USS Askari ARL-30 Guestbook

Submitted by
Name: Branson Goetz
From: Fowler, IN 47944
E-mail: tiny@localline.com

Comments:
I served on the Askari in 1952 and got off of her in 1954. I was a BT when I got on her and left as a BT2. My commanding officer was Hall who was from Seattle, Washington.

Added: Feb 4, 2001

Submitted by
Name: Ron Frankum
From: Lubbock, TX
E-mail: rfrankum@ttu.edu

Comments:
I am currently working on a book about Operation Passage to Freedom and would like to interview some of the participants who served during this operation. Ron Frankum 806) 742-9010

Added: Jan 31, 2001

Submitted by
Name: MICHAEL J. KENNA
From: TRUMBAUERSVILLE, PENNA 18970
E-mail: marymike@fast.net

Comments:
sent message in 1999. DK2 ON BOARD AUG 1950 - APR 1953 RETIRED MEDICALLY 1962

Added: Jan 29, 2001

Submitted by
Name: Hugh Williams
From: Knoxville, TN
E-mail: bluruster@aol.com

Comments:
my brother, Roger Williams served in Askari as an SK2 during 1969

Added: Jan 21, 2001

Submitted by
Name: Mark E. Normington
From: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
E-mail: Mndrd86@aol.com

Comments:
I am interested in hearing from anyone who served with my father James E. Normington. He was on the Askari and the Sphinx during the Korean War. My father died when I was young so I don't know too much about him. I do know he was a storekeeper 3rd class. I would also be interested in hearing about what the Askari did in Korea. If anyone is interested I do have some pictures of the Askari taken in vietnam.

Added: Jan 21, 2001

Submitted by
Name: Marvin L. Marks
From: Dallas,Texas
E-mail: mlmlor@msn.com

Comments:
I reported on board late spring or early summer of 1945 when she was in the portsmith navy yard in Norfolk Va. We went through the canal to San Diego harbor. From there we sailed to Seattle Wash.into lake Union. After a stay in Lake Union we sailed back to San Diego this was in the spring of 1946. I left the ship in late June to be discharged from the service.

Added: Aug 11, 2000

Submitted by
Name: Olin C. Meek
From: plano texas
E-mail: susan@roomesurveying.com

Comments:
was on board oct.1953-1954

Added: Aug 9, 2000

Submitted by
Name: Mike Mongelli
From: Eagle, Idaho
E-mail: retro@micron.net

Comments:
Served on Askari from January 1968 to January 1969. Repair Division..Wait till I get my hands on that travel agent that booked that cruise!!!!..made great friends and won't ever forget that year of my life..It's great to see so many guys are hitting this site..after 30 years I feel like its time to look back on Viet Nam as a part of who I am..Mike..

Added: Jul 26, 2000

Submitted by
Name: Gary Oliver
From: Eustace, Texas (born in Dallas)
E-mail: goliver44@aol.com

Comments:
At 18 I joined the Navy to see the world... after all, I surely didn't want to end up in Viet Nam. My first orders directly out of boot camp were to report to the USS Askari (ARL-30) in March of 1969. I was flown to Da-Nang for some unknown reason and a week later to Saigon where I was picked up by an LCVP and delivered to the Askari. Besides a second degree sunburn, I don't remember much except long hours, hard work, and a few good friends (such as Sam Sorbello whom I named my first son after). My young life was shaped by the men, equipment, and events of Vietnam and regardless what has been said about the war... I was made better by the experiences and hardships I encountered in that distant land. For those who came home less whole or not at all... I pray God Speed and God Bless! - Gary Oliver

Added: Jul 9, 2000

Submitted by
Name: Barry E. Gillespie
From: Lawrenceville, GA
E-mail: mebgill@mindspring.com

Comments:
Came looking for the Askari. My dad, Edward L. Gillespie, served aboard her during Operation Sandstone as a diesel engine operator

Added: Jun 29, 2000