka. He borrowed my AWOL bag & went on leave in
town.
As I remember he converted all of his shipping over pay to Yen, put it
in
my AWOL bag & carried it from bar to bar on Honcho Street making
donations.
I think that it took him a week to run out of cash. I visited
with
Red &! ; his wife in New London over Christmas holiday leave from
First
Class Diving School in 1965. Jeff, you know it's hell to get old
-
I can't remember anything anymore. When I was on Sabalo I could
remember everything about the boat & all the associated
equipment. Well, enough rambling for one night. I wish I
had kept a diary of all the sea stories I heard in the Navy - I could
have written a book about all the interesting folks I met. Tell
Turkeyneck that I haven't forgotten him. I have a few good
sea stories about working for him in
the A-Gang.
Take care & keep up the good work, --- Pete Ruden
Dave Follo, TMCM(SS) USN RET.
I was on board Sabalo from [Feb63-Nov66]. At Hunter's Point I went on board as seaman apprentice, and got off TM2 SS/DV 2nd. Did 3 wespacs to Viet Nam. Last wespac was cut short I believe was due to us getting the "E" . We were sent to San Diego where we fired two live torpedo's at an old tin can. Both fish hit the target. Only live fish's I know of that where fired while I was in the service. [Not likely - Jeff] Have some pictures of the firing.
To Doc Davis: I was the torpdomen that got hit twice from a torpedo that got loose while disarming it coming off station in Viet Nam.
The first wespac to Viet Nam, we got the expeditionary service
medal, later
turned it down for Viet Nam Service Medal.
[See the medals page about the criteria for these two medals. http://home.epix.net/~owensj/ribbons.htm]
We spent most of are time off the coast of North Viet Nam and lower China. We even got depth charged by China. [They] found out six moths later we was up some river or harbor of theirs.
Lots of stories. I was on the Sabalo when it came out dry dock at Hunter's Point. Our test dive went hay wire. Popped scews out of after escape hatch and flooded after torpedo room. Myself and 1st class torpeodmen by the name of Domiquez locked ourselves in and then filled the compartment with high pressure air to stop flooding.
I am a sheriff's deputy working in corrections for Chelan Co. - 15
yrs service. Love to touch bases with any of the old
gang. Barker was the CO. He made full commander while
I was on board.
Murray J. Craig, 2609 Austin Ct.,
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the opportunity to regain some very fond memories...
Again, my name is Earl Meggison and I went aboard the Sabalo around
November 1959 and left in August 1962. I caught the boat as it left for
Yokosuka, Japan on a "Northern Run"... Today, I am a retired, General
Manager from
AT&T Co. and living near Orlando, Fl. - 142 Titan Drive, Davenport,
Fl.
33837 and a member of the National Sub Vets and Local "Tang Base"
(Pinellas Park, Fl.)Submarine Veterans.My son, Earl Jr. also served on
the boats -
12-years on the Lapon out of Norfolk,Va.
I have a picture of twenty-five guys from the Sabalo, during a
ship's party
in Hawaii. It must be around 1960, becaus Dutch Schultz is in it. I
will
make copies and send it to you so we can place names on the many
forgotten faces. I really miss those guys.I turned eighteen years old
aboard the
boat and the guys made sure I celebrated at the Kanko Hotel, when we
had
our
ship's party in Yokosuka, after the Northern Run (57-days). I'll
start working on the names for you too... Like "Stan Kulsa". FT3SS, was
on the boat from 1960 - 1962. He married a Navy Wave when we got back
to
Pearl. I remember the Chief ET aboard, his last name was "Kirk".
"Bruce
Rabidou's" home address was 33 Concord, New Hampshire. Our cook's
nickname was "Bucketts" (I'll work on his given name)and I remember
seeing "Red" Padgett, TMSN in Key West around 1975, aboard the Sea Cat.
I believe he made Chief Torpedoman. Thanks again for use of your
great web-site and I will continue to work on the sailing list for you.
Earl
Hi Jeff!
Found your site while looking up my "Boats" name...Would you please add
my name to the Sabalo's roster:
Earl Meggison, ETN3SS, Qualified on the Sabalo in June 1960, while on a
West Pac Cruise. I served with "Dutch Schultz" and another ET,named
"Elisinger", Our Chief of the Boat was "George Fedon" and our
Exec. was Lt.Cmdr. Roubish
and the Captain's name was "Artie Burkie". I believe I have some
pictures of the crew during our "Ship's party" in Japan and will try
and make you a set.
Earl
> Ken,
> Dutch Schultz sent a menu from Thanksgiving '58. I have
posted the list of crew members that was on the souvenir menu.
>
> There was a Woodhead, D.A. ICFN would this be the same man as
Woody Woodhead, who you identified as STSN?
>
> Jeff
>
J.O.,
I remember that T-giving dinner
WELL! We were sitting just off shore from Siberia and had a
dinner like most of us (especially us youngsters) had never seen the
likes of.
As for Woodhead: He might have been an IC type. I seem
to recall
Sonarman but than that was forty years ago. My ... memory may
have
lost some clarity.
Ken
Served on the Sabalo from 11-59 until 10-61 tranfered to the
Medregal SS380
10-61 until 10-63. Best Friend Was Bill Coon QM2 (SS) Have no idea
where
he is now.
Dear Jeff..
I've spent most of the day looking over your sight, very interesting,
brought back many memories. I went aboard about the first of
August 1958, Fresh from Sub School, 17 Years old. We got underway
for westpac within only a couple of days, I was RMSN at the
time, The strangest group I'd ever met. We were out about 85
days, then pulled in to
Yokosuka, Quite a change from Denver,Co.. I was ahead in
Quals by two months, so
the COB let me go over with everyone else. Probably the first
person
I remembered was Walter Mahn TM1, I started my Qualification in the fwd
torpedo room under his direction.....I remember stepping thru the
hatch,
with a pad and pencil and looking for the foreward most part of the 225
lb.air system........There hanging by one arm from the bridal sweet,
and
scrathing under the other like a chimp, while looking in the mirror
over
the fold down sink,was Walter...only one of the many guys I will always
be proud to say I served with.
You were talking about the SS2, it was onboard when I arrived. I had
maneuvering watch on the radar for the second year I was onboard,
I seem to remember putting spare tubes in a compartment with a door on
the front of the unit about belt high. It never seemed to be very
accurate, they would
call down, 'what's the bearing to?'.......and there wasn"t anything
there. Always was glad we had lookouts. The lead PO was
Jesse Wiles, RM1(SS), a second class named Rudolph. About
all I can remember about Rudolph was he had a #10 by the TBL because he
got sick the minute they called down '#1"s aboard'. I spent
almost nine years on the boats, and never worked for a better man than
Jesse.
The most unforgetable character that ever walked the decks was Dergan. He was onboard when I arrived, and from what I understood he just decided to be a radioman, and that's about all you could say. He didn't go to school - just picked it up on his own. Undoubtedly the most talented person I've ever met. Could quote the PiedPiper of Hamlet word for word; used to break into it when the projector would break down. I recall one day he came back to the boat with a saxaphone. I asked him why.."always wanted to learn." Three days later he was playing Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White, like Perez Prado. Captain Burki tried to get him to go to OCS............; he just wanted to..... "Ride in the back"..
Ron Shea RM2(SS) 58-61
Just got through looking at the Sabalo website. You have done
a
great job. Sure brings back a lot of fond memories. When
you
update the roster, I have moved to Napa, CA. I would like to hear
from
any of the old crew from 60-61 timeframe. I picked up Sabalo in
Yokosuka just as she was starting her WesPac Cruise. The picture
you have
of Sabalo with a square-rigger is real. ... Obviously Diamondhead
in the background before the Japanese built all the skyscrapers.
Picture
was shot from a Navy helo sometime in 60-61. I will try to fill
in
as many gray areas as possible regarding the time I was onboard.
Keep up the great work.
If any of the old crew get out to N. CA please look me up.
Take care shipmate,
Date: Sun, 4
Mar 2001
From: Hschisleraol.com
This is from Suzy Schisler--wife of Harry C. Schisler.
I tried to send word to Palmer but it was returned. My sweet husband
died January 11, 2001.
The world has lost an outstanding man. People stood in line for 2
hours at the funeral home. The nature center he volunteered at
for 15 years was ordered by the county executive to fly the flag at
half staff. He had a Navy honor guard at the veterans' cemetery.
We reported to Cramp Shipyard in Camden, New Jersey. It was the end
of 1944. I'm 74 now and my memory is vague.
We put her in commission and proceeded to Panama on our way to Pearl
Harbor. The Sabalo leaked like a sieve when we dove after going through
the locks. We were ordered back to Groton Connecticut to Electric Boat.
We were there when the war ended.
I was a stewardsman on board (TN). The steward in charge was Charles
Blanco who has since passed away.
I left the Sabalo and since have served on USS Toro(SS422); Flyingfish
(SS229); Appolo AS25; Odax (SS484); Medregal (SS480); Croaker (SSK246);
Alexander Hamilton (SSBN617); Blenny (SS320).
The Steward rate was changed as well as the old commisary rate.
All food handlers were assigned the rating Mess Specialist. Thus I
became Chief Mess Specialist (MSCSS)
I will try to find the commisioning program with the crew's names on
it.
Bob Jordan
Hi Jeff,
Me again. Had a couple of brain farts when I e-mailed you before. Was
on the boat from Jan 67 'til Nov 68.
Sarmiento wasn't my lead man. If I'm not mistaken, he was an IC
electrician and made chief before I left the boat. The 1st guy I worked
for was Ramsey (El Gato) the only Navy boxer I remember serving with.
Apolonario (sp?) Reyes was aux lead man
when I got out. Jonn Baker & I filled out the rest of the crew.
Wayne Hachey is living in New Salem, Ma. now. Talked with him last fall. That guy did some traveling I'll tell ya. Did a lot of long motorcycle trips over the years.
As I said before, I'll get off my dead ass & try to get some
stuff together for you. Every day I can think of more
things that I've managed to hold onto over the years. I've even got my
original "ditty bag" from boot camp.
Thanks again for all your efforts. Will do my best to help you dig up
old info.
Take her down.
"Sandy" [Chris Sanborn]
Jeff: Finally had a chance to review the material you had put
on the website. Really don't have much to add as Jim Palmer supplied
you with the information concerning the WesPac trip and our involvement
in the Korean War. Some things that do come to mind is that the motors
had to be worked on in Yokusaka after the return and the EM Joe Russo
was a real "slave
driver" for those Japanese yard worker. He had them head down and ass
up
all the time. Another memory is that on our way back to Pearl we dodged
a typhoon and pulled into Okinawa for a few days and one helluva of a
beer
bust softball game. If memory serves me correctly, the COB, Shaky Jake
Lewis,
came up on deck as we were docking in Pearl in an Oriental costume and
the
sounds of Japanese music was blaring. You might want to get some
confirmation
on those facts from Palmer or someone. As for the Dolphin Club, I
thought
it was on Beretania Street, I do know it wasn't on Hotel Street.
Keep
up the good work and if I can help let me know. Sure hope we can get a
reunion
together at the next convention.
Bob
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001
From: Jeffrey Owens
To: bbartsch@flash.net
Robert Bartsch wrote:
> Really don't have much to add as Jim Palmer supplied you with the
information concerning the WesPac trip and our involvement in the
Korean War.
Jim's article <http://home.epix.net/~owensj/koreanreturn.htm> verified what I had found on a couple websites which was only a vague reference to Sabalo's Korean record. What I would like to see recorded for posterity, and curious readers, is the actual nature of Sabalo activities during that patrol. If it was merely cruising up and down the Sea of Japan, then that is just as important to record as that she might have been involved with pilot rescue, or some other more exciting evolution.
What did happen during her patrol?
> As for the Dolphin Club, I thought it was on Beretania Street, I do know it wasn't on Hotel Street.
Right, it was Hotel Street that was affectionately known as 'Shit Street'. Not being Pearl based when I was on board, it was not a familiar hangout. Thanks for jogging the memory. Jeff
Robert Bartsch wrote:
>
> Jeff: Correction to a "brain fart". The EM who worked
the yard workers was Joe Russen. Went down the current list of
names you have on the
> roster and it brought back many that I never would have thought
of without the names appearing first. Bob
Bob,
This is precisely why it is important for all crew members to respond
with any memory, so that it can be posted on the web site to jog the
memory of others to help expand the list and include as many men as
possible.
Thanks for your contribution, and keep the memories coming. Jeff
Hey "O",
How's the thumb?
Can't believe there is actually a site for the old pig boat! What a
nice surprise to see you & the BIG "O", Loz, Warhead Willie, Frog,
Bake,
Doc, Derbigny, Arndt, Hachey, Pete, Froggie.... the list seems endless.
I was in the "aux" gang with John Baker & Sarmiento. Caught the
boat just before you on 7 Jan 67; Hunters Point in 'Frisco.
Shake down up to Port Angeles, Washington. Had the Indians coming off
the reservation at that place! Remember Augie going headfirst into that
cold
assed water. Had a couple too many & either fell off the brow or
just
went over the side.
Man, I've got more stories. My typing is slower than the 2nd coming,
so I'm gonna pull the plug & get outta here. Somewhere in my
old Navy junk, there's a little note book with some dates & ports
of call that might fill in some holes. Didn't keep it for the 2 years I
was on board, but it should help some. Also have some pictures. I'm
gonna get a scanner soon so I'll burn off some copies to you. Got
one of "Sea Pig" Ed
Senter on shark watch with an M-1. He's a few stories fo sure!
Thanks
for all your efforts. Brought back some of the best & proudest
moments
in my life.
Take her down.
Chris "Sandy" Sanborn EN3 SS/DV living in South
China, Maine
truckersexpress.com
I was on the boat for a short time in 1962 I was an RM3 (SS) and was awaiting one of the g boats to get in. I was only on board about 30 days.
I was onboard the Sabalo from 6-1-51 till 9-10-53 when I was transfered to the Nautilus.
The Exec was a Lt. H.B. Harris-Warren and the Engineer or Gunnery Officer was a fellow by the name of Mafeno or something like that. P.G. Watkins may remember his full name.
There are a lot of tales about the Sabalo. Like when we
had to put on whites for the evening meal or put on white hats to see
the movie topside at night. And another about throwing potatoes
at windows
or at small boats.
I was on board the Sabalo 69-70. I was James H. Robertson
CS2(SS)./Robbie the cook. I remember a guy by the name of Cone.
Andrade was relieved of command in 1970. On the last west pac I
remember an officer by the name of Costeracus (not sure how it was
spelled). I remember Tony Parra, I worked for him. I remember Horseman,
we called him shit stain, don't remember his first name. I remember
Payne only because he like his eggs scrambled very soft, almost
raw. I don't remember much more on names, I remember a EN1, who
later went on to be Master Chief, but I don't remember his name. Sorry
I just
don't remember anymore names. I left the Sabalo on 10 December 1970 and
was discharged on 15 December 1970. If you can get anymore emails of
guys that were on board the Sabalo please email me at
robbie@3lefties.com.
I do not recognize any names you have listed from back in 1953, was hoping to see BJ Flannigan or Cal Sheppard. Will stay in touch......
I'm Bob "Dutch" Schultz, En2 (SS). I served on the Sabalo from July, '55 until January '59. I'm a retired high school teacher and currently working for Horizon Air. Married with two grown daughters and have lived in Pendleton, OR for the past 30 years. Prior to that I lived and worked in Portland, Oregon as an agent for a Marine Insurance Brokerage firm.
Needless to say I have many fond memories of my life on the Sabalo and the shipmates I had the good fortune to share in that part of my life. I was an auxillaryman most of my time aboard.
Until the book Blindman's Bluff came out, these chapters have been stowed away as a distant memory. Now all kinds of things are starting to happen. Thanks to folks like you we have a chance to perhaps renew friendships and experiences no one else could possibly believe.
Thanks again,
Dutch Schultz
Jeff: What a pleasant surprise to pull up my e-mail and find
your note about the Sabalo. Congratulations on all your time and effort
and keep up the good work. Please add the following information on my
line. My rate was QMSN(SS) and I went aboard in about January '52 and
transferred to the Gudegon in March '54. My hometown was Ft. Worth,
Texas and my
address now is 433 Hillview, Hurst, TX 76054. The reunion sounds
good as the one Jim Palmer tried to get together last year in Atlantic
City apparently was not well attended. Went down the roster and
recognized
a few names, but 46 years ago today I was in Treasure Island getting
processed out, one cruise was enough for me. I am in contact with one
of good friends, Todd Bunn, and am alerting him to the website and your
e-mail address. Don't know how many got to see the series of 4
programs on the Silent Service, but one of them had Capt. Lawrence
Savadkin on it as he was one of the few surviving members of the Tang.
He put the Sabalo back in commission and
brought her around to Pearl Harbor and he was my first skipper.
Again my compliments on your work.Bob Bartsch
Hi Shipmate, don't know how you got my address, but glad you did. I enjoyed my brief stay in Sabalo (11-61 to 10-62). We made one Westpac Cruise and visited Bankok which was a good liberty port. I am in contact with a couple of ex-Sabalo guys Harry Kitterman and Dave Follo and there are probably more.
I am a life member of USSVI, Bowfin Base. We meet monthly and retell our sea stories.
Haven't heard about the reunion in Peoria, IL. Would like to go to the convention there but don't think I can make it.
Aloha, Frank
Upon completing Submarine School in 1951 I was sent to the precommissioning detail of the USS SABALO SS302. in New London, CT. LCDR. Larry Savadkin was the CO of the USS SABALO SS302.
Note: Larry Savadkin free ascended from the USS TANG from 90 Feet, as he escaped from the conning tower. He was assigned TDC operator on its last run, when the USS TANG fired its last torpedo, that came around and hit the USS TANG in the maneuvering room and sunk the USS TANG.
Upon completing sea trials and ready for sea we left New London, CT for Pearl Harbor, HI.The transit through the Panama Cannel and then on to Pearl was quite hot in the forward torpedo room and the forward battery, as we found out that after arriving and in upkeep that the air-condition was running backwards to the forward part of the ship.The expansion valve was put in backwards..
The Chief torpedoman was named Pennington.
I left the USS Sabalo SS302 the first of the year of 1952 to go back to the States and recommissioned the USS BATFISH.
The first trip to West Pac was not too good for the Sabalo as they
lost one engine and then they lost another
engine and remained alongside of the pier awaiting to repair the
engines. ( I did not make the West Pac trip)
The last time I heard of LCDR Larry Savadkin was one night in the Atlantic I communicated with him while on an operation. He then was a Division Commander of some division out of Charleston.
The Communications Officer on commissioning was a Lt Maloy. Lt. Maloy left the USS Sabalo SS302 about the same time as I did, the first of the year 1952, to be attached to a submarine which I believe was recommissioned and going back to New London, CT.
I have one picture of the gunners mates as we arrived in Pearl Harbor.
Francis E. Nugent RMCS SS USN Retired
Just a few pieces re my time abd SABALO (5/55-6/57).
9/55-11/55 Alaskan trng cruise and third simulated war patrol (northern
run - off Kamchatka Peninsula
3/56-8/56 overhaul at PH
11/56 departed for WESPAC, enroute completed fourth sim war patrol,
another northern run, arrived Yokuska
23 Dec 56
While in WESPAC, conducted fifth sim war patrol, this time in Tonkin
Gulf; 5/57 returned to PH
I left active duty 6/57 to attend college in NY
Lots of "sea stories" to share. Keep up the good work on the site
and possible
reunion.
Larry Douglas
Thanks for the good work Shipmate.
I'll be writing soon and send a short bio. I would love to
hear from
Jim Kent (Ohio) or Rick Etlinger (Texas). Both served on Sabalo during
the
short time
I was on board (Sept 63 - Apr 64).
Wilbur C. Harris (Harry) MMCM(SS) USN Retired
Add Mario Reyes EN1(SS), Oscar Gavearis EN1(SS), and Reed EN3(SS) 62-63. Spelling on Oscar is questionable. Mario was LPO Fwd ER and Oscar was LPO Aft ER.
Jim Adams
I have little info, but a lot of enthusiasm. Your letter gave me the address of a couple of old shipmates.
I went on Sabalo as a SA right out of subschool, in May of 1955, at the tender age of 17. I spent over 3 years attached to her at Pearl. It was one, if not the one, greatest experience of my life. I remember about 80% of the people I served with, as does ENCM Woods, who went aboard with me as an FA.
I have a million stories about the characters I served with. Most of the earlier ones had been on boats during WWII, and just didn't give a damn, which was even more fun.
Hope to here from you soon, and again, will do what I can .
Keep up the good work.
Larry "DOC" Davis
142 Jennifer Lane
Vacaville, CA. 95687-5219
(707) 446-9417
Alan Volbrecht FTG3 (SS)
JEFF, I was on the Sabalo from June 60- Mar-63. I was an IC2.
I
have only had contact with the following crew members: EN1 Harry
Kitterman, IC2 Don Eppinette, and EM2 Lester Rice. I see Pete Rueden on
your mailing list. I will have to contact him. Thanks for contacting me
and feel free to ask me for info during my tour dates. Smooth seas and
Happy Holidays.
Jerry Nelsen ICCS (SS) RET.
Hi Jeff Was surprised to see your message as about 2 years ago I
tried to get a list started but heard from almost no one. I was
onboard as a LT and navigator in 60and 61. Arrived aboard Jan1 and left
for Wespac onJan 2 leaving a wife and 5 kids in
Honolulu waiting for Govt housing. I went from there as XO of
Tiru and CO of Carbonero.
Two names I recall are Artie Burki as CO and Herb Robisch as XO.
I Have been working with a couple of other guys and we have found
over 350 members of Carbonero and are looking for
more. Also we have a reunion every 2 years.
If you are a member of USSVI if you check their roster you may find
other members of Sabalo crews. I have signed the book
at each convention of USSVI on the Sabalo pages but no one has
contacted me.
If I can be of any help give me a call or e-mail
John E (Jack) Jarvies CDR USN (Ret)
14 Mark DR
Port Jervis NY 12771
845-856-8602
gte.netOne of the fond memories of Sabalo that I didn't put in my site was
the tremendous HEAT inside the pressure hull! I'd hotbunk laying
ontop of a flash cover, and just a few hours later, I'd be floating in
sweat. Yuk. I rode Sabalo Aug 97 - Oct 97.
I live in Agoura, California. I paled around with Shorty Dumar, Mike Houck, Chris Sanborn, Ouelette and Seapig (Senter) and the yeoman whose name I can't remember now.