Welcome to the Guestbook!
Click "New Entry" (below, right) to sign the guest book
Click this "Report In" button to add your name to the Muster List:
Report In
(Note: You'll be directed to a page with "lp.constantcontactpages.com" at the top.
Just click the "verify you're human" box, then you'll be forwarded to the sign-in page.)
[ New entry ]
Ronald H. Kangas [ email ]
May 18, 2020, 13:00
Rate/Rank : YN
Address: 401 E. Warren St. Lebanon OH 45036 (513) 934-9975
I was attached to THOMASTON from Feb 1973 to Mar 1975.
Chuck Larsen
May 14, 2020, 10:30
Rate/Rank : MMFN
The Firestation in Morgan City La. was named after Ken Billiot who served on the USS Thomaston LSD-28 MM3 aft engine room 1970-1974.Firefighter many years. Ken Died of cancer 2005.Good friend to many.
john kanipe
April 24, 2020, 11:43
Rate/Rank : HT 2
the longitude for the 81 crossing is 74 degrees 20'E
David Burrow [ email ]
April 08, 2020, 17:45
Rate/Rank : MMFN
Address: Po box 244 black canyon az 85324 928-910-6284
+fwd eng rm 73"-75
Gary Foreman [ email ]
April 06, 2020, 14:01
Rate/Rank : SM 3
Hey shipmates, I was on board for Team Spirit '81. After 39 years I'm trying to fill in my Shellback certificate.
It's got the ship's gold seal and Wally Wallis' signature but everything else was left blank. I need the longitude. Can anybody help me out?
RM1 Richard Christensen
March 13, 2020, 10:08
Rate/Rank : RM1
6789202801
New phone number.
Rolando Perez [ email ]
January 16, 2020, 15:24
Rate/Rank : GMG2
Can't believe it's been 41 years. Hope to see all at next reunion.
Scott Stanley [ email ]
October 26, 2019, 22:35
Rate/Rank : MR-2
Served on board the Thomaston (LSD-28) in the machine shop from 1969-1971. Made one WestPac/Vietnam tour.
Lots of great memories with my shipmates! Where did all the years go since then? Lol
Rich Christensen [ email ]
October 26, 2019, 09:50
Rate/Rank : RM1
Address: 3410 Elm Creek Dr. NW 4708081707
I know a lot of y’all don’t have great memories of me. I was Bipolar 1 and one very annoying guy. But you put up with me for 2 Westpacs and for that I’m grateful. I was aboard from 76-81. Went to NAVCAMSMED for three years and then got out. I finally got treatment and I really enjoy life. I have multiple myeloma cancer and had a stem cell transplant last October. Thanks Dr. Joe Paredes for your encouragement. I’m told I look like Uncle Fester when I don’t have hair. My info is all here. Feel free to call or drop me a line. I’m on Facebook. I lost my little brother in 94. This year I lost my brother-in-law. Died in my sisters arms. Dad died at 86 in April. We lost my nieces mother and father-in-law within a week of each other. Been a rough start to the year. Monday I have a meeting with my oncologist to find out if my cancer’s still gone. I try to stay humble and kind.
Lee major [ email ]
October 17, 2019, 18:10
Rate/Rank : sn
Ship service 69-70.Kromer,Jones,Henry, Gore, Little were shipmates.
alvin w.dixon [ email ]
August 14, 2019, 12:26
Rate/Rank : EM2
Address: 906 w. 11th st. freeport tx 9792330560
stationed aboard from 1957 - 1961. been looking for jimmy e. harrelson. he was in e-division.
Chuck Jividen [ email ]
August 07, 2019, 18:17
Rate/Rank : GMG2
3253402553
Our reunion is coming up fast, so please get your rooms booked now to insure you get them at the reunion price. See you in Rapid City!!!
Steve Soma [ email ]
June 22, 2019, 10:34
Rate/Rank : E4
Address: Longview Wa 3602189021
One of my life long friend and your shipmate( 74-78) Anthony Raya passed away last fri. We went in the Navy together in 1975 from a little town called Tracy Calif. He went to the Thomaston and I went to the Alamo LSD33. When Tony got out of the Navy he went to work as a Merchant Marine. He never married but had a girlfriend in every port. Fair seas my friend I will
Miss you
Chuck Jividen
June 16, 2019, 17:22
Rate/Rank : GMG2
Just a reminder that the 2019 USS Thomaston LSD-28 Reunion is coming up in September. Wendy and I would really like to see everyone in Rapid City this year. Please make your reservations right away. See you soon!!
donald pickering [ email ]
June 09, 2019, 20:46
Rate/Rank : BT2
Address: 34280 FOREST OAKS DR.. YUCAIPA, CA 909 648 4231
I was aboard in 1959 to 1963 Worked in aft fireroom.Iam going to try an make the reunion next year
Jay Bruner [ email ]
May 08, 2019, 15:59
Rate/Rank : DK3
Address: 13608 Longtree Drive LR,AR 72223 228 806-3496
Just found this site would be great to reconnect with some old sailors.
Gary Boyte
April 03, 2019, 20:35
Rate/Rank : SN
Address: Shipping out of San Francisco
I was there for WESTPAC '84 and right up to the deconissioning. Great memories of First Division, where I first learned my seamanship skills. Working in the Chevron oil tanker fleet these days, but always a Tomcat!
Skip Sharpe [ email ]
September 26, 2018, 14:04
Rate/Rank : FTG2
Great Reunion. A little soggy, but that's Seattle for you.
Bravo Zulu to Randy and Johnny. Looking forward to the next one.
Scott Larson [ email ]
September 14, 2018, 16:58
Rate/Rank : BT3
Address: PO Box 4086, 40029 Highway 41, Suite 9B 5597601550
Just found this site..I've been wondering if something like this existed. I came on board at Todd's shipyard in '78 and left via medical hold February '81. I ended up being the Oil King after the "fiasco"... The 79-80 cruise book has me and Sheirbeck backwards. I do shirt printing at events and I am doing a veterans event next week. I thought I would make a USS Thomaston shirt which is how I found this site. I saw a few names posted that I remembered. Memories...
John Parent [ email ]
September 11, 2018, 09:30
Rate/Rank : EN2
A-Gang. March 1975 - September 1979 Operation Eagle pull and Frequent wind. Todd shipyard. A-Gang. A band of brothers... One hell of a crew.
Bill Crum [ email ]
August 21, 2018, 15:47
Rate/Rank : SM2
I served on the Tommy T from 1981-84 and was on the decommissioning crew. Understand recently my signalman rating no longer in our current NAVY. I am one of the last of skivvie waving liberty hounds.
Johnnie Farmer [ email ]
July 09, 2018, 10:14
Rate/Rank : SGM
Address: 142 Ray Farmer Road 252-209-1328
Looking for information about Alvah "Nick" Nichols who served on the Thomaston from 1954-58 when he got out of the Navy. He was from Aulander, NC but married Carol from San Diego and stayed in Lakeside, California until his recent death. Cannot find military records and need proof of service to get his military grave marker. Anyone who can verify his service or have orders showing his name your assistance would be greatly appreciated. He was my idol as a child and wanted to be just like him. He was the Captain's launch pilot and it sank once while being deployed into the water. He told me that story many times. Thank you for any information. I know he attended at least one reunion because I have a picture of him with his ship hat and coat.
David L Sharp [ email ]
May 19, 2018, 22:26
Rate/Rank : HT3
Address: 2306 Shadowdale Dr Houston TX 77043 3462280547
Requesting information from anyone on the USS Thomaston from 1972 - 75. If you knew David Sharp during that time, please email or call.
Dennis Bowen [ email ]
April 28, 2018, 09:27
Rate/Rank : IC3
Served aboard long enough for the post shipyard sea trials in San Diego and the '69-'70 Westpac cruise. Off the ship in June, '70. See you in Seattle! DB
Ernie Bergman [ email ]
April 08, 2018, 12:13
Rate/Rank : QM 2
Address: 37 Edward Avenue - San Rafael CA 94903
It's been awhile. Just checking in.
I served August 1969 to June 1970. I'm thinking about going to the reunion in Seattle. Are any of my era shipmates going?
Chuck Larsen [ email ]
March 21, 2018, 17:45
Rate/Rank : MMFN
Address: 3053 Wedge Ct. Green Bay,Wi.54313 9204993521
Our shipmate and friend Machinest Mate Ken Billiot died Nov.17,2005.He past 32 days after cancer was discovered. Ken worked in aft engineroom from 1970-1974.He was a firefighter in Morgan City La.He is survived by his wife Chile and I think 3 daughters.Ken always had a good attitude and sense of humor.
Chuck Larsen [ email ]
March 12, 2018, 19:48
Rate/Rank : MMFN
Address: 3053 Wedge Ct. Green Bay,Wi.54313 9204993521
James Foley,I was on the same cruises and discharged in July 1972 flew home from P.I. also.
James Foley [ email ]
February 25, 2018, 18:54
Rate/Rank : RD3
Aboard 1971-72
I was aboard the Tomcat for the WESTPAC cruise when we had the marines and seals aboard in 71 (and the Mindoro Phiblex) and for the 1972 liberty cruise (I was SHORT) when we had a flight deck full of tractors and farm equipment for a state department visit to Colombo, Ceylon. We had Seabee equipment in the well deck for construction of the base at Diego Garcia. We visited Tauranga, New Zealand, Sydney and Freemantle Australia, among other ports. Lots of fun and more liberty than money. On the return trip, I got off at Subic and flew back to process out at Treasure Island. Very SHORT!!!
Les Musselman [ email ]
December 07, 2017, 13:00
Rate/Rank : EN2
To Chuck Stroud,
I was in A gang on the Thomaston from 3/74 thru 10/77.
Sorry I don't remember you but I do remember Keith Due.
He came on board about a yr before I left, I think. Maybe in 1976?
I stumbled onto this site and it's always good to hear about those times on the boat. It was a long time ago.
I suppose you came on board when the ship was in the Todd yard in Seattle. If I recall, we were living on that barge that was set up as housing. What I remember about that time was the free bus to the mariners games that summer (77) and getting into the cheap seats for something like a dollar.
Chuck W Stroud [ email ]
December 03, 2017, 19:37
Rate/Rank : EN3
Address: 4825 Indian Hills Rd SE 256-303-6859
Served on the Thomaston 77-79 as a member of the A-Gang.
Spent a couple of weeks at firefighting school with some cool guys and had some fun. I remember Keith Due and a few others.
David "George" Georges [ email ]
November 28, 2017, 17:00
Rate/Rank : MM3
Address: 513 N. Westmore, Villa Park, Il 60181 630-880-1281
Smitty we were in the war zone in 1973. Da Nang harbor for 12 hrs. loading and unloading Marines. At battle stations the whole time. Very scary. If you need more info or just want to talk, call or e-mail me. I'll help if I can. It was a long time ago so memory isn't that clear.
Darrell T. Smith "Smitty" [ email ]
November 26, 2017, 11:01
Rate/Rank : RM2
Address: 208 Avenue I 3108771249
Looking for help..on the Thomaston 73-75; not being recognized that I was off the shores of Viet Nam by the VA for health benefits, next step is to the Ships History Branch to get the info re ships movements/locations during that time!!
Chuck Larsen [ email ]
October 06, 2017, 21:05
Rate/Rank : mmfn
Address: 3053 Wedge ct. Green Bay,Wi. (920) 499-3521
I was on the Thomaston70-72 Worked in forward engine room..I enjoyed reading the guestbook.Recoginized a few names Chuck Glick,Johnny Witt,Critterdon,Georges,Kinsley,Kline.I would like to make a reunion,
Mark Nelson [ email ]
September 28, 2017, 05:19
Rate/Rank : E2
I was so happy to find this website. My Dad served on the Thomaston in the early to mid 50's . I so enjoyed listening to the stories he told. I have all of the slides he took while on board. I think I'll get them out and look at them again.
George W Shepherd III [ email ]
September 06, 2017, 18:52
Rate/Rank : Lt
Address: 19 Edgemont Ave Summit, NJ 07901-2106 908.347.7434
Feb 72 - Oct 74 ...A-Division followed by Personnel Officer & Navigator.
Great learning experience and crew. Many times I have referenced my time on the "Tommy Maru" with some example of lessons learned or pitfalls avoided.
My "join the Navy see the world" hilights: Tarunga New Zealand, storm between Sydney and Perth, Shri Lanka, Diego Garcia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sasebo ...and more! The pic of Tommy in Sydney harbor hangs in my office.
Retired from Exxon Chemical / Infineum 2013 after nearly 40 years. Currently doing engineering consulting and volunteer EMT since 2005 ...routinely have opportunities to share about the time spent attached to good old LSD-28.
Al Lawley [ email ]
May 29, 2017, 11:28
Rate/Rank : EM3
Address: 26 Beechwood Road
On Board 61 to 63
Gene Shelton [ email ]
April 10, 2017, 22:32
Rate/Rank : BM2
Address: 12628 S 177th LN. Goodyear, Az. 85338 602 757 5002
I reported aboard the Thomaston on December 8, 1971 and was assigned to 2nd Div. I was discharged from the Thomaston July 27, 1975. Lots of US History happened during that period of time. Lots of memories, many good friendships. I am a Farmer/ Rancher here in Arizona and have been the last 40 years. Would be glad to hear from the Thomaston crew. I am planning to go to the 2017 reunion,
Donald Lee Rowe [ email ]
February 08, 2017, 14:24
Rate/Rank : BM3
Address: 8151 Civic Center Dr #136 661-343-9788
I was aboard from January 1967- August 1968. I am looking for shipmates during this time to reconnect with. I do live in Sacramento, CA. Someone close by to meet up with would be great too.
Donald Earley [ email ]
February 04, 2017, 08:33
Rate/Rank : BTFA
Address: 431 S Second St. Chelan, Wa 98816 509-670-1187
I am looking for crew members Steve Survich (Zit), Freddy Hendrix from Chicago, Pat Campbell, Billy Jo Gravley from Texas.
Donald Earley [ email ]
February 04, 2017, 00:54
Rate/Rank : BTFA
Address: 431 S Second St 5096701187
I served on the USS Thomaston from Jan 1973 to Oct 1974 as at Boiler Tech. Would like to hear from any other crew members of our B division from that time.
YN3 Johnny C. Witt [ email ]
January 17, 2017, 20:29
Rate/Rank : YN3
575 686-8333
Ship Mates. Our President, John Rumer's funeral will be Saturday Jan 21st at 10:30. Strickland Funeral Home at 1901 SE 8th Ave., Crystal River, FL 34429.
Please keep Peggy and their children in your prayers.
"Calm seas and smooth sailing my friend"
YN3 Johnny C. Witt VP [ email ]
January 16, 2017, 17:33
Rate/Rank : YN3
817 648-5063
Thomaston shipmates. Our reunion president, John Rumer passed away today in Florida. Please keep Peggey Rumer in your prayers. More later.....
Charlie Schufer [ email ]
January 09, 2017, 11:13
Rate/Rank : BM-SN
Address: 3205 Knob Street Shelbyville, KY 40065 (502) 437-2166
Aboard Feb. 59 to Dec, 62. 2nd Div. Boat Coxswain, Crane and Davit Oper. and a bunch of other shit. Did the Cuban thing.
Henry Wallace Sanchez [ email ]
October 01, 2016, 23:04
Rate/Rank : BM3
Address: Fontana, CA (909) 205-3805
Rate/Rank : BM3
(714) 483-2564
Rate/Rank : BM3
Address: California
Hey crew members from 74-77. It's me wally. please call me on temporary phone 706-496-0994. it's been a long time and would love to hear from you guys. just found this website and would like to see if anybody is around me.
New number (909) 205-3805 from Bell Gardens
John M. Tierney
September 23, 2016, 15:01
Rate/Rank : CO
RADM. John M. Tierney- former CO USS Thomaston
My Dad was a former C.O. of USS Thomaston. He truly loved his tour on Thomaston, felt he learned so much, and considered it one of the highlights of his life. I wanted to let you know he passed away on Sept. 15, 2016 in Virginia Beach, and I know he was looking down at your reunion and there in spirit. He was so proud of his crew and I wanted everyone from his era, 1968-69 or 70 to know about his passing and how proud he was of you.
My family has fond memories of our time on the ship and we salute your service. Burial will be at Arlington at a later date.
Lawrence Martin Hahn [ email ]
September 17, 2016, 13:28
Rate/Rank : EM3
I am Larry's widow. He served on the USS Thomaston LSD-28 from 76-79. He passed away in 1984 from cancer. I am looking for anyone that served with him on the ship that also got cancer, which I believe was directly from the Enewetak clean-up.
Warren Holcomb [ email ]
September 10, 2016, 16:18
Rate/Rank : gmgc
Address: 1933 gate nine rd.greenwood,ar
Randy Thanks For Phone Call.
Gary Bunkelman [ email ]
September 07, 2016, 11:59
Rate/Rank : E5
Thanks, Randy for finding and updating my email address.
Keith Sugg [ email ]
August 31, 2016, 20:50
Rate/Rank : BT 3
Address: 2002 cottage ave. granite city il 62040 618-974-2327
Glad I found this sight. Forward fire room 82 thru 84. A lot of good time great friends. Stroud, Beard, Amburgy and all the rest. Hit me up...
Bill Crum [ email ]
August 01, 2016, 10:13
Rate/Rank : SM2
Hey Ski, brightened my Maryland Monday morning. Sorry not attending but maybe next one if I know you'll be there. Is Flaherty still alive ?
SM2 Crum
« 1 2 3 4 5 »
Admin login