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USS
ASHLAND
E-NEWS
January 1955 Decklogs (completed)
February 1955 Decklogs (Completed)


2008 Branson Reunion registrations as of May 2, 2008

Dewhurst, Carl E6
Parrish, Bob ETSN
Weyer, Dennis EN3
OsbornJohn MM2
Emery, Bill FP2
Parks, Ray QM2
Hinnant, Wayne EM3
Doig, Jim MoMM2
Lee, Harold DC1
Chapman, Davie CS2
Webb, Tom SN
Tidwell, Charles SF3
Elliott, Sam GM1
Barnes, Jimmie EM2
Leaper, Norm QM
Dodge, Donald RD4
Miller, Gene YN1
Kingseed, Caryn
Land, Vaughn QM
Thompson, Ron EMFN

Reply
Message Number 2149
Posted April 28, 2008
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52-56
A few comments to pass on:

1. My newsletter came today, so you can expect yours any day now.

2. The other day I received a copy of the Branson 2008 Vacation Guide. If you are
going to the reunion, you will need this vacation guide. Mine came a couple of weeks
after I requested a copy. Click on the link below to request a copy.

Branson 2008 Vacation Guide

3. At the Lexington reunion, last year, some of the men brought their guitars and there
was some good picking and grinning in the evening. Bring yours this year.

4. Carol and I made our reunion reservations with Ed Bolen and with the hotel. Let's
make it easy on Ed, make yours soon.

5. I get e-mail asking how I'm doing after heart surgery. I feel better every day, still
can't mow the lawn, lift heavy objects, etc. Have started Cardio Rehab, three times a week
for 12 weeks which should get me in shape for the drive to Branson.

6. Ed Bolen said he just received his Lexington Memory Book and hopes yours will arrive
shortly.
Reply
Message Number 2148
Posted April 21, 2008
Ed Bolen
Aboard: 53-56
Hi, Jimmie,

Just wondering how you are doing.
Haven't seen any postings since your March 27th.

Had an enquiry from a '50s plankowner.
Winfred Kinney help re-commission the Ashland in San Diego.
Lives in Republic, MO., commuting distance for the reunion.

The first part of March we had a flurry of registrants, but they
have slacked off since then. But we still have over two months.

Ed B

Hi Ed,
I am doing very well. Carol has let me drive a a time or two. I feel
a bit better each day. I can tell I'm getting better for I'm starting
to regain an interest in reading and the computer. Next week I will be
starting cardio rehab at the hospital.

We made our reservations for the reunion.

Jimmie

Reply
Message Number 2147
Posted March 27, 2008
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52-56
Two weeks ago I underwent open heart surgery. Had no sysptoms anything was amiss.
My doctor decided it was time I had a stress test. One thing led to another and a
couple of days later they slid me under the bank of bright lights and said "take three
deep breaths."

The card and phone calls are appreciated. I'm looling forward to being on the mend and
attending that Branson Reunion in June.

Jimmie
Reply
Message Number 2146
Posted March 8, 2008
Steve Luty
Aboard: 61-63
Jimmie, could someone tell me what the symbols on the USS Ashland Patch
stand for.
Thanks,

Steve Luty MM3 1961 - 1963

Steve, during the 1960's USS Ashland (LSD-1)had a patch. LSD-48 has one,
too. Which one are you asking about?
Reply
Message Number 2145
Posted March 8, 2008
Ed Bolen
Aboard: 53-56
March 4, 208

Because I was wearing my USS Ashland cap, I was asked by a gentleman
today if I had served on the USS Ashland. It seems that his father,
Walter Hahn, from New York, had served aboard Ashland in the 1940's.

A number of years ago, his son, Walter Jr, had many times seen my van
with a USS Ashland bumper sticker on it. He was a police officer then
and said if he saw me he intended to stop me and ask about the USSAshland.

He probably saw it when ever I was visiting my youngest daughter when she
was working at WSET here, since that was on the beat that he would have
been driving.

I didn't have the time to get his address so Paul could send him a
"Guest copy" of the Ashlander. He is still in law enforcement of sorts so
his phone is unlisted. If I ever see him again, I'll enquire further.

Ed Bolen

Note: In a second mail, Ed said Walter Hahn Sr., is deceased.
Reply
Message Number 2144
Posted February 26, 2008
Ed Bolen
Aboard: 53-56
Reply to Message 2142
It looks like that sailor is going to have to swim a bit to catch up with the ship. The Nassau
Expeditionary Strike Group left last week for the next deployment. ASHLAND is part of it,
the last I heard.
Ed Bolen

Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group Deploys 2/20/2008
Summary: NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group (NASSG), with its more
than 2,800 Sailors and Marines, deployed Feb. 19-20 for a regularly scheduled deployment to the
Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO).
Reply
Message Number 2143
Posted February 22, 2008
Jim Lalla
Aboard: 52-53
Paul,
Sorry to see you are sick. I guess I don't check the news as much as I should after getting
remarried and living part of the year in CA. Wishing you a speedy recovery and our prayers
will be with you.
Jim Lalla
Reply
Message Number 2142
Posted February 22, 2008
Paul Adams
Aboard: 45-46
Just had a request from a sailor in transit to the "48" if I would know anything about the where
abouts of the ship. Does anyone have any present day information as to where the ship might
be and any future data as to when it may return and any stops along the way? Thanks.

Paul Adams
.
Reply
Message Number 2141
Posted February 22, 2008
Paul Adams
Aboard: 45-46
Jimmie: Please post on the E-Mail News.

Just received my copy of the Branson - 2008 Vacation Guide. It was sent out by the
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. It contains
a listing of shows and attractions for 2008. If you are planning to attend the reunion in
Branson it is a worthwhile addition to help you plan your visit. It is available by calling
1-800-Branson or e-mail at . If you want the brochure then send
for it now.
Reply
Message Number 2140
Posted February 22, 2008
Paul Adams
Aboard: 45 -46
Jimmie: Please post on E-Mail News.
Just received word on the passing of John D. Tschaepe on February 11, 2008 in Peoria, IL.
Served aboard the Ashland LSD-1 in 1943 to 1945 as a CMM. He was a plankowner.
I believe he may have been a founding member of the Ashland Association. He was very
instrumental in dealing with the Navy Department to have the LSD-48 named as a second
ship to bear the USS Ashland name. He is survived by his wife Vada.

Paul Adams

Shipmates,
John Tschaepe received an award from our Association recognizing him as the founder. He put
a lot of effort into getting us together as a unit, then stepped back to let the younger men take
over. John wanted the Navy to name a new LSD after our first ship, USS Ashland (LSD-1).
He wrote the petition, gathered the signatures and sent it off to the proper authorities at the Navy
Department. The Navy replied to his letter and the petition we all signed, thanking John for
for his interest and stated that when a new LSD was built our request would be give due
consideration. The next LSD built was named USS ASHLAND (LSD 48).

John was active in our Association until his health made travel too difficult.

Jimmie Barnes, Historian
Reply
Message Number 2139
Posted February 12, 2008
Paul Adams
Aboard: 45 -46
To all my friends:
After some significant surgery (intestional/bowel) and a 7 day hospital stay I feel that I am
slowly making it back to the real world. It probably is going to be a long haul to get my
strength back and energy level but it will happen with time. Hindsight says that I lost between
50 and 60 pounds along the way and I look like I just came out of a Natzi concentration
camp but everyone is trying to make me eat. Am even thinking in terms of going to Branson
but the decision will wait for a pathology report and a few more weeks of rehap. Just wanted
to really thank everyone for their calls, cards and especially the prayers. It was the E-Mail
News network in action and it really worked!

Paul Adams

Paul Adams, Jr.
9 Andrea Road
Newark, DE 19702
(302) 834-1806
E-mail: psadams12@verison.net
Reply
Message Number 2138
Posted February 4, 2008
Gene Miller
Aboard: 53-55
Jimmie,
Just got off the phone with Chuck Bradley who reports that Paul Adams is hospitalized
and recovering from colon surgery. Chuck had talked to Caroline who gave him the
information. I did not get the name of the hospital but I think cards would be appreciated
at their home address.
Gene

Paul Adams, Jr.
9 Andrea Road
Newark, DE 19702
(302) 834-1806
Reply
Message Number 2138
Posted January 28, 2008
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52-56
Deck Logs

Paul Suchy has completed the typing of the February 1955 Decklogs. You will
immediately note the difference between Jan.and Feb. logs. There is so much
repetition in the logs, which makes a lot of work for the typist. Several of you
have typed logs until it just got to be too much. Bob and I decided to include
where the ship was, what was happening and who was doing it. Everything
else, i.e., course and speed changes, magizine inspections, etc. will not be
included. This certainly makes the typing easier.

Take a look at February 1955. Comments please.

Jimmie
Reply
Message Number 2137
Posted January 5, 2008
Bob Parrish
Aboard: 52-55
2007 Reunion Books

Jimmie,
Could you put on our web page that the reunion
booklets will be coming to those that ordered them
sometime in Feb. Some have been asking about them.
Bob
Reply
Message Number 2136
Posted December 26, 2007
John Osborn
Aboard: 44-46
Responding to message: 2108

I believe it is the helm from USS ASHLAND (LSD-1). The best I can remember in the picture one knob was missing. That knob was broken in typhone September 1945. We were taking 45 degre rolls. I remember at mess hall the helmsman say the helm wheel broke a knob fighting the typhoon.
John Osborn MM2 1944 - 1946

John,
The helm was repaired after ASHLAND reached repair facilities. Is the helm in
the picture from our ship? Neither CDR Ward nor CAPT Keith have informed me that
their investigation has lead to a conclusion. I believe it is from our ship and
that it is sad that the helm was broken and ended up in a storage locker.

We welcome all comments on this.

Jimmie
Reply

January 1955 Decklogs (completed)

Message Number 2136
Posted December 13, 2007
Paul Adams, Jr.
Aboard: 45-46
Change of address: psadams12@verizon.net
Reply
Message Number 2135
Posted November 18, 2007
Don Price
Aboard: 62 - 65
E-mail from Don Price, Friday, November 16:
Charles Tidwell, Dave Seeley and I got together at Charles' lake house on Weiss Lake
in Centre, Alabama on Wednesday, November 14, 2007. As of this writing, we're stilll
here pickin' and grinnin' and talking about old times. We plan to leave Saturday
morning. We're making plans to attend the Branson, MO reunion next June and hope
we have a large turnout. Charles says to "squat low and push hard, and keep your
powder dry:.
Reply
Message Number 2134
Posted November 18, 2007
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52 - 56
LSD Meeting Crystal River, Florida
Six LSD sailors, representing six LSD's met at Denny's on Thursday, November 15.
The next meeting will be with the sailors and their wives on December 9, at Cody's
in Crystal River.

Reply
Message Number 2133
Posted October 18, 2007
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52 - 56
Paul Suchy ETR3 1957 - 1958 has volunteered to type some of the 1955 decklogs. At the
top of this page is a link to the logs he has completed. I was aboard during this
cruise in 1955, so reading the logs brings back memories of 52 years ago.
Reply
Message Number 2132
Posted October 18, 2007
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52 - 56
Arrangements can be made for the crew of USS ASHLAND (LSD-1) to tour USS ASHLAND (LSD 48). You can contact me by clicking on "reply" below. In your message state that you wish me to send you the contact information you will need to visit USS Ashland (LSD 48) Only serious requests, please. You will need to know the date you wish to visit.
Reply
Message Number 2131
Posted October 16, 2007
2009 Reunion Location
E-Mail Ballot
We did not come away from the 2007 Reunion in Lexington, Kentucky with a venue for 2009.
The Board of Directors decided the membership should cast a vote on a ballet, which was
printed on page 23 of the September newsletter. Another option is the use of e-mail.
In either case, your name must be on the ballet or e-mail for your vote to be valid. The
deadline is December 1, 2007.

The three locations under consideration are:

Philadelphia, PA - Hosted by Chuck Bradley

Portsmouth, NH - Hosted by Bob Carrier

Springfield, IL - Hosted by Bob Parrish

To send your vote by e-mail, click on "Vote for 2009 Reunion" below. Type in your name and one
of the three locations, Philadelphia, Portsmouth, Springfield.

Vote for 2009 Reunion
Message Number 2130
Posted October 13, 2007
CDR Jeff Ward
Commanding Officer LSD 48
Please pass this on to all the ASHLAND (LSD 1) Sailors.

Below my signature block is a message from MCPON to the Sailors to
celebrate the Navy's 232nd Birthday on Saturday, 13 October.
I appreciate everything the Sailors of LSD-1 did throughout the years of
all your service. I consider you all shipmates even you have retired.
Happy Birthday.

CDR Jeff Ward
Commanding Officer
USS ASHLAND (LSD 48)
FPO AE 09564-1736

MCPON Birthday Message to the Fleet

Our birthday is a celebration of our rich heritage and of the men and
women who proudly call themselves United States Sailors. Our Navy was
born on the crest of a wave. We have changed much over 232 years, but
the spirit of those who serve our nation at sea remains strong, proud
and forever connected to those who have served before us.

October 13th we celebrate our customs, traditions and a culture unique
to those of us who leave the comforts of home for the challenges of sea.
There is a character to the United States Sailor, a language all our own
and a shared sense of pride in being part of a crew.

Our leaders must impress upon our youngest Sailors that wearing this
uniform has always been more than just a reflection of what we do. I
don't believe you can be an effective leader without understanding who
we are, and who we are is tied directly to our heritage.

We have branched out into other capabilities. We're leveraging your
creativity and your ingenuity and providing your abilities to combatant
commanders around the world. But we will always be, first and foremost,
a maritime service. Sailors will be forever identified by their courage
in the face of danger and the moral conviction to stand up for what's
right. The term "ship, shipmate, self" was created at sea. To a United
States Sailor, there is no better description of our culture and our
character.

When I consider our Navy heritage, I think of Sailors working in the
harsh environments of our world's oceans just as we've done for 232
years. You're making the same sacrifices, serving our nation at sea. It
is the common bond we share with those who have gone before us. Our
history was forged at sea and every one of our separate communities has
contributed to that legacy.

On our birthday we will recall the sacrifices of our forefathers. It
will be a day to search out a veteran from World War II or Korea or
Vietnam who still remembers every face and every name of his shipmates
lost in battle. Those veterans will tell you that their ties to the Navy
have never been stronger, that the pride they feel in what you do
fortifies them.

Like the rest of the nation, our veterans are grateful for the blanket
of protection you provide this country. On our Navy's birthday I join
them and all of America in thanking you for what you do, and thanking
your families for the support they provide us all.

You are all members of the greatest Navy the world has ever known and
it's an honor to serve with each of you.

Happy birthday Shipmates.
Reply
Message Number 2129
Posted September 27, 2007
William Klein

1961 - 1963
RADM Arthur W. Price

THANKS PAUL FOR THE UPDATE. I thought he was a great skipper. For those of you
who don't know him he was the narrator on the History channel's program "Gunboats of Vietnam."
Ozzie Klein 61-63
Reply
Message Number 2128
Posted September 24, 2007
Jimmie Barnes

1952 - 1956
Well, finally, some new material to add to the E-News page. Remember, if you
don't send it, I can't post it.

Vearl Fowler, COX, 1945 - 1945, identified himself as the unidentified person in
the second picture, page 7, in the September issue of The Ashlander.

Reply
Message Number 2127
Posted September 24, 2007
CDR Jeff Ward

Commanding Officer, USS Ashland (LSD 48)
USS ASHLAND (LSD 48) hosted some visitors Saturday, 15 September.   Tom
Wiedemann (in the blue shirt) was attached to the Construction Battalion
that deployed to the Mediterranean onboard USS ASHLAND (LSD 1) back in
August 1964.   He was an enlisted Sailor assigned to the boats in
ASHLAND's welldeck.    Tom and his brother (an Army Colonel), and their
wives came onboard for a tour of the ship.   They spent time seeing the
ship and talking with numerous Sailors about today's Navy compared to
what Tom experienced back in the 60's.    They had a great time and we
were glad to have them onboard.

CDR Jeff Ward
Commanding Officer
USS ASHLAND (LSD 48)
FPO AE 09564-1736

   
Reply
Message Number 2127
Posted September 24, 2007
Paul Adams, Jr.
Aboard 1945 - 1946

Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 3:13 PM
Subject: Deceased - RADM Arthur W. Price

Jimmie:

Just received word that RADM Arthur W. Price passed away in Coronado, CA.on August 22, 2007.   He was C.O. of the USS Ashland LSD-1 in 1961-'63 and some of our crew members served with him on the River Patrol Force (Vietnam), I believe.   He is survived by wife Peggy and six children. It looks like he had quite a career as he ascended from an apprentice seaman to Rear Admiral. I probably will publish a full obituary in the next newsletter.
Reply
Message Number 2126
Posted September 8, 2007
Roland Briere RM2
Aboard 1968 - 1969

Jimmy,

I was going through some old stuff and came across some things
I had held on to:

Ashland Zippo, a metal plaque with the crest on it, and three plans
of the day, 20 March 69, the ship was in Valencia. (it also has a
list of the class and what their disposition was at the time) and also
24 and 25 November 69.

Sad days.

Roland 68, 69
Reply
Message Number 2125
Posted September 8, 2007
Carl Dewhurst
Change of Address

carl.jpg - 38198 Bytes
Reply
Message Number 2124
Posted August 9, 2007
Bob Parrish
2008 Reunion Host

The USS Ashland LSD Association 2008 Annual Reunion will be held
June 18 to 22, in Branson, Missouri, at the Ramada Resort and
Conference Center 1700 West Highway 76.

Room Rate: $60.84 Tax Included.
Reservations: 800-641-4106 or 417-334-1000
Complimentary Breakfast Included except Bacon or
Sausage Patties cost extra $1.95 plus tax.

Airport: Springfield/ Branson National
Airlines: American Airlines, American Connection,
American Eagle, ComAir, Northwest Airlink, United
Express

Car Rental: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz,
National, and Thrifty.

Airport Shuttles: Gray Line of the Ozarks 800-542-6768.

Weather in Branson in June Highs 81-88 Lows 58-65.

To enjoy Branson it is highly recommended that you
have your own transportation or share with someone.
We would recommend you drive if possible or rent a car
if flying into Springfield, Missouri.

After Jan. 2008 please request from the Branson/Lakes
Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB a packet of information
to allow you to do some planning for your free time at
the reunion. There are shows mornings, afternoons, and
nights. Call 800-214-3661 or go to explorebranson.com.

Dress for this reunion is casual. We are in the Ozarks.

Click here to:
Send Reunion questions, suggestions, or comments to Bob.

Reply
Message Number 2123
Posted July 23, 2007
Al Jarvis
Aboard 51 - 54

Edna reports:
Well..... he's recovered, amazingly. Went through Left Carotid surgery, right carotid stent,
and 2 aneurysms removed from his stomach - in a period of 3 months! Went down to 121
pounds, and is now up to 134. He's on oxygen now though, and is STILL smoking. Just can't
seem to stop. We can't go to Branson - he thinks it is too far to drive (he insists he wants
to help, and I insist he can't cause he gets double vision when his eyes get tired), and they
won't let him fly with oxyg. I am going to try to get one of my kids and their son to go with
us to VT. We WILL go to the one in New England, one way or the other :)

Send Al and Edna an e-mail.
Reply
Message Number 2122
Posted July 23, 2007
CDR Jeff Ward
Commanding Officer, USS ASHLAND (LSD 48)

As you probably remember, Joey Rothgery bought the US Flag at the
reunion auction. I took the flag with the understanding we would fly it
over LSD 48.

The flag was flown from the main mast of USS ASHLAND (LSD 48) on
our country's birthday, July 4th, 2007 in port NAB Little Creek. Joey and
CDR Bracken came to the ship last week and I presented the flag, a
letter, and a signed photo of the ship to CDR Bracken. Attached are a
couple photos of their visit.

CDR Jeff Ward
Commanding Officer
USS ASHLAND (LSD 48)
FPO AE 09564-1736

Click on the pictures for a larger version:

   
Reply
Message Number 2121
Posted July 22, 2007
North Platte Canteen
From December 25, 1941 until April 1, 1946 more than 6 million servicemen and women who traveled
through Nebraska during World War II fondly remember the hospitality of the North Platte Canteen
where every troop train was met by volunteers who prepared and served sandwiches, coffee, cookies,
cakes, and other homemade ‘goodies’ during stops there. -npcanteen.net


Quite by accident I came across Bob Greene's unabridged audio book, "Once Upon A Town, The
Miracle of the North Platte Canteen." This was the first I had heard of the canteen. After listening
to the book I found the website North Platte Canteen

How many of our ASHLAND WWII veterans visited the canteen during the ten-minute train stop for
water? Click "reply" below to tell us of your experiences at the canteen.
Reply
Message Number 2120
Posted July 22, 2007
USS ASHLAND Images
Plan to stay awhile if you click on this link:   USS Ashland Images

Reply
Message Number 2119
Posted July 22, 2007
Mike McKeon Sr.
Aboard 61 - 64

Jimmie,
Your GG son looks like a future Ashland sailor, great looking baby.

My youngest son, Mike Jr., age 19, just enlisted in the US Navy with a Master at Arms contract
and will swear in on 11 Dec. 2007 in Brooklyn, NY. Looks like I'll be going to Brooklyn. I have to
contact his recruiter to find out where it will be, so I can suprise him.

His swearing in will be one month shy of the 47 years since I left for Great Lakes, 9 Jan 1961.

Mike McKeon Sr
Aboard 61-64
Reply
Message Number 2118
Posted July 22, 2007
Maril Williams
Aboard 51 - 54

Things are starting to turn around for Delores. Still tired and out of
shape but slowly coming around. She went to her birthday club yesterday
for lunch at Red Lobster and had a good time with her friends.

That is the first time she has been out other than doctor visits and
getting hair do's. It should only get better from now on. Thanks for
your support and prayers.

Send Maril and Delores an e-mail
Reply
Message Number 2117
Posted July 22, 2007
Paul Adams, Jr.
To: psadams@delanet.com
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2007 6:24 PM
Subject: Ray Perrine LSD 1
Hello,
My name is Jim Perrine. I have the sad responsibility to inform you that my father, Raymond E. Perrine,
passed away on June 26, 07. I took care of him the last 4 years and even tho his memory was getting
very bad due to Alzheimer's, he had fond memories of his buddies on board the USS Ashlander LSD 1.
He was a plank holder and was very proud of it. He enjoyed the reunions when he was able to go.
Thanks for sending him the newsletters, he enjoyed them.
Sincerly,
Jim Perrine
Reply
Message Number 2116
Posted July 22, 2007
Jimmie Barnes
During the annual business meeting a discussion regarding e-mail addresses ensued.
Maintaining an e-mail address list is difficult due to the change of address each time
our members sign with a new vendor. A suggestion was put forth that all of us
get a free e-mail address at hotmail.com, yahoo.com, etc. These address do not
have to be changed.
Reply
Message Number 2115
Posted July 9, 2007
Lora Dewhurst
Carl & I wanted to thank everyone for the card, and for thinking of us. Carl is stable at the moment - that's about all I can ask for these days. A good day is when he's not in the hospital - we're thankful for the good days, and grin to get through the bad ones.

We will be moving in Sept or Oct. We are staying in the Columbus area, looking for something on one floor. Carl can hardly climb any stairs any more - actually, any kind of walking is tough, even just around the house. I will be sure to update everyone with our new contact info.

Gene has been in touch with me, and we have ordered the plaque for the flag, which should be in at the end of the week.

It was so disappointing that our group's quarterly tech release was that weekend, and I had to work - seems like when they are in KY the timing is never right.

We do intend to be in Branson. I have already checked, and the dates are not a weekend I will have to work. We'll just have to see how it goes. Looks like there is plenty to see & do, so we will probably be going down early, if we go. Plus I see the motel has pool tables, so between that, swimming, and shopping, I can sure get my fill.

Just wanted to keep in touch. Thanks again for thinking of us.

Lora

Carl Dewhurst BT3, 1955 - 1958
Reply
Message Number 2114
Posted July 1, 2007
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard 52 - 56

Tom and Calvin left little to find fault with when they planned this reunion. Everyone had a
good time and it is unfortunate more didn't attend. The tours were interesting, especially
getting to see Smarty Junes. I have to confess I had never heard of Buffalo Trace whiskey
until we visited the distillery. Friday afternoon and evening was free time so Carol and I
drove down to Science Hill, Kentucky, to see our great-grandson, Devon Upperman (see
picture below). From Lexington we went to Parkersburg, WV, to visit our son's grave and
see family, then hurried back to Florida for Carol's son was coming down from Hammond,
Indiana.

Jimmie and Carol Barnes
Homosassa, FL
devon.jpg - 32033 Bytes
Reply
Message Number 2113
Posted July 1, 2007
John Osborn
Aboard 44 - 46 MM2

Flora and I had a wonderful time at the reunion. We came back through Tennesse and it
was a beautiful drive. We arrived home Monday. Want to congratulate Tom and Norma,
Calvin and Eleanor, they did a good job.

John and Flora Osborn
Phone 405-285-0155
Reply
Message Number 2112
Posted June 28, 2007
Tom Webb
Aboard 56 - 58

To all who who attended the Reunion in Lexington, and those were there in their hearts.
To all our fellow shipmates who had so many nice things to say about the Reunion," Thank You"
one and all. Many of you took photo's during our four or so days together and we would like to
invite you to share them with all of us. The Memory Book is being assembled and you can send
some of you snap shots to the Dunning Company to be included in the book. I am not sure they
can be returned, so make duplicates.

DCI-Dunning Company Inc.
7000 Bellingrath Road
PO Box 759
Theodore, AL. 36590-0759
Fax 251-653-0884
E-Mail: cd@photomemorybooks.com
Phone 1-800-846-6335

Tom & Norma
Calvin & Elanora
Reply
Message Number 2111
Posted June 28, 2007
Mike McKeon, Sr.
Aboard 61 - 64

Jimmie, I sent you this picture of me when LSD-48 returned from deployment I think in 2003.
It was located at that time in the Well Deck 1/4 deck. You have my permission to post
it on the e-news. - Mike McKeon Sr

mikemckeon.jpg - 34816 Bytes
Reply
Message Number 2110
Posted June 27, 2007
Family Gram
Click on the link below to view the Family Gram sent to the families of men serving onboard
USS ASHLAND (LSD 48):

Family Gram 28 June 2007

Reply
Message Number 2109
Posted June 27, 2007
CO FAMILY UPDATE JUNE 17, 2007
This message was sent to the families of men serving aboard USS Ashland (LSD 48):

From: CDR Ward, Jeffrey A.

We have been home for about six weeks now. It has been nice to be able to spend time with
our families and friends. We will remain in port for the majority of July, and then get underway
at the end of the month for some training.

As those of you in the area know quite well, just because the ship is back home doesn't mean the
work has stopped. We have been spending the past six weeks conducting a lot of repairs during
our Maintenance Availability. After being run for six months straight, the engines, electronics, boats,
cranes, and other gear require a fair amount of maintenance and upgrades to ensure they will
continue to operate to the fullest extent possible for the next 20 years.

ASHLAND will host a Family Picnic on Saturday, July 14th at Seal Park on NAB Little Creek.
We will put out more details to the Sailors soon, but I expect it will run from about 1030 - 1400.
Families are certainly invited and there will be food, drinks, music, and activities for the kids. If you
are in the area I hope you can join us. I look forward to seeing everybody out there.

I went out to Lexington, Kentucky this past weekend to speak at the USS ASHLAND VETERANS
ASSOCIATION REUNION. There were about 80 Sailors and their families from the first ASHLAND.
USS ASHLAND (LSD 1) served our country from 1943 - 1969. It was a nice reunion and I had
some great conversations with our ASHLAND shipmates from LSD 1. Those Sailors and their families
all served their country back in their day, and they understand what our Sailors and families go though.
They all expressed their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Sailors and families of LSD 48.

Stay Safe.

CDR Jeff Ward
Commanding Officer
USS ASHLAND (LSD 48)
FPO AE 09564-1736
Reply
Message Number 2108
Posted June 26, 2007
LSD-1 Ship's Helm
One of the items from USS Ashland (LSD-1) Captain Keith obtained for display aboard
USS Ashland (LSD 48) was the ship's helm. Several years ago crew members from
LSD 48 told us there was an old helm on the quarterdeck. Last Saturday when
CDR Ward visited our reunion in Lexington he was asked about the helm. Below is
an e-mail we received from him:

From: CDR Ward, Jeffrey A
Subject: pic of helm

Don Price had mentioned to me that we should have the wheel from LSD 1 onboard.
I don't have Don's email. Could one of you look at the attached photo and tell me if
it is the wheel from LSD 1. My BM's had it in a storeroom, but there is no marking of
any sort to indicate what it is from.

Thank you.

CDR Jeff Ward
Commanding Officer
USS ASHLAND (LSD 48)
FPO AE 09564-1736

CDR Ward sent a picture of the helm that was in the storeroom. Is it the helm that was on
USS Ashland (LSD-1) from 1943 until 1970?

To see the picture, click here: LSD-1 Ship's Helm
Reply
Message Number 2107
Posted June 26, 2007
Don Price
62 - 65

Good Time at Lexington
Hello to all of my shipmates. Our reunion in Lexington KY was great! Calvin and Eleanor Nichols,
and Tom and Norma Webb did an outstanding job of coordinating everything, and making us feel at
home. I had a special treat, in that this was the first time that Dave Seely, Charles Tidwell and I,
got together to reminisce about old times and to play guitars and sing. It was a real fine time
for me.

To my fellow 60's guys: I know most of you are at a busy time in your lives; a lot of you are still
working, most of us have young grandchildren that we like to keep up with etc, etc. That being
said, we have a year to make plans to attend the Branson, MO reunion. I'd like to encourage you
to make plans NOW to attend. If you don't put it on your calendar now, something will surely come
up that will prevent you from attending. I hate to say it, but none of us are getting any younger. If
you've never attended a reunion, please consider coming to Branson; it promises to be a great one.
Don Price, RD2 '62 - '65
Reply
Message Number 2106
Posted June 12, 2007
Ed Bolen
Aboard: 53 - 56 ET1

To: ED Bolen
Subject: Reunion

Hello Ed...was planning on going to Lexington this year, but my
youngest son will be here in Florida at that time. Haven't seen him
in almost 2 years.

Wish I could be there seeing as how I also missed Philly.......Hope
to make it to Branson for next years Reunion

Mike McKeon Sr., aboard 1961-1964
Reply
Message Number 2105
Posted June 12, 2007
Gene Miller
Aboard: 53 - 55 YN1

I just spoke to LCDR Atkinson (48 Exec) and he confirms that Captain Ward will be flying
in to Lexington Friday evening and will spend all day Saturday with us. He will be alone.
The Exec said he will be bringing some photos relating to their trip around the Horn.
Gene
Reply
Message Number 2104
Posted June 9,2007
Ed Bolen
Aboard: 53 - 56 ET1

From: "LCDR Atkinson, Christopher"
Subject: 2007 ASHLAND ASSOC REUNION

Whom It May Concern:

I am the Executive Officer of USS ASHLAND (LSD 48). The Commanding Officer, CDR Jeff Ward,
has time in his schedule and would like to attend the reunion on Saturday, 23 June, during
the banquet and discuss with your members the status of the current USS ASHLAND, show photos
and other items of interest from ASHLAND’s last deployment to the Horn of Africa, and
preparations for the next deployment.
Reply
Message Number 2103
Posted May 21, 2007
Ed Bolen
Aboard: 53 - 56 ET1

I got a reunion registration from James Hinnant.
He and Judy will be first time attendees.
He indicated that this is a new address.

Info as follows:

James (Wayne) Hinnant, SR.
1688 Dawnview Lane
Lincolnton, NC 28092-8323
Ph 704-735-0124
E-mail: HINNANT000@Bellsouth.net

We are up to 36 vets registered and have 67 folks for Saturday night,
so far.
Reply
Message Number 2102
Posted May 21, 2007
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52 - 56 EM2

Ed Bolen asked me to remind everyone that cut-ff date for obtaining the grroup rate
at Ramada, Lexington, KY, is June 8. Until then the rate is $65 plus tax per night.

In reponse to my e-mail asking about pets in rooms at Ramada, they replied:

Thank you for making reservations with us at The Ramada. Yes, we are
pet friendly. There is a $10.00 per day charge fee. Just let the front desk know
at checkin that you have a pet.
Reply
Message Number 2101
Posted April 27, 2007
Bill Schorr
Aboard: 55 - 57 EM2

Jimmie,
I would like to thank all who called and sent cards while I was going through my open heart surgery
and recovery while in Texas this winter.The Drs released me and we are now home in Sparta and
I am doing fine!!Good Drs and good friends make these things much easier. Again thanks to all and
we will see you in Lexington in June.
Bill Schorr

Sorry about the delay in posting this, Bill. We were in Ireland when it arrived in our
e-mail. Glad you are doing well. We will see you in Lexington.
Reply
Message Number 2100
Posted April 5, 2007
James Cannon
Dear Jimmie,
I received a phone call from the daughter of Ronald G. Stephens YNSN 1952-1954 on the
USS Ashland. He passed away today in Indianapolis, IN.

Jimmie Cannon
Reply
Message Number 2099
Posted March 31, 2007
Gene Miller
We were gone for a couple of weeks but thought we should let you know that Bill Schorr
is doing very well and will probably be going back to motorhome early next week. He will
see both cardiologist and cardiac surgeon in next couple of weeks and then may be able
to travel back to Illinois and continue his rehab there.

Gene
Reply
Message Number 2097
Posted March 10, 2007
Gene Miller
Update on Bill Schorr:

We just talked to DonNita and Bill is doing very well......
Great news to hear..
Gene
Reply
Message Number 2097
Posted March 7, 2007
Gene Miller
According to DonNita, Bill was sitting up in a chair today, was able to eat some soft foods
and is in good spirits. She thinks that in a day or two he will be moving out of Cardiac Care
to a regular room.

Gene
Reply
Message Number 2096
Posted March 7, 2007
Gene Miller
Jimmie,

DonNita just called and said that Bill is out of surgery, doing well and had 3 by-passes.
I don't know if I told you but when he was having chest pain, she took him to closest hospital.
They were very busy and so they were only taking them in order. Bill told DonNita to take
him to Harlingen...What a godsend that turned out to be!

They have seen him once and will see him again at 8 p.m. She did say that he looks better now
than he did after his last two surgeries.

Jeannine
Reply
Message Number 2095
Posted March 6, 2007
Gene Miller
Hi Jimmie,
DonNita called a little while ago and said that the reason things are so delayed is because Bill got bumped to this afternoon. She got a call from surgery probably at about the half way point that he was doing well. She figured I would be watching the clock and she was so right.!
Hopefully, she will call later when he is out of surgery.
Will keep you informed when we hear more.

Jeannine
Reply
Message Number 2094
Posted March 6, 2007
Gene Miller
Jimmie,
I badgered Jim Jones and he came thru.   Starting left front and clockwise, Jim Jones, Jim Brown, Rich Reed, Ken Unger and Norm Tomlinson.   No clue as to where but must have been early in the day as the table is lacking refreshments. Gene

Jimmie says:   Gene, you and John Vaught are the only ones who showed any interest in the picture.
No one has identified the dog in the previous picture.
Reply
Message Number 2093
Posted March 3, 2007
Gene Miller
Hi Jimmie,

Gene and I just got off the phone with DonNita Schorr.

Bill was admitted to hospital in Harlingen, Tx. on Thurs. for chest pain. Today they did an angiogram
and he has problems including an aneurysm on outside of heart. Trying to put in a stent would be
more risky than surgery so on Tues. he is having open heart surgery.

Prayers from all are in order, thats for sure..

There was a question of him getting back home but that was not a good option, so they will have to
stay there for his recovery and cardiac rehab.

He is at:
Valley Baptist Hospital
2101 Pease St.
Harlingen, Tx. 78550     Rm. 303 as of now

Am sure he would love to hear from fellow Ashlanders....

We did ask if it was okay to spread the word and DonNita said, most definitely....

Jeannine and Gene
Reply
Message Number 2092
Posted March 1, 2007
Jim Botonis
Aboard: 65 - 67 SFM3

Hey John, I knew there must have been an easy fix to repairing those pumps.   I think at the   time the MM's were all tied up with a main engine over haul.   I remember that part of my shipboard tour was being able to stand inside one of the engines cylinder.   They were massive.    I couldn't help fix either at the time because I was to busy learning how to become the worlds greatest Terd Chaser.   Hey someone had to do it!

Jim Botonis SFM3 1965- 1967
Shipfitter Shop & Bar
Reply
Message Number 2091
Posted February 28, 2007
John Vaught
Aboard: 56 - 57 MM3

Sailors in booth:
I cannot name the snipes.   My guess where is EAST MAIN STREET.
Reply
Message Number 2090
Posted February 28, 2007
John Vaught
Aboard: 56 - 57 MM3

The BT needed to go to the pump room and ask a MM to adjust the valve rods on
the recipicating pump and he could put the adjustable wrench away.   No need to bang
the thing !!!   Back in 56 & 57 I did the job for the starboard boiler room a few times.
Leaving the pump room to Cornell untill I got back from the 5 min. job.   Altho when I
needed some heavy lifting done the call went out for "Herby Mays" from the boiler
room .   Any one remember him BIG MAN from KY?

John Vaught MM3 56-57
Starboard Pump Room
Reply
Message Number 2089
Posted February 27, 2007
Gene Miller
Aboard: 53 - 55 YN1

Jimmie,
In the picture left foreground is Jim Jones, center right side is Ken Unger.
Gene Miller
Reply
Message Number 2087
Posted February 27, 2007
Can you identify these men?

fiveguys.jpg - 36199 Bytes

Can you idenify these men? If so, tell us who, when and where.
Reply
Message Number 2086
Posted February 26, 2007
James Botonis
Aboard: 65-67 SFM3


My First Two Weeks as a Gator!


Late in the afternoon on November 16, 1965 I reported aboard the USS Ashland LSD-1.   A scared kid from Los Angeles I never heard of the Amphibious Navy better known as the Gator Navy, I never heard of a small Naval Base outside of Norfolk VA called Little Creek, but here I was, not knowing a soul and scared to death.   I came from a family of proud Americans.   My dad served in the Navy as a Gunners Mate during WWII and that’s all he spoke of when recanting his Naval days in the South Pacific.   He was proud of his oldest son’s decision to keep a tradition that he started.   But I was still scared.

As I reported aboard I was turned over to the Master at Arms who was a nice man until he became tired of my continuous referral of him as “Sir”. He politely explained to me in a firm but somewhat respectful manner that he was no officer and if I said “Yes Sir” to him one more time that my first night aboard the Ashland was one I would never forget. Unbeknown to him, forty-two years later I still haven’t forgotten that first night and the following two weeks thereafter.

After looking at the red stripes (FA) on my arm the Master at Arms escorted me to the bunking area belonging to the Boiler Tech’s and told me to stay here until tomorrow and then he would figure out where I belonged. Damn I thought I really pissed this guy off. You see, there was a boiler overhaul going on and when the BT’s returned from their shift they were sweaty, smelly and covered in black soot and not looking real happy. Needless to say they weren’t very talkative neither. I didn’t sleep much that night, with the constant snoring and other noises caused from the apparent food served earlier in on the mess deck.

The next morning one of the FN’s took me under his wing and said come on lets go to chow and then I’ll give you a tour of the boiler rooms where you are going to be working. After chow we headed to the bawls of the ship called the boiler room. The one we were in was still operational because we weren’t of shore power at the time. As we entered I noticed a rather large man sitting with his arms crossed and holding a very large 24” crescent wrench. He was the BT2 on watch and was sitting directly under the fresh air vent so to keep cool. He had two precipitating pumps on either side of him that were steam driven and making this loud sound, Kacha-------Kacha-------Kacha. My new buddy the FN was showing me what gages we were responsible to read when I asked him what the BT2 was doing there just staring straight ahead. He told me that he was watching the pumps on either side of him and also making sure that everything was operating correctly. I then asked why the big wrench he was holding. The FN said, just watch and you’ll learn. In other words, stop asking so many questions. About that time I heard a Loud Kathunk and seen that the pump to the right of the BT2 had hung up and stopped. Without hesitation the BT2 swung the large wrench, smacking the pump at the housing base and it took off, Kacha-Kacha-Kacha-Kacha-Kacha like bat out of you know where. I thought to myself, what a job, I could do that!

About half way through my tour which had turned into a watch, the Master at Arms found me and said come on, you're in the wrong department. He took me up to the main deck and then forward towards the folk Sal. He opened the hatch and took me into a shop of sorts with sheet metal tools, workbench’s and a television and several swabies standing around drinking coffee. What a change, these guys even had pressed dungarees. As we entered he introduced me as the new striker for the shop and I met the Chief, Albert A. Jackson. A slightly gruff individual that apparently had been out rather late the night before and was in no mood to chat. He turned me over to a 2nd Class Diver named “Hatch” and said, find him a bunk and a job and keep him busy until Redman gets back from leave. I didn’t know what a Redman was, I later found out it was another 2nd class Shipfitter and not a person with a severe sunburn. After moving my gear from the BT’s area to where the “R” Division personnel slept, Hatch took me to the shop and introduced me to the new tool of my trade, the plunger. Yep, I had moved up in the world from BT wannabe to a Terd Chaser. The plunger was what it was, a wooden stick with a red rubber cup on the end of it. I don’t remember how many toilets and urinals there were on the Ashland but she had a bunch! After weighing my options and reflecting upon the first night I had spent aboard with the BT’s, I decided to become the best toilet plunging terd chaser the Navy had ever scene. After chow and muster every morning, I began my quest and I kept going until every waste-handling fixture aboard was functioning to it’s potential.

Two weeks had gone by and upon reporting to the shop after chow in the morning, there was a new face, a tall thin guy with a New Jersey accent telling everyone about his adventures, it was Redman returning from leave. As the Chief showed up, the shop quieted down. Someone introduced me to Redman and said this is Botonis, he went to the same school you did Redman! I looked really hard at Redman and for the life of me I couldn’t remember him from my school days so I said, “Really, you went to Simi Valley High School?” The shop kind of laughed and the Chief said no dummy, Shipfitter “A” school! Not thinking I responded, I haven’t been to any Shipfitter “A” school and then there was silence.

A few hours later, it was discovered that someone had put on my orders that I was a shipfitter instead of a shipfitter striker. The division officer was then called to the shop where he and the Chief along with others including the Master at Arms were discussing my future. All I heard was the BT’s are short handed and could use him! About that time Redman spoke up and said that he had been talking to Hatch and others and that this kid (meaning me) had shown great promise of being a premier terd chaser and they felt that we should give him a chance to excel at his newly found profession, besides Calvin Nichols another FN could use some help dragging welding leads around the ship.

So there I was, with a new family which included a short stumpy carpenter with gold hash marks that dragged the ground named Pop Swazy, a diver named Hatch that had a profound obsession with tattoos that his wife hated, a DC man named Bill Law that felt sorry for this kid away from home for the first time so he and his wife had me over to their place on my birthday, and a Chief Petty Officer that decided to show me the ropes of partying in a community that really didn’t care that much for sailors, Norfolk Virginia in the 1960’s. It was a great time in my life and a time of setting values and priority’s. A time of becoming a man in a world among some of the greatest men I would ever meet, my shipmates, my brothers.


I was only aboard the USS Ashland from the 16th of November 1965 until leaving for Shipfitter “A” School February 10, 1967. They were some of the greatest days of my life and I thank those who were part of it.


Jim Botonis – USN 1965 - 1969
Reply
Message Number 2085
Posted February 25, 2007
Have you seen this dog?

champ.jpg - 63376 Bytes

Have you seen this dog? If so, tell us when and where.
Reply
Message Number 2084
Posted February 12, 2007
Bob Lukacs
Aboard: 61-63 SFM2


Bob passed away early this morning from complications following his
liver transplant. I know he was very proud to have served on the
Ashland and to have known so many others in the group. It was such
a privilege to have met so many of you at last year's reunion. I
haven't completed arrangements yet, but I know he wanted to be
buried at sea, so I've already been in contact with the Navy for that.
Bob was a good man & I know he will be greatly missed by all who
knew him.

God Bless,
Nancy Lukacs

E-mail is lukacsr@cox.net
Address is 8729 Graves Ave, Apt 10A, Santee, CA 92071.
Reply
Message Number 2083
Posted February 8, 2007
Dave Seely
Aboard: 61-64


Hi Jimmie,please change my email address to; dlseely@alltel.net.
Thanks

Dave Seely
ETN2 1961-64
Reply
Message Number 2082
Posted February 3, 2007
John Carroll
Aboard: 68-69


My home address has some changes to it since we were annexed:

john Carroll
16600 25th Ave NE #95
Marysville, WA 98271

Address corrected, Monday, February 5.
Reply
Message Number 2081
Posted February 3, 2007
Bob Lukacs
Aboard: 61-63

Dear Ashlanders,
I wanted to let you know what has been happening with Bob Lukacs.
On November 25, 2006 he finally got his liver transplant. Everything
was going very well, but he got an infection which triggered a very
rare blood disorder (leave it to Bob to come up with something the
doctors hadn't seen in 20 years!).

He has been in intensive care for almost 4 weeks now and for a while it
was touch & go. He is now much improved, and while he isn't out of
the woods yet he is on the right path. He has a tracheostomy, but
he is already working to be independent in his breathing. His
kidneys have failed & the doctors don't know if they will come
back, so he is on dialysis. The blood disorder did affect his new
liver, but it seems to be recovering. His spirits are good, his
sense of humor is intact & he is anxious to get going again.

I seriously doubt that we will be able to attend this year's reunion,
but we will be there in spirit. I ask that you keep Bob in your
prayers & please feel free to contact us.

Bob's email is lukacsr@cox.net
Our address is 8729 Graves Ave, Apt 10A, Santee, CA 92071.

Thank you,
Nancy Lukacs
Reply
Message Number 2080
Posted January 28, 2007
Ed Bolen
Aboard: 53-56

New e-mail addresses:
Regular e-mail: esbjr@comcast
Reunion e-mail: USSAshlandLSDReunion@comcast.net
Reply
Message Number 2079
Posted January 28, 2007
USS ASHLAND REUNION JUNE 21 - 23, 2007

USS ASHLAND REUNION 2007
Ramada Inn
2143 North Broadway
Lexington, Kentucky
June 21 - June 23, 2007

Newsletter with reunion information
The newsletters were mailed Friday, January 26. The newsletter contains the
hotel registration/reservation form and the reunion registration form.

Reunion 2007 Contact Information:
Ed Bolen is the person to contact for all reunion information, registration, etc.
Ed Bolen
1208 Cedar Hill Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24502-2918
Phone: 434-239-1115
E-mail: USSAshlandLSDReunion@comcast.net

Reply
Message Number 2078
Posted January 10, 2007
USS ASHLAND (LSD 48)

Jimmie, I was just watching the 4PM Fox News and heard USS Ashland
is off the coast of Somalia.

That of course matches the Indian Ocean reference for activities of the
fleet on Jan 10, 2007.

We don't hear much on the news of the 48, but we now know she's in
the middle of the war again the terrorists' activities.

Ed Bolen

Reply
Message Number 2077
Posted January 1, 2007
USS LST-325

Sailors cheered the crew of LST-325 as they prepared their ship for sea in Greece, then sailed her
to Mobile, Alabama, arriving 10 January 2001. Click on the link below to read their story:

The USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL

Reply
Message Number 2076
Posted December 31, 2006
USS Ashland (LSD-48

The Navy Newstand, The Source for Navy News
Great pictures and stories of USS Ashland (LSD-48). Click on the link below. On the right side of:
the page, under Search, select Stories or Photos. In the white window, type USS Ashland and click GO:

USS Ashland (LSD-48) Pictures and Stories

Reply
Message Number 2075
Posted December 30, 2006
USS Ashland (LSD-1) WWII Crew

I was looking at the web site and came across pages I haven't looked at in a long time. One
good one is a list of Ashland's WWII crew. Someone, (maybe I did) started and never finished it.
See USS Ashland (LSD-1) WWII Crew  This would be a good project for someone who
would like to complete the list. Paul Adams can supply the information. Any volunteers?
Reply
Message Number 2074
Posted December 30, 2006
Ed Bolen
53 - 56

It looks like the 48 is spending the New Year in the Persian Gulf, all by herself.

Click here: USS Ashland (LSD 48)

I just stumbled onto the site a week or so ago. It doesn't change over the weekend, but seems
to change on regular workdays.

A Happy and prosperous New Year to all ASHLANDERS, old and new!

Ed Bolen, ET1, '53-'56.
Reply
Message Number 2073
Posted December 13, 2006
Jimmie Barnes
52 - 56
Due to abuse of the reply form by spammers, the form has been eliminated. Until we can
put something else in place that is password protected, click on "Reply", this will take
you to the bottom of the page. Click on my name, Jimmie Barnes. This will open up regular
e-mail and you can post your reply to me. Put ASHLAND on the subject line so I will know
it isn't spam mail.
Reply
Message Number 2072
Posted December 13, 2006
Joan Barrett
Husband was Jerry Barrett, 1953 - 1957
Jimmie:
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved son Darrell. He is at rest and peace.
I will keep you in my prayers for a healing heart and tranquil mind. Hugs....JOAN

Thank you, Joan.
Shipmates, my son, Darrell Franklin Barnes, age 45, passed away December 7, Pearl Harbor Day,
in the hospital at Parkersburg, West Virginia. He battled small cell cancer for a year,
but in the end it was the radiation that destroyed his lungs. Darrell was a Navy veteran, having
spent eleven years in the Navy. He was a RM1. He served on USS South Carolina (CGN-37), USS
Halyburton (FFG-40) and USS John Hancock(DD-981). He took the cash pension when President Bill
Clinton was downsizing the U.S. Navy.
Jimmie Barnes
Reply
Message Number 2071
Posted December 13, 2006
John Vaught
56-57
MERRY CHRISTMAS From the Vaught family.
Reply
Message Number 2070
Posted December 13, 2006
Al Jarvis
51-54
December 10
Hi everyone - some of you I've probably already told, but wanted you to know that tomorrow we are leaving the house at 5:00 a.m. to take Al to the hospital.
He's have a stent put in his right carotid artery. Is a pretty standard procedure, and he may get to come home Tuesday, but I really doubt it (considering his age and all his OTHER health problems). Personally, I hope they keep him for at least 2 days, cause he has a very strong tendency to overdue it when he gets home.
I will go on line again tomorrow night if I don't get home too late, or maybe even early Tuesday before I leave the house, ok?
Thanks - Edna

December 11
Hi Everyone:
Al came through the procedure just fine. He will probably come home tomorrow, but is supposed to really take it easy for a few days.
Am very, very tired, so that's all for now. Thanks to all of you who wrote.
Reply
Message Number 2069
Posted November 27, 2006
Mike McKeon Sr.
61-64
Jimmie, I see USS Ashland (LSD 48) is on deployment. It appears to be a normal Med Cruise.
Checking the navy.mil web site, she is on a Port visit to Rota Spain.

Reply
Message Number 2068
Posted November 22, 2006
Jimmie Barnes
52-56
Responding to Message: 2067
I don't remember Cornell but the fact he was from West Virginia makes me wonder if he and I are
related. I have a connection to the Cornell family in the Clarksburg, West Virginia area.

There were a couple of guys aboard the ship from Clarksburg and I used to ride that far with them
on weekend liberty. We would meet up at noon on Sunday for the trip back to Norfolk. The only
name that comes to mind now is that of Slim Irwin.
Jimmie

Reply
Message Number 2067
Posted November 21, 2006
Harold S. Lee USN Ret.
Aboard: 1956-57-58
Responding to message: 2054
Yes I remember Cornell, he was a blond headed sailor and I know that he was from West by God Virgina.
The reason I know is that he made dam sure that we all knew it. And I also knew Vaught in the same
hole below the carp. shop on the starboard side as I worked with the old Tom Cat Dillard and
Elmer White in the same div. Hope to see you all in Kentucky.
H. S Lee U.S.N. RET.

Reply
Message Number 2066
Posted November 21, 2006
Mike McKeon Sr.
61-64
To all shipmates of LSD 1 & 48 and their families:

Have a Happy Thanksgining

Reply
Message Number 2065
Posted November 21, 2006
Thomas Stewart
Aboard: I wasn't, my Dad was during WWII
Responding to message: 1109
If possible I would like to receive a roster of the crew who served on the Asland
during WWII. My Father served on this ship as well as the USS Bush and I am trying to
gather as much information on these two ships during his tour of duty.
Thank you. Tom

Paul Adams is helping him with the roster. We have asked him for his father's name and other
information. It will be posted when replies. Who knows, some of you may have known his
father.
Reply
Message Number 2064
Posted November 14, 2006
John Vaught
Aboard: 56-57
Good Morning from Cincinnati. The starboard pump room is reporting in and all is well.
Anyone out there remember Don Cornell, he worked with me. He was from W.VA.
I hope to see some of you in Lexington, KY in 2007

Reply
Message Number 2063
Posted November 7,2006
Toney Brown
Aboard: 43 MoMM2
E-mail exchange between Toney Brown and Jimmie Barnes:

-----Original Message-----
The AOL address is no longer usable, so try tpijb@msn.com
Will try this for awhile. Toney

What is your name? I don't recognize the e-mail address.
Jimmie

I am one of the ancient ones. Served along with Mike Karas aboard in 1943.
Sorry I left out the name--Toney Brown

Toney,
Did you get left on the beach, too, at Baker Island?
Jimmie

Yep, Mike was my immediate Boss as he was a MoMM1c and I was a MoMM2c. We shared the unfunny
saga of the bad batteries and engines in various landing craft at Baker. Mike came by Denver
and I met him at the airport as he and Annette were on the way to the convention in San Diego.
I think that was in 98. I was already using my scooter for years and it was just not viable
for me to go to SD and he graciously came by here. I owe him my life incidentally. Toney


Reply
Message Number 2062
Posted November 7, 2006
Richard Wright
Aboard: 54 - 55
An exchange of e-mail between Richard Wright and Jimmie Barnes:
Jimmy, I just wanted to confirm that you did receive a photo with this note. I sent this to my wife, but she said she didn't receive the photo, thanks again. Dick

Dick, Yes, I received the picture. I'm going to post after I go vote, probably early afternoon. There is another post I'm following up on, hoping to get some more info. Will post both of them at the same time. Jimmie

Great to hear. Didn't want to bug you, but it bothered me. I'm not sure you are aware of this, but as we speak, I'm in Germany working right now. I'm supposed to be retired, but something came up that I couldn't turn down. I'll be home for Christmas, then I'll probably return after the new year. I'll bring Lynn back with me for as long as she wants to stay. The company I'm working for would like for me to stay into June '07. Obviously, they're paying me a pretty chunk of change . . . times 4, the best wages I ever made . . . auf Wiedersehen. Richard


Reply
Message Number 2061
Posted November 7, 2006
Richard Wright
Aboard: 54 - 55
Jimmy,

Remember Milford Billhimer, one of our oldest living Ashland vets? (The one I did that small
write-up concerning his experience aboard the Ashland during WWII in the Philippines). As you
can see he just sent the following bit of his history without any prompting from me, but I was
honored to receive it. Just wondered if this is something you might include in the Ashland
news, or perhaps include in some future Ashlander. I know he tracks the website and the
newsletter. Thanks, Dick

Milford Billhimer wrote to Richard Wright:
I got out of the navy in late '45 In the spring of '46 I built a waylight block garage with the
idea of living in it for 2 years while I build the house,for one reason or another the 2 years
turned into 11! In the spring of '55 we started the house.It took awhile as I worked at Bendix,
I hired an old carpenter and we roughed it in ,took us 2 weeks during my vacation. The rest,
plumbing, heating, electric and wallboard took me awhile. The inspector had me enclose the main
breaker box.I had the place plastered cost $550( wonder what it would now) The little women and
I laid hardwood floor for a month. I guess you can say we've paid our dues. The picture of the
Billhimer Ranch (no livestock,just 3 cats) is 60 years from the start of the garage.

Milford Billhimer F1c 1944
empty


Reply
Message Number 2060
Posted November 7, 2006
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52 - 56
voted.jpg - 6951 Bytes


Reply
Message Number 2059
Posted October 20, 2006
Robert M. Hoyt BM2
Aboard: 43-46
Dear Mr. Barnes,
Robert Myles Hoyt passed away 9/25/06. He served on the USS Ashland LSD-1. Was in
8 major battles. Not sure who to notify. Hope it's you.
Sincerely,
Pearl Hoyt

39371 Hidden Water Pl.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-346-3045


Reply
Message Number 2058
Posted October 18, 2006
Henry Dugger
Aboard: 43 - 44
I joined the Navy in 1936 and after 15 weeks of boot camp was ordered to the Destroyer Borie DD 215,
she was an old fourstacker. In 1939 we started what was known as Neutrality Patrol in the Atlantic
and this is what we did operating out of San Juan, P.R. German Subs were in our waters and we sunk
several even before we ever declared war on Germany in 1941. In 1942 the Navy Reserve took over the
Borie & I was transferred to a Destroyer Mine Sweeper, USS Stansbury DMS 8. Served aboard her during
the invasion of West Africa, Casablanca, caught in a hurricane on our return to U.S. in Dec, 1942,
lost life boat & @1 gun torn from the deck, waves 60 feet high! After this I was transferred to
School in Milwaukee & then to a Landing Ship Dock, USS Ashland LSD #1, served aboard her in invasions
of Marianna Islands in Pacific, Kawaglein, Enewetok, & Tarawa. Went back to Destroyer School in
Norfolk and was orderded to USS Van Valkenburgh DD 656 a Modern 2100 ton Can, back to tha Pacfic
aboard her to participate in Iwo Jima, Okinawa & on to Japan. The Skipper of the Arizona sunk at
Pearl Harbor was who our ship was named for, we flew the Arizona Flag right into Tokyo Bay!
Henry Dugger MMC Plankowner 1943 - 1946

Reply
Message Number 2057
Posted October 18, 2006
Mike McKeon Sr.
Aboard: 61 - 64
Responding to message: 2039
I received my Service record from St Louis.. Granted they were photo copies. Only thing missing
were my Medical and Dental. Every thing was listed from Date of Enlistment to date of separation
from USS ASHLAND.

Reply
Message Number 2056
Posted October 16, 2006
Paul Rabidoux
Aboard: 61 - 63
Responding to message: 2024
Here is something I came across on the internet about plank owners. Does any one know the
tradition about this? Especially the part of being a plank owner of a re-commissioned ship.

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Plank Owners, Plank Owner Certificates, and Planking

A "plank owner" is an individual who was a member of the crew of a ship when that ship was placed
in commission. Originally, this term applied only to crewmembers present at the ship's first
commissioning.

Today, however, it is often applied to members of a recommissioning crew as well. "Plank owner"
is not an official Navy term, and has consequently been variously defined by different Navy units.

Comment: When USS Ashland was commissioned on 5 June 1943 a number of men who were enroute
to the ship. Most had never seen Ashland. Straight from book camp they went to serviceschools.
Now they were on the way to their ship. Were they plankowners? Enroute they were under orders
from the US Naval Training School Command. Comments please! Thanks for the thoughtful posting, Paul.


Reply
Message Number 2055
Posted October 14, 2006
Paul Rabidoux
Aboard: 61 - 63
Hi Jimmie,
Well I got your MSG. About things being up and running and that you had some responses so I sent
a MSG on Monday the 9th and another today Sat. The 14th. I have a lousy feeling that the Ashland
E-News page doesn't like my email. :( I recently changed my IP to Cox. I'm wondering if that
could be a part of the problem???
Paul

Paul, I don't think your server has anything to do with it. The security programs are getting
so complicated. On my desktop all Ashland mail ends up in blocked mail. My laptop handles it
better so I will be using it from now on. Ron hasn't said so, but I suspect our problems were
with GoDaddy.com, our internet provider.


Reply
Message Number 2054
Posted October 14, 2006
Paul Rabidoux
Aboard: 61 - 63
Responding_to_message: 2048
Responding to the test ........... test this will be the 2nd one I send.

Paul, I was in sickbay when your two messages came in.
Jimmie


Reply
Message Number 2053
Posted October 14, 2006
Bob Breeding
Aboard: Never
Responding to message: 2034
Was QM2 aboard the USS Garcia 1966-1967. CDR Felix Vechione CO.


Reply
Message Number 2052
Posted October 14, 2006
John Osborn MM2
Aboard: 44 - 46
Responding to message: 2048
Jimmy your message is coming through here in Oklahoma on the computer. We are ok in Oklahoma. Tell all hello. My new address 1617 Deer Park Drive, Edmond, Ok 73003-2485. Also, I have another email: johnosborni@cox.net Smooth sailing John Osborn

Reply
Message Number 2051
Posted October 14, 2006
Ed Kavanaugh
Aboard: 55 - 56
Responding to message: 2048
Now that we know it works, all that is left is to get back to chatting with each other on line
so I will know what is going on. I didn\'t know that I would miss the news of the crew as
much as I have, but this is the only link I have being out here on the left coast (Seattle).

Everything is going well here, and I think my settlement for the wreck is about to come through.
Maybe I can get to the next re-union. We will sure try. CU
Ed Kavanaugh


Reply
Message Number 2050
Posted October 14, 2006
John Vaught
Aboard: 56 - 57
Hello, I do hope the e-news page stays up as I miss the contact it affords us. Living in the
Cincinnati area I am looking forward to the 2007 reunion. Jimmy, thanks for all your work.
John Vaught MM3


Reply
Message Number 2049
Posted October 14, 2006
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52 - 56
Sorry about the delay in getting your messages posted. This is the fourth time since I was treated
for postate cancer that I've had bladder infection. Those of you who have experienced it know how
sick you get.

Thank to Marty Miller and Paul Rabidoux who sent test messages. Along with your messages we are
also receiving spam. I don't know why someone would think old Navy guys would need viagra. Army
and Air Force, maybe, but not sailors and marines. Ron Wright didn't tell me what was wrong with
the e-news mail form. Ron has been great in offering his help when we need it. Ron is the son
of Dick Wright.

Over 25% of Americans have Irish ancestors. For those of us who are Irish, or for those who are
friends of the Irish, and like like Irish music, there is a 24 hour Irish internet radio station
where you can listen to Irish music. It is free. Just log on with your computer. I purchased a
$2 cord which allowed me to connect an old boombox to the computer It sounds great. The URL
for the station is: www.midwestirshradio.com

Ok, enough of that. Let's get on with posting your messages.


Reply
Message Number 2048
Posted October 9, 2006
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52 - 56
10:21 AM
Test Completed!! Results: The reply form mail is working.
Ron Gibbs, Ed Bolen and Robert Parrish sent test messages.
Jimmie

Reply
Message Number 2047
Posted October 8, 2006
Jimmie Barnes
Aboard: 52 - 56
Ron Wright has put back together whatever was broken in the form mail. What I need
now is for some of you to send some test messages. This will let me know if the
form mail is being handled properly. Just put in "test" in the message body.
Thanks,
Jimmie

Reply
Message Number 2046
Posted August September 25, 2006
Paul Suchy
Aboard: 57-58
I have tried to reply to one of your postings but I don't know if they got through. Anyway,
my question was do we have the ships logs for 1956? if so, i would volunteer to type them up
for y'all. Let me know.
Talk to y'all

Reply
Message Number 2046
Posted August September 24, 2006
Paul Rabidoux
Aboard: 61 - 62
Jimmie I went on my co-workers computer at work and brought up the Ashland web site and opened
the E-News page and got the same results. Down on the bottom of the page in the status bar,
it reads " done, but with errors on the page" I thought maybe only my computer showed that,
but finding out it shows up on different computers.

It reads as follows: "Problems with this web page might prevent it from being displayed properl