USS Archerfish Decklog Archive - 2006


Wishing all a very happy New year for 2007. God Bless you all.
Hazzie "Willie" Williams
Havelock, NC - Dec 27, 2006 at 14:13:21 (PST)


A truely outstanding website. I am a friend of Gil Lund in Laporte, IN VFW Post 1130.
David C McAlpine AMCS (ret)
New Carlisle, IN - Dec 19, 2006 at 13:13:28 (PST)


Hi to all my fellow mates of McCombs' Roving Animal Act led by XO Sam Adams. Was great fun with Archis and the other animals. To bad they had to decommision her and we had to find out what the real Navy was about. No more tearing up the writeups by the guards at Pearl. Those were the days. Am now mushing dogs for tourists in Colorado. Thanks for the site. Best wishes for Christmas to all the crew. Sam
Samuel (Sam, Horrible Harry) K. Harris
Gunnison, Colorado - Dec 12, 2006 at 09:51:23 (PST)


Served on USS Archerfish (SSN-678) from 92-95. What a great tradition to have been on the name sake of such a great ship!
Riley Greenwood
Sanford, Maine - Dec 07, 2006 at 10:01:48 (PST)


Already booked for 2007 reunion in Laughlin, NV. Did I read somewhere in the Blast that Slick Willie Smith TN(SS) had passed away? I have a couple of episodes about him that I'd like to share sometimes in the Blast.
James S. Petralba, Sr. QM1(SS) USN Ret.
Springfield, Oregon - Dec 02, 2006 at 22:00:28 (PST)

(Webmaster Note: Jim - I can't get a message through to you. Please e-mail me. - Corny)


My father served on this ship. What a wonderful page to discover...
Anton George Zillich Jr.
Cincinnati, Ohio - Nov 25, 2006 at 00:55:05 (PST)


I just finished reading "Gallant Lady" about 30 minutes ago. What a great book! Ken and Don did one heck of a job in weaving the Navy history and the Sea Stories together. Next stop for me is to put "Sea Assault" on my Christmas list. I never looked through a periscope, but spent a lot of years chasing subs and seeing green flares while on DD's and DE's. That's where the S/T* comes from: Skimmer/Target. Fair winds and following seas and thanks for a very pleasurable read.
John Fry, OSCM (S/T*), USN Ret.
Mesa, AZ - Nov 23, 2006 at 17:18:05 (PST)


I'm looking for John Riley (Ned). We served together on the USS Scamp (SSN-588). We have lost contact with him are are worried about him. We also have a reunion coming up in San Diego, May, '07 and want to make sure that he is notified. Thanks, Lew Ross
Lew Ross
Salt Lake City, UT - Nov 09, 2006 at 16:48:23 (PST)


I am looking for information regarding my uncle Fred Tarbox. He served aboard the Archer fish. He was my fathers closest brother. He still gets tears in his eyes when he speaks about Uncle Fred. I was hoping someone might have a picture or a story to share. Thank You, Tara
Tara Tarbox Brumfield
Annapolis, MD - Oct 30, 2006 at 13:01:48 (PST)


Looking for RM3(SS) Richard Schlenker. He left the Sea Leopard (SS-483) about 59 or 60 to join the around-the-world cruise on the Archerfish. Does anyone know his whereabouts? I have located the rest of the Radiomen except him.
Frank
Eleanor, WV - Oct 29, 2006 at 08:45:39 (PST)

(Webmaster Note: Frank, check your e-mail.)


I visited the Archerfish when she visited Sydney in 1965 when I was in the Australian Army water transport unit called 32 Small Ships Sqn (LSM's). I sold a lot of Australian slouch hats (the ones with one side folded up) to the guys and often wondered what happened to her. I still have the Key West cloth patch I was given before I left the ship (A little drunk) but had a great time. Thanks
Kerry COX
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - Oct 25, 2006 at 22:42:22 (PDST)


Hi there to all of the Playboys of the Pacific. This is ghost from past, my name is Noeline Farmer and I was one the very lucky ladies who made friends & drinking buddies with Sandy, Ski, Harvey, Curly, Carol, Roger (r.i.p.) & all of the great and legendary hunks on the Archy in Newcastle & Sydney on the 1964 tour of the Down under tour. We had great times & bad times (hungover wise) but never sad times until we parted . I kept in touch with Sandy (Ken) Sanderlin for a couple of years and I still have his letters and have often thought about him but could not find his whereabouts when in 1989 I went to Canada & I was unable to arrange a reunion with him until I googled the A-fish last night. Got his email address but it seems to be invalid. Would love to hear from him, so if it's possible for you to contact him and give him my e-address I would be eternally grateful, it's noelie@kooe.com.au . I would raise my glass to you all. Thank you so much for the wonderful memories of a wonderful & very inebriated time in my life. Please help me if you can. Noeline D. Farmer
Noeline Farmer
Muswellbrook, N.S.W. Australia - Oct 23, 2006 at 03:48:12 (PDST)


I remember vividly, the Archerfish coming back to New London with a blue nose, also a little altercation at the EM club. A shipmate, EM2 Suddy transferred off our boat, Toro (422 Boat) to catch your Pacific Run... What an adventure.... A proud boat to have served on.... Greenboard !
boll wellner
Amelia, Virginia, USA - Oct 17, 2006 at 11:57:21 (PDST)


I just finished "Gallant Lady". Thoroughly enjoyed the book, sure brought back a lot of memories. I served on the USS Tench (SS417) out of New London from 1962-64. I heard a lot of stories about the Archerfish from some of the older guys but the stories were so far fetched I thought it was just scuttlebutt until I read the book.

I was very proud to have served on diesel boats given their history of service in WWII. There were some combat veterans still serving on the Tench while I was aboard and I am proud to have known them.

I visited the USS Silversides in Muskegon, Mi last year and the thing I enjoyed the most was the SMELL. The tour guides were a bit surprised that I knew so much about the boat, I guess you just don't forget the things that mattered so much.

PRIDE RUNS DEEP, and it shows up in your website, keep up the good work.
William G. Champe, QM3(SS)
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan - Oct 15, 2006 at 15:30:33 (PDST)


It will be 15 yrs, 10/14/06, that my father YN1(SS) Melvin M Grosz Sr. passed. I still have some ARCHERFISH & GROWLER things in his sea chest. I would like to say thank you for a very informative website.
Melvin M. Grosz Jr.
Apple Valley, MN - Oct 12, 2006 at 12:14:01 (PDST)


REAR ADMIRAL JOHN B JOHNSON ON ETERNAL PATROL SEPTEMBER 14,2006. ADM JOHNSON WAS RESCUED BY ARCHERFISH DURING WW11 (PS: I PAID ARCHERFISH A VISIT IN BERGEN NORWAY WHEN I WAS ASST NAVAL ATTACHE.)
CDR E.A.G. BEAUMONT, USN (RET)
Ashburn, VA - Sept 20, 2006 at 14:02:32 (PDST)


My father Lyle A. Bubb served on the Archerfish in the early 50's when it was brought from San Francisco to Key West, Fla. My son did a school report on my fathers service during this time. It's web sights like this that helped my son find pictures for his report. Also it helps preserve a piece of my fathers history and a slice of U.S. naval history as well. P.S. my father is alive and well living here in Sheboygan, Wi.
Steven M. Bubb
Sheboygan, Wisconsin - Sept 17, 2006 at 15:06:57 (PDST)


The following is from Don Gentry's Bottomgun BBS, posted by Ken Henry on Sept 08, 2006:
Subject : Gordon W. Engquist, CAPT, USN, Ret.
Message: I just found out that one of our Archerfish Skippers has started his Eternal Patrol. This one is a personal loss to a lot of us, as he was very involved in Archerfish. He attended every reunion, provided many pictures and lots of great stories for our Newsletter and archives, helped me with "Gallant Lady"... the list is endless.

Captain Engquist was in the Class of '52, USNA. Prior to attending submarine school he spent a year on the USS Rendova (CVE-114).His first boat was Cobbler (SS-344) as SLJO, Weps, & Eng (54-57). Then Sirago (SS-485) as Ops & Nav (57-58), Sub Schgool Staff (58-60). XO on Runner (SS-476) 61-62. Office of CNO-Polaris Logistic Plans 62-64. CO Archerfish (AGSS-311) 64-65. CO Sea Cat (SS-399) '65. Post Graduate School 66-67, followed by tours with ComSubPac Staff, Office of CNO, Office of JCS, EastPac, ComNavComSys COS. He retired from the Navy in 1978.

ENGQUIST, GORDON WENDELL (Age 75)
Of Vienna, VA. On August 29, 2006 at Fairfax Nursing Center. Loving husband of Aud Engquist; devoted father of Kristine (Steven) Erickson and Annemarie Engquist; brother of Muriel Cashin and Richard Engquist. He is also survived by one grandson Jonathan Erickson. Funeral services will be held at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1545 Chain Bridge, McLean, VA on September 8, 2006 at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on November 17, 2006 at 1 p.m. Please be at Administration Building at 12:30 p.m. In leiu of flowers the family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the National Cancer Society. Arrangements made by MONEY AND KING FUNERAL HOME, 171 W. Maple Ave, Vienna, VA.

Published in The Washington Post on 9/3/2006.
Posted by Webmaster - Sept 08, 2006 at 15:49:00 (PDST)


Was sorry to read in this morning's Washington Post of the passing of one of your skippers, Gordon Enquist.
Captain Bernard D. Dunn, SC, USN, RET
Alexandria, Virginia - Sept 08, 2006 at 04:33:27 (PDST)


Your Archer-Fish web page is great! It will take me days to go through it. Seeing the picture of your crew at Camp Dealey brought back a lot of old memories. I was aboard the Sperry in the relief crew division when we built Camp Dealey at Guam and then Camp Myran at Majuro. That was after my making three war patrols aboard Finback. I invite you to visit my web page at: http://www.navydutyww2.homestead.com/obite.html
Bob White

(e-mail message) Sept 5, 2006 posted 15:37:00 (PDST)


Hooyah Archerfish...One day while I was working in the "Dungeon" of Qrts. K on Ford Island in HI. I came across a decom piece. I have had it since. I have incoorperated the piece into my "Box". Hooyah Archerfish!!
SC (SEL) (SS, DV) DeGraaf, Jason
Alexandria, VA - Aug 25, 2006 at 09:37:44 (PDST)


I found that I am listed as deceased on the alumni pages-----contrarily, I am still alive and kicking---retired from the Navy on 1 December 1972 as LT.
Donald L. Grazier
Bellevue, Nebraska - Aug 21, 2006 at 18:24:20 (PDST)

(Webmaster Note: We apologize for the mistake and are VERY happy to find you "still alive and kicking"! Will contact you via e-mail.)


Thank you for the wonderful 'GOAT" story. I have served on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN 600) (Gold Crew) and the USS Guitarro (SSN 665) and not heard better!!
Matt Krausmann
Summerville, SC - Aug 14, 2006 at 09:26:05 (PDST)


My uncle, John Goordman, served on the Archerfish. I never met my uncle, after he retired he lived in Florida. I never had the chance to travel to Florida until after his death.
Kurt Gregorio
Pemberton, NJ - Aug 7, 2006 at 17:12:50 (PDST)


Glad to see that more shipmates are being found from Key West years when we were almost lost when the depth gauge incident happened and we went to over 500 feet.
Cornelius (Nick) Brown (57-58)
Berkeley, California - July 13, 2006 at 19:10:46 (PDST)


I READ THE BOOK GALLANT LADY, EXCELLENT BOOK.
Larry Richardson
Martinez, Georgia - July 06, 2006 at 15:55:42 (PSDT)


This is my first visit. I served on SS243 USS Bream in 1945.
Edward Sandford TM3 SS
Esparto, CA - June 21, 2006 at 12:18:25 (PSDT)


hi was on board when we had the dry deck it was used to carry the sub for the seals write me about the reuion TMC\SS ret happens to all of us Al
allen hein
canal fulton, OH - June 13, 2006 at 21:32:55 (PSDT)

(Webmaster Note: Thanks for the post Al. You are probably talking about the Nuc Archerfish. We were the Diesel Archerfish. Always nice to hear from an Archerfish Shipmate, whether Diesel or Nuc!)


Hi Shipmates: I'm looking forward to reading the book on the Archerfish. Don't know if it told about the 2 times (one time it was all hands, the other it was those of us in the conning tower) we almost were sent to Davy Jones' locker 1957-59.
Gary English, SO2(SS)
Nashville, TN - June 8, 2006 at 13:26:00 (PDST)


My father Charles Robert Orman served on the Archerfish for some time. I want him to know that I am so thankful and proud of him for that, as well as everything else he has done. I love him dearly.
Joette Orman
Redlands, CA - June 5, 2006 at 14:20:12 (PDST)


Webmaster Note: The Archerfish Decklog was offline 28MAR06 to 03JUN06. New format a/o this date.
June 3, 2006 at 23:45:00 (PDST)


I have known of the Archerfish and its WWII history. I just recently learned that Capt. Joe Enright was born in my hometown of Minot, ND. I would like to learn more about Capt. Enright, specifically his childhood years in North Dakota. If you have any information or resources I would be very interested. Thank You
Michael B. Kramer
Forest Lake, MN USA - Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 20:42:42 (CST)


My uncle was Verner Bruce, Jr., EMC(SS).
Beth Whit
Maryville, TN USA - Sunday, March 26, 2006 at 09:58:59 (CST)


Hello, My Father had brief command of the Sennet and was on her twice: 49-51 and 58-59. Would there be any pictures of the Sennet during this time? Thanks M.L.
michael legare
CT USA - Sunday, March 19, 2006 at 20:58:05 (CST)


Outstanding site. My uncle Bo Bryant served on the USS Burrfish (SS312) for all her war patrols, electrician's mate. My father was a tin can sailor in the Pacific, USS Waldron, DD-699.
MAJ Bill Bryant
USA - Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at 15:00:16 (CST)


US Navy 1965-1969 Attack Squadron 72 USS Franklin D Roosevelt Viet Nam Cruise 1966-1967. Just completed book about Archerfish and what a fantastic story. You guys should be very proud of this fine lady and your accomplishments.
Philip J Leyden
Chicago, Il USA - Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at 14:04:11 (CST)


Served aboard A Fish March 1959 to Jan. 1960 in Key West, FL. Glad to hear from shipmates of that period.
Wayne Billings
Maryville, TN USA - Sunday, February 19, 2006 at 14:35:34 (CST)


Thank you fellows! My first sub visit was on the USS Cod, SS 224, in Cleveland. No stairs cut into HER, gentlemen!! It was down the hatch for this big old gal, and I did it!!!

I did some research and found Frank Toon, USS Blenny, SS 324. He is a great guy and has a terific website, too, you may already know of it... USS Blenny SS324 - Frank Toon's Memory Page

I know lots of you fellows know each other. I've been on several boats since 1999, USS Torsk, Baltimore, USS Requin, Pittsburgh, USS Becuna, Philly, USS Cobia, Manitowoc, and the battleship, USS New Jersey, in Camden. I must say that you fellows have all done a great job of keeping these craft alive and healthy, and God bless you for it. Never forget!!!
Anny Harran
Chantilly, VA USA - Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 14:01:03 (CST)


Ran across this site on Google. My dad served aboard in WWII.
Frank J Schwartz Jr.
Munds Park, Az. USA - Thursday, February 09, 2006 at 16:25:47 (CST)


Just finished the book Gallant Lady, really enjoyed it, and all the stories that was included.
Ken Cheek
Haysville, Ks USA - Sunday, February 05, 2006 at 16:22:47 (CST)


I was a member of Division 340 as well as graduated bootcamp as one of my divisions honor graduates. I am pleased to see a page for our division listed on this website. Thank you to all who served on the USS ARCHERFISH and those whom made sponsoring my bootcamp division possible. V/r, MM2 Holcomb
Danny Holcomb
El Cajon, CA USA - Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 16:02:47 (CST)

(Webmaster Note: For the story of Division 340, the Archerfish Company, click here.)


Very good and informative website. We were interested in visiting the site to follow Eugene Carnahan's (WW II) time aboard the Archerfish. Letha Molik, who is Eugene's Aunt, is still alive (85 years old)and continues to tell stories about Eugene and the "Fighting Carnahans". There were six brothers in the Carnahan family of which all served during WWII. God bless America!
T. P. Molik and Letha Molik
Houston, Tx USA - Sunday, January 29, 2006 at 20:20:38 (CST)


i was only on her for one year but she was the best of them all
william strand
pinellas park, fl USA - Sunday, January 29, 2006 at 12:27:47 (CST)


this site is fantastic.
anton karl summer
adelaide, s a australia - Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 22:41:11 (CST)


Nick name DAVE. Dates 10/8/58 to 1/4/60. Sqd 12 Key West ten (10) years. "Pig" just found me. Didn't know I was lost, or that anyone was looking. Now I'm looking. Shipmates, brothers, contact me. (813) 659-0877.
Davidson, Johnie E Jr.
Dover, FL USA - Sunday, January 22, 2006 at 15:13:30 (CST)


My dad was Paul Brown who seved on the Archerfish during WWII. He was on board during the sinking of the Shinano. He passed away 4 years ago just before Thanksgiving. He didn't like to talk about his time in the service, but later in his life I was able to get him to talk a little about portions of his life on the Archerfish. I found it fascinating. He held all of his shipmates in the highest regard. Thank you for the web site and I hope to visit it many times in the future.
Paul Timothy Brown
Dayton, OH USA - Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 19:38:30 (CST)


Electronics Technician 2nd Class. My uncle (*) was a crew member of the 311. He would like a command hat, if anyone can help I'd love to hear from you. Thank you all for your dedicated service.
Michael Sesher (alternate e-mail address)
Redding, CA USA - Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 14:54:31 (CST)

(* Webmaster Note: Ross A. Haynes RM3(SS), aboard June 65 - Dec 66 )


I enjoyed looking at the Archerfish website. Hope to hear from some of my old shipmates.
Donald R. Hayward
Pensacola, FL USA - Sunday, January 15, 2006 at 16:12:35 (CST)


My uncle Vernon served on the USS ARCHERFISH. He passed away just a few years ago and was a proud veteran. Thanks for the site. Captain Ron Vesey, United States Air Force
Captain Ron Vesey
schertz, tx USA - Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at 13:02:13 (CST)


Thank you for the site, and the chance to know 'Archerfish' just a little better.
Lorin Hart
Charlotte, NC USA - Friday, January 06, 2006 at 11:14:15 (CST)


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