I Double Dog Dare Ya

[Andy Hoyt]

Come on you guys - I can see that you're clinking on this forum page and I can see your IP addresses, which means I know who you are.

So please register and start bullshitting already.

I seem to recall that airdales and snipes were especially good at bullshitting, but my memory aint so good these days. Of course, those twidgetty types were probably the best.

I double dog dare ya.

[DocOpsahl]

Well someone found me - I thought I had hidden from my Navy days better than that - the power of the internet and Google searches.

I retired in '94 (how did that happen?) and I must say that I have not looked back. One of my partners was in the Army (we trained together - and that's how I ended up in WA) and we share a laugh now and then over something that only military docs can appreciate. My busineess web site is: http://www.nwreprosci.com

As I look back on it all, the year on the Nassau was remarkable in a number of ways. For me, it was an opportunity to see how hard another segment of the military worked and the general dedication they had. I also had a few situations that required me to make some decisions that required confidence and conviction (the young sailor with appendicitis while we were too far to medicvac him to a hospital - for example).

I have seen a few shipmates over the years and I have been able to keep up with Doc Latham the most. It is a small world because one of my IT contractors came to my house to install a firewall/vpn connection to work. He sees my Nassau plaque on the wall and announces that he joined the ship as a corpsman in July 1980 the same month that I left (Bob Smith, a tall large pro-football sized guy).

So, I hope this time finds everyone happy and healthy despite the obvious issues in the world.

[MurphinPT]

I've been submitting photos for a week or two now but when I attempted to reply to this post earlier, I realized that I hadn't even registered yet! So with that out of the way, a big howdy to Mike Opsahl and the other guys who have done so much to bring back memories of what seems so long ago (and was!).

My tour on the Nassau was challenging in so many ways that it still boggles my mind; it was far and away the toughest (and longest) of my four active duty tours. I went from Nassau to shore duty near Washington DC, and then left active duty for about a year and a half and worked for a couple of defense contractors. That bored me to tears... and I returned to active duty in 1983 and had the best tour of my career with the SeaBees, after which I served as the Supply Officer aboard an ammo ship on the West Coast.

The rest of my Navy career was in the Reserves, and although that was nowhere near as interesting, I was proud to do it and then retire in 1999. In the meantime, I discovered that I liked to write and that I was good at it, and I had a number of positions as a technical writer and trainer, finally forming my own company in 1998. I was really proud to be able to retire from the Navy, contrary to all odds.

Most of what happened during those years is way too private and filled with loss to put on a web site like this one; suffice it to say that I am now a disabled veteran living in the Great Northwest, on Washington's Olympic Peninsula and loving it here! It's a great place to find healing of body, mind, and soul.

I spend most of my time wrestling with my demons... and showering with them afterwards.

I had hoped to finish and publish a memoir when I moved here in 2004, but I've spent the better part of my time outdoors. Hiking is my #1 favorite activity, followed closely by riding (I have two Harleys, a Road King and a Softail DeLuxe), and I row racing shells with a bunch of men and women here in Port Townsend where I live.

I truly love it here -- the people, the forest, mountains, and ocean -- and hope to finish my days here. And hope to see you all at the Big Event next summer.

[Mike Howell]

I can't remember laughing so much these last few months as shipmates call /email to relive the past and plan for the future this next July.  Thanks to all for putting this together,  Tom Winkler (redeemed) has spurred me on to dig out those pictures and send them in... and I will... and the stories.  God, we have some wild stories don't we?

Remember the thoughts that raced through your mind when the 1MC announced that we were being boarded by "unknowns" as our ship's self defense force was on the beach with the Marines?  Off the coast of Spain was it?  I'll never forget Burno sitting on that dog hatch in the forward missle launcher (we were playing cards) yelling at the "unknowns" that their "commie ass" wasn't coming through him.  We could hear them in the passageway on the way to the bridge, and they did try to come in, but they couldn't buge that dog hatch.  Later of course we found that the unknowns were really US Navy SEALS...

Thanks again, stand by for incoming...

ET2(SW) Howell aka Mike

[jwalker]

hey mike , i remember that night well i was in aimd division when the stand -by self defense crew came throough our berthing deptment lounge with their 45's drawn ,we were playing spades and everyone was like wtf and jumped up . it was a wild time

[Tom Winkler]

Maybe I am a little to something, I am sure that I am although I don't know exactly what.... but I just read this post and I guess it was pride and humility rolled together that gave me a shiver. To think that I was honored to be a part of something so special. This ship which to me has always been a living thing. Add to that the fact that she's been taken care of so well, and served her crew so well that she's going to be an active warship for so long.
I have memories of Mr. Murphy, red hair and a smile that went from ear to ear. Ensign Gozum "We do not deviate from the recipe." Lt. Gomez who came shortly after commissioning who saved my bacon a time or two and was it Brooks or Lamore who used to roll those coins around in his palm all the time. I remember Cmdr Jackson who never liked me (with good reason) and Cmdr Cox for whom I would have fought and army.
Mostly I remember people and events because of the people. Phil Kelly hauling the mattress from Radar Repair on 07 to the fan room (OMG!) on order of the Chief so the XO wouldn't find it only to run into the XO in the passageway. "Where are you going with that mattress?" "Chief said to stash it in the fan room sir."
I remember long days playing Risk, EW2 Strickland who never locked his locker, FT2 Brown who thought we had a couple guys kissing on the pier and drinking far too much but managing to make it back to the ship in one piece.
One mid I think it was Lt. Alban on the bridge and the bridge wing watches reported all clear. It was raining and cold and I know they couldn't see anything. "Mr. Alban, I can't believe you're making those guys stand out there." Just then I hear the Captain's chair creak and I hear the XO "Who is that?" "ET1 Winkler sir." "Petty Officer Winkler would you like to relieve that bridge wing watch?" "Yes sir." I stepped out there and took the lads coat and hat. "You're relieved, I am rack CE77, come get your gear in the morning." And believe it or not, I remember that fondly.
I have stories about the guys I worked with but they would fill the book that lives in my head.
Mostly all of these memories are seasoned by time and compared to my last 2 months which were spent aboard the LHA2, well, no comparison.
I am looking forward to the trip to VA Beach.

[Larry G.]

Hey Tom. Not sure what "Re: Double Dog Dare Ya" refers to.  And what the heck is Post 3199069 on Nabble? I'm rackin my brain trying to get you in the right place in my head. The name rings a bell and the picture looks like someone I may have know but I'm still foggy, man. Sorry. I was older than most on the Nassau, having been in for 10 out for 10 and then back in to finish up the last 10. Fortunately the last 10 was the best having served at some great commands. Except for Ens Saddler, Nassau was one of them.

 

I see you ride. I do also but I'm slowing down a little. Mine is a Honda Valkyrie Interstate. I'm pushing 69 (years) and I may have to minimize my riding and stick to flying sailplanes. Less chance of running over someone.

 

Did you know me or anyone in the gun gang?

 

Larry Graves

----- Original Message -----

From: [hidden email]

To: [hidden email]

Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 9:13 PM

Subject: Re: I Double Dog Dare Ya

Maybe I am a little to something, I am sure that I am although I don't know exactly what.... but I just read this post and I guess it was pride and humility rolled together that gave me a shiver. To think that I was honored to be a part of something so special. This ship which to me has always been a living thing. Add to that the fact that she's been taken care of so well, and served her crew so well that she's going to be an active warship for so long.
I have memories of Mr. Murphy, red hair and a smile that went from ear to ear. Ensign Gozum "We do not deviate from the recipe." Lt. Gomez who came shortly after commissioning who saved my bacon a time or two and was it Brooks or Lamore who used to roll those coins around in his palm all the time. I remember Cmdr Jackson who never liked me (with good reason) and Cmdr Cox for whom I would have fought and army.
Mostly I remember people and events because of the people. Phil Kelly hauling the mattress from Radar Repair on 07 to the fan room (OMG!) on order of the Chief so the XO wouldn't find it only to run into the XO in the passageway. "Where are you going with that mattress?" "Chief said to stash it in the fan room sir."
I remember long days playing Risk, EW2 Strickland who never locked his locker, FT2 Brown who thought we had a couple guys kissing on the pier and drinking far too much but managing to make it back to the ship in one piece.
One mid I think it was Lt. Alban on the bridge and the bridge wing watches reported all clear. It was raining and cold and I know they couldn't see anything. "Mr. Alban, I can't believe you're making those guys stand out there." Just then I hear the Captain's chair creak and I hear the XO "Who is that?" "ET1 Winkler sir." "Petty Officer Winkler would you like to relieve that bridge wing watch?" "Yes sir." I stepped out there and took the lads coat and hat. "You're relieved, I am rack CE77, come get your gear in the morning." And believe it or not, I remember that fondly.
I have stories about the guys I worked with but they would fill the book that lives in my head.
Mostly all of these memories are seasoned by time and compared to my last 2 months which were spent aboard the LHA2, well, no comparison.
I am looking forward to the trip to VA Beach.

[Larry G.]

OK .. Now I got it figured out. The Nabble threw me and didn't realize it was generated by the Nassau web site. Duh! Make that double duh! Gee! I hope Ens Saddler doesn't take offense.

[Tom Winkler]

Some javascript/style in this post has been disabled (why?)

LG, (Larry Graves -or- Life's Good? Your choice....)

I knew you. Yours was one of the faces I knew. I spent most of my time with other ETs, DSs and FTs. There was a kind of shunning of us twidgets by some. That was part of the plan though, pride and comradely were/are important.

You gave me two shell casings from the saluting battery. I have had one sitting on every work desk for the last 27 years. I don't know that we every hoisted a cold one but I know we sat across the table from each other with a sectioned tray and matching cup between us. I was a little older than some of those guys. We didn't have an E6 for the longest time and since I was the senior E5 I was 'invited' to the E6 mess for some of their meetings. I grew to appreciate a few of you SOBs to the point that when I made E6 I never stepped in that space again. Most of you weren't a problem for me but I am smart ass and the combination of my attitude and the demeanor of a few E6s who thought they were E7s really doesn't mix well. No body got killed.....

I just sold my Road King. I had a few near misses and while I miss it like I will miss my dog I am thinking long and hard before making another purchase. I had 80K on it and it ran like a champ and was real loud. The latter a requirement for my personality. After 30 plus years of riding it sucks but I am not killing me or anyone else. I am only 56 so I have time to change my mind.

GMs I remember are you, Hough, Braxton, Graves and Rabbit.

 

Tom Winkler

 

Redeemed.

----- Original Message -----

From: [hidden email]

To: [hidden email]

Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 10:25 PM

Subject: Re: I Double Dog Dare Ya

Hey Tom. Not sure what "Re: Double Dog Dare Ya" refers to.  And what the heck is Post 3199069 on Nabble? I'm rackin my brain trying to get you in the right place in my head. The name rings a bell and the picture looks like someone I may have know but I'm still foggy, man. Sorry. I was older than most on the Nassau, having been in for 10 out for 10 and then back in to finish up the last 10. Fortunately the last 10 was the best having served at some great commands. Except for Ens Saddler, Nassau was one of them.

 

I see you ride. I do also but I'm slowing down a little. Mine is a Honda Valkyrie Interstate. I'm pushing 69 (years) and I may have to minimize my riding and stick to flying sailplanes. Less chance of running over someone.

 

Did you know me or anyone in the gun gang?

 

Larry Graves

----- Original Message -----

From: ml-user+243060-1490175850@...

To: tychicus41@...

Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 9:13 PM

Subject: Re: I Double Dog Dare Ya

Maybe I am a little to something, I am sure that I am although I don't know exactly what.... but I just read this post and I guess it was pride and humility rolled together that gave me a shiver. To think that I was honored to be a part of something so special. This ship which to me has always been a living thing. Add to that the fact that she's been taken care of so well, and served her crew so well that she's going to be an active warship for so long.
I have memories of Mr. Murphy, red hair and a smile that went from ear to ear. Ensign Gozum "We do not deviate from the recipe." Lt. Gomez who came shortly after commissioning who saved my bacon a time or two and was it Brooks or Lamore who used to roll those coins around in his palm all the time. I remember Cmdr Jackson who never liked me (with good reason) and Cmdr Cox for whom I would have fought and army.
Mostly I remember people and events because of the people. Phil Kelly hauling the mattress from Radar Repair on 07 to the fan room (OMG!) on order of the Chief so the XO wouldn't find it only to run into the XO in the passageway. "Where are you going with that mattress?" "Chief said to stash it in the fan room sir."
I remember long days playing Risk, EW2 Strickland who never locked his locker, FT2 Brown who thought we had a couple guys kissing on the pier and drinking far too much but managing to make it back to the ship in one piece.
One mid I think it was Lt. Alban on the bridge and the bridge wing watches reported all clear. It was raining and cold and I know they couldn't see anything. "Mr. Alban, I can't believe you're making those guys stand out there." Just then I hear the Captain's chair creak and I hear the XO "Who is that?" "ET1 Winkler sir." "Petty Officer Winkler would you like to relieve that bridge wing watch?" "Yes sir." I stepped out there and took the lads coat and hat. "You're relieved, I am rack CE77, come get your gear in the morning." And believe it or not, I remember that fondly.
I have stories about the guys I worked with but they would fill the book that lives in my head.
Mostly all of these memories are seasoned by time and compared to my last 2 months which were spent aboard the LHA2, well, no comparison.
I am looking forward to the trip to VA Beach.

[Tom Winkler]

I wouldn't think twice about that comment. If eveyone liked us and made our lives easy we would all be living in Mr. Roger's Neighborhood with Cmdr Jackson and three quarters of the crew of the Saipan. The new redeemed and recovered me can say "I love you Mr. Jackson wherever you are!"
I hope I have deleted that photo of me, if it could have stayed small it would have been OK. I like that "This is who's talking" part of that. I am neither smart or luck enough most times.

[Larry G.]

Back to ya. Tom. Life IS good, in fact when I'm asked 'how things are',  my response is always, "If I was any better, I'd have to be twins!" Use it if you want.

I think most of my Nassau pics are posted on the Nassau site but just in case (and if you feel so inclined) here's a link to my website: http://navygunner.1afm.com/ .

 

That will take to the very beginning. If you want to cut right to Nassau's page try this one: http://navygunner.1afm.com/dynamic/nassau.html.

 

Thanks for the response and if anyone wants to contact me personally try: [hidden email]

----- Original Message -----

From: [hidden email]

To: [hidden email]

Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 8:12 AM

Subject: Re: I Double Dog Dare Ya

LG, (Larry Graves -or- Life's Good? Your choice....)

I knew you. Yours was one of the faces I knew. I spent most of my time with other ETs, DSs and FTs. There was a kind of shunning of us twidgets by some. That was part of the plan though, pride and comradely were/are important.

You gave me two shell casings from the saluting battery. I have had one sitting on every work desk for the last 27 years. I don't know that we every hoisted a cold one but I know we sat across the table from each other with a sectioned tray and matching cup between us. I was a little older than some of those guys. We didn't have an E6 for the longest time and since I was the senior E5 I was 'invited' to the E6 mess for some of their meetings. I grew to appreciate a few of you SOBs to the point that when I made E6 I never stepped in that space again. Most of you weren't a problem for me but I am smart ass and the combination of my attitude and the demeanor of a few E6s who thought they were E7s really doesn't mix well. No body got killed.....

I just sold my Road King. I had a few near misses and while I miss it like I will miss my dog I am thinking long and hard before making another purchase. I had 80K on it and it ran like a champ and was real loud. The latter a requirement for my personality. After 30 plus years of riding it sucks but I am not killing me or anyone else. I am only 56 so I have time to change my mind.

GMs I remember are you, Hough, Braxton, Graves and Rabbit.

 

Tom Winkler

 

Redeemed.

----- Original Message -----

From: ml-user+56559-1397651841@...

To: nascarjunky@...

Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 10:25 PM

Subject: Re: I Double Dog Dare Ya

Hey Tom. Not sure what "Re: Double Dog Dare Ya" refers to.  And what the heck is Post 3199069 on Nabble? I'm rackin my brain trying to get you in the right place in my head. The name rings a bell and the picture looks like someone I may have know but I'm still foggy, man. Sorry. I was older than most on the Nassau, having been in for 10 out for 10 and then back in to finish up the last 10. Fortunately the last 10 was the best having served at some great commands. Except for Ens Saddler, Nassau was one of them.

 

I see you ride. I do also but I'm slowing down a little. Mine is a Honda Valkyrie Interstate. I'm pushing 69 (years) and I may have to minimize my riding and stick to flying sailplanes. Less chance of running over someone.

 

Did you know me or anyone in the gun gang?

 

Larry Graves

----- Original Message -----

From: ml-user+243060-1490175850@...

To: tychicus41@...

Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 9:13 PM

Subject: Re: I Double Dog Dare Ya

Maybe I am a little to something, I am sure that I am although I don't know exactly what.... but I just read this post and I guess it was pride and humility rolled together that gave me a shiver. To think that I was honored to be a part of something so special. This ship which to me has always been a living thing. Add to that the fact that she's been taken care of so well, and served her crew so well that she's going to be an active warship for so long.
I have memories of Mr. Murphy, red hair and a smile that went from ear to ear. Ensign Gozum "We do not deviate from the recipe." Lt. Gomez who came shortly after commissioning who saved my bacon a time or two and was it Brooks or Lamore who used to roll those coins around in his palm all the time. I remember Cmdr Jackson who never liked me (with good reason) and Cmdr Cox for whom I would have fought and army.
Mostly I remember people and events because of the people. Phil Kelly hauling the mattress from Radar Repair on 07 to the fan room (OMG!) on order of the Chief so the XO wouldn't find it only to run into the XO in the passageway. "Where are you going with that mattress?" "Chief said to stash it in the fan room sir."
I remember long days playing Risk, EW2 Strickland who never locked his locker, FT2 Brown who thought we had a couple guys kissing on the pier and drinking far too much but managing to make it back to the ship in one piece.
One mid I think it was Lt. Alban on the bridge and the bridge wing watches reported all clear. It was raining and cold and I know they couldn't see anything. "Mr. Alban, I can't believe you're making those guys stand out there." Just then I hear the Captain's chair creak and I hear the XO "Who is that?" "ET1 Winkler sir." "Petty Officer Winkler would you like to relieve that bridge wing watch?" "Yes sir." I stepped out there and took the lads coat and hat. "You're relieved, I am rack CE77, come get your gear in the morning." And believe it or not, I remember that fondly.
I have stories about the guys I worked with but they would fill the book that lives in my head.
Mostly all of these memories are seasoned by time and compared to my last 2 months which were spent aboard the LHA2, well, no comparison.
I am looking forward to the trip to VA Beach.

[Mike Howell]

God, I'm so confused...

[Tom Winkler]

me too.

Mike Howell wrote:

God, I'm so confused...

[Andy Hoyt]

I was actually doing just peachy and, for the most part, not too confused whatsoever.

But then all these huge Winkler Heads started showing up and it's been downhill ever since.

[Tom Winkler]

Some javascript/style in this post has been disabled (why?)

Ya, scared the crap out of me! Don't know what I did but it was seriously wrong,

Tom Winkler

 

Redeemed.

----- Original Message -----

From: [hidden email]

To: [hidden email]

Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 8:34 PM

Subject: Re: I Double Dog Dare Ya

I was actually doing just peachy and, for the most part, not too confused whatsoever.

But then all these huge Winkler Heads started showing up and it's been downhill ever since.

[MurphinPT]

Hey Tom, I have a Road King myself and like you I'm 56... so I hope there's plenty of time for us!

I have a Softail DeLuxe as well - love 'em both. Heck, middle age only comes around once in life <g>...!

Unfortunately, I won't be riding east for the reunion, but flying, as I have - you guessed it - a motorcycle trip planned for a few days after returning to Washington State. Just back from a trip to Calgary. This is definitely the place to ride.

And Tom, thanks for your e-mail... not sure if you got my reply earlier but I really appreciated your message.

-Murph

[ftg2 kinney]

Nice to see a few familiar faces on here. I would have loved to make the reunion and was actually planning on it, but business and distance got in the way. My friends kind of sensed my disappointment and tonight surprised me with a scale model of Nassau bolted to a plank. That little episode sent me here. Glad to see you guys are doing well.