Guestbook

tod hale from central point, Or. wrote on April 1, 2022 at 6:20 pm:

Shipmates, a new year, 2022. Our 2021 Reunion was successful although fraught with the intrusion of the C19 Virus. Hosts and venues were, as always, "on the money". We had the best of everything as is our tradition wherever we gather. Our attendance was reduced by 2/3rds to 3/4ths in comparison to our first in 1990 in Bremerton which was solely organized and overseen by Dick Asche. He and ADM Bob McClinton, with Perry Baunsgard were the influence and powers behind saving our ship from the scrap yard. I became an assistant to Dick Asche after the first reunion. Our membership grew at one point to over 500, if my old memory serves me. Today, we are down by at... Read more

Shipmates, a new year, 2022. Our 2021 Reunion was successful although fraught with the intrusion of the C19 Virus. Hosts and venues were, as always, "on the money". We had the best of everything as is our tradition wherever we gather. Our attendance was reduced by 2/3rds to 3/4ths in comparison to our first in 1990 in Bremerton which was solely organized and overseen by Dick Asche. He and ADM Bob McClinton, with Perry Baunsgard were the influence and powers behind saving our ship from the scrap yard. I became an assistant to Dick Asche after the first reunion. Our membership grew at one point to over 500, if my old memory serves me. Today, we are down by at least half. Age has taken it's toll as we become less able to travel and many have been called "Home". We continue today to keep our Lady afloat through our pride in serving in Turner Joy, attending reunions when possible, and supporting the BHSA, who has sole possession of our home for a period in our lives. Times have changed. The world seems to have turned upside down, but I have to say that we, who are still able, need to remember our service in Turner Joy and gather in friendship to keep her "soul" intact. All who served in her are her soul. Please continue to support Turner Joy as a museum and help us in building our membership by reaching out to the last crews who served her until 1982. Tentative plans are for another reunion in 2022 as we are fading away. Our next news letter will have information regarding those possibilities. My very best to all.... Tod Hale 3/66- 6/69 STG3

Barbara Postal from Shawnee Oklahoma wrote on May 23, 2021 at 5:43 pm:

Hi just doing a little research on Ships my husband served on when in the Navy for our family history and came across this site. My husband, Kenneth Harold Postal served 6 years in the US Navy and served on three Navy ships. They were the USS Rexburg, the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt and the USS Turner Joy. He was assigned to the Turner Joy on July 28,1966 and departed for Vietnam on November 18, 1966. Staying assigned to the Turner Joy until his discharge in August of 1968. After the Navy Kenneth became a long haul truck driver where he lost his life in a truck accident on November 10, 1981. He was a great guy and is still... Read more

Hi just doing a little research on Ships my husband served on when in the Navy for our family history and came across this site. My husband, Kenneth Harold Postal served 6 years in the US Navy and served on three Navy ships. They were the USS Rexburg, the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt and the USS Turner Joy. He was assigned to the Turner Joy on July 28,1966 and departed for Vietnam on November 18, 1966. Staying assigned to the Turner Joy until his discharge in August of 1968. After the Navy Kenneth became a long haul truck driver where he lost his life in a truck accident on November 10, 1981. He was a great guy and is still greatly missed by his family.

Michael G Bunney from Round Rock, TX wrote on May 16, 2021 at 9:17 am:

Proudly served from 1968 to 1970 as MPA, CICO and Navigator.

Tom Sabo from Napa wrote on February 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm:

69 and 70 were busy on the gunline. I had grown up in a basement by myself, somewhat like a sonar shack, but with less light and company. I’m eternally grateful to my crewmates and others who opened my eyes to the larger world and the business of war in SE Asia. All of that shaped this life in an increasingly meaningful manner for the years after for myself and my family. A lot of us became Men in that tin can, and I’m grateful for all of you.

Jim Chester from string:CARSON CITY wrote on January 11, 2021 at 12:04 pm:

Gentlemen, It is with extreme Sorrow, I report the loss of CDR Robert Huntley Pidgeon USN (Ret) who was our beloved CO from 13 DEC 71 to 25 APR 73. Rob died peacefully on 12-3-2020 and leaves behind his wife of 40 years and now widow Sandy and many other loving family members. Rob was a graduate of the USNA, class of 1958 and friend of his classmate, John McCain. Rob was a very fine gentleman and outstanding combat leader. I look forward to attending his Funeral and Memorial service at the USNA this upcoming Summer. I consider it a privilege and an honor to be there. Fair Winds and Following Seas Rob! RIP Sir!

Robert Manssen from Kahului wrote on June 30, 2020 at 2:09 pm:

Served on TJ from Nov1959 to mid 1961. RD3. Went to Harry E Hubbard DD748 after that till separation. TJ was the best.

jon spencer from kingsford wrote on June 23, 2020 at 3:52 am:

Here is a link to the TJ's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/99181925648/ This is mostly for crew members and is another way to keep in touch.

jon spencer from kingsford wrote on June 23, 2020 at 3:42 am:

On the new homepage, can you make the info box in the drone footage able to be turned off. It stays there in both Safari and Chrome. The footage is very good, but the box interferes with seeing the ship. Thanks J-H.S.

Jim Chester from string:CARSON CITY wrote on June 3, 2020 at 3:35 pm:

This is for Mike Williams USAF Historian from Carlisle, Iowa. I am very interested in that shell casing with documentation. It has been missing for over 20 years and we would like to get it back so it can go to a National Museum. Please contact me at 775-887-0147 ASAP>>>>Thanks!

Gary Roberts from Edgewood , Kentucky wrote on April 8, 2020 at 5:16 am:

Great job Chad, Stay safe

Bob Calhan from Novato wrote on April 7, 2020 at 2:16 pm:

I was on the Turner Joy from 1970 to 1972 I was a Machinist Mate and worked in both Main control and #2 Engine room. Made a lot of good friends and had a great learning experience back then. I haven't been able to come up and see the ship but I'm planning on it later this year.

Chad James from redmond wrote on April 1, 2020 at 5:06 pm:

Welcome everyone to this new website

Chad James from redmond wrote on March 23, 2020 at 9:45 am:

Hello - we have a new look to our website!

Chad James from redmond wrote on March 3, 2020 at 3:48 pm:

Enjoy our new website and Reunion information concerning Rules and Regulations. Please respond if you have new information concerning the passing of a shipmate.

Chad James from redmond wrote on February 9, 2020 at 5:00 pm:

Welcome - our new 2020 website updated, enjoy

Frank spero from Evanston wyo wrote on November 26, 2019 at 8:09 pm:

To those seeking info on Ken Garrison. I was a qm3 and 2 aboard 66 to 68. Ken was my best friend aboard. In 1970 we served together again in Long Beach as craftmasters on 72 foot torpedo retriever boats. K left the service and went to work Naval Undersea and Research Center whom we worked in conjunction with. Ken retired from there and last I knew he stayed in the San Diego area. I was proud of the TJ and Capt. Briggs whom it was honor to have as a skipper. I was on the bridge during the shelling of the TJ. I had the privilege to provide relative bearings to the gun crews from the port alidade. Thanks... Read more

To those seeking info on Ken Garrison. I was a qm3 and 2 aboard 66 to 68. Ken was my best friend aboard. In 1970 we served together again in Long Beach as craftmasters on 72 foot torpedo retriever boats. K left the service and went to work Naval Undersea and Research Center whom we worked in conjunction with. Ken retired from there and last I knew he stayed in the San Diego area. I was proud of the TJ and Capt. Briggs whom it was honor to have as a skipper. I was on the bridge during the shelling of the TJ. I had the privilege to provide relative bearings to the gun crews from the port alidade. Thanks to all that I served with during my time aboard.

Willie Mendiola from San Antonio Tx wrote on November 4, 2019 at 3:23 pm:

For all my ship mates that served abroad the Tj during 1971-1975 and before . Bill HR-299 has finally become law.

John Hart wrote on September 13, 2019 at 2:35 pm:

Heather Lansing, I knew your husband, we rarely used first names, but saddened to learn of his passing. He was a ET and a great guy, always smiling.

Eric Holbrook from Jacksonville Florida wrote on July 23, 2019 at 5:36 pm:

If you make it to the Turner Joy in Bremerton Washington... Look up inside the light over the chart table on the starboard side of the bridge. QM3 Holbrook is inscribed there from 1982. I re-enlistet on that bridge as a Chief Quartermaster (Submarines) in about 1997. I retired as a Senior Chief in 2004.

EricHolbrook from Jacksonville Fl wrote on July 23, 2019 at 5:19 pm:

1980 - 1982; Last Westpac, Went into the de-com. Transferred to DDG-13 Hoel. Couple of years there then the USS Oldendorf DD 972. Couple of years there then shore duty as Military Police in Subic. After that, 16 years on 5 submarines. In all, about 24 years. It all started on "TJ".

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