USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 / CV-67
Message Board
Messages 25-49

49.
May 27, 2012

Taps has been played for another one of our Shipmates.  Taps was played on  24FEB12 for Chaplain (CDR) Bobbitti N. May.  From the information I have, Chaplain May was one of the Chaplain's onboard the ship from 1997-2000.  Chaplain May's earthly voyage came to an end, after an extended battle with cancer.

TCAMGB
Bob Haner


48.
May 5, 2012

I'm sorry to report that Taps has been played for Mark Santorii. Mark was onboard the ship during the 1990-91 Persian Gulf war cruise (Desert Shield/Desert Storm), in V-2 Division.  Taps was played for him on 26APR12. He was 44 years old when his earthly voyage ended.

TCAMGB
Bob Haner


47.
Apr. 13, 2012

Well, I'm sorry to report that Taps has been played for the following Shipmates:

Captain (Ret.) Stanley F. Bloyer - Captain Stanley was a member of OUR ship's air wing from 1977-80, was well as the air wings onboard the USS FORRESTAL (CVA/CV/CVT 59), USS SARATOGA (CV 60), and USS ORISKANY (CV 34).  He was, in fact, the air wing commander on the FID's last deployment.  Taps was played for Captain Stanley on 15MAR12 at the age of 66.

Joseph E. Lipinski, Jr - Joe was on the ship from May 2000-May 2003.  Taps was played for him on 28JAN12 .  He was a couple months shy of being 31 when his earthly voyage came to an end.  Now, I have received a msg from Joe's mother requesting any assistance anyone can provide her.  She is planning to hold a birthday party in his memory on 29 APR 12, which would have been his 31st birthday.  She is also battling with his life insurance company over whether he was or wasn't covered, and whether there was a gap in the coverage.  So, if anyone can help out, let me know, and I'll provide you with info on how to contact her.

Steven Moyer - Steve was an HTFN in the Forward DC ship from 1972-75.  Taps was played for him on 09SEP07 .  He was 53 when his earthly voyage came to an end, as a result of a heart attack.

Meredith Bickford - Meredith was a PLANKOWNER , and an ABF2 in V-4 during his time onboard from 1968-71.  Taps was played for him on 07APR12 .

TCAMGB
Bob Haner

46.
Mar. 23, 2012

Barry H. Bowen - Barry was an AE3 with VF-32 during the first and second cruises. Taps was played for Barry back on 27 NOV 08. He was 60 years old.

TCAMGB
Bob Haner


45.
Mar. 23, 2012

CAPT Benjamin L. Fish - Captain Fish was an Air Officer on not only OUR ship, but, also the ORISKANY and the FORRESTAL.  At the time of his retirement in I believe 1983, he was COMNAVBASE, Philly, PA.  Taps was played for him on 9 MAR 12. I have passed the word to our Shipmates on ORISKANY and FORRESTAL, that one of their Shipmates has passed. He was 78 years old.

TCAMGB
Bob Haner


44.
Mar. 23, 2012

I'm sorry to report that Taps has been played for David Clark Adkins Jr. - David served on the ship in the mid-1970's.  Taps was played for him back in Mid-Feb of this year, 2012.

TCAMGB
Bob Haner


43.
Feb. 25, 2012

I'm sorry to report that Taps has been played for Shipmate George Cavic. George was a PLANKOWNER, and a YN, and was Admiral Yates YN on the ship's maiden voyage. Taps was played for George on 16FEB12.

TCAMGB
Bob Haner


42
Feb. 14, 2012

Our Shipmate Ed Sockell has passed. Taps was played for Ed on 11 FEB 12. The attached link will take you to his obituary that is in The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk. Now, if you are a member of the crew in the greater Norfolk/Tidewater area and can make it, please try to make it to one of the events listed in the obit. I know it's short notice, and if you can't make it that's ok.  But, it would be great if you can, to show his family how much he meant to us and OUR ship. 

Now, the Plankowners know who Ed was, but, for those of you who don't, well, he was both the first Ship's Secretary on the ship, and he was also the first crew member assigned to the then precom unit for the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVA 67).  So, while the line is long and proud for all of us who served on the ship, he was the Sailor at the head of the line (even ahead of Admiral Yates). 

PLEASE pass the word along to any Shipmates you can think of, especially any in the Norfolk/Tidewater area.

TCAMGB
Bob Haner

Edward J. Sockell Sr. Obituary


41.
Sept. 10, 2011

My dad was a plank owner on the Big John. He was an electrician. His name was Roscoe (Rocky) Corley, Jr. from Albany, GA. He died this past May (5/5/11) and we're in the planning stages for his headstone. Is it possible that there are templates of the JFK available so we can put it on his headstone?  Something that shows the profile and the 67 prominently would be nice or that logo on the 25th anniversary banner (in the photo section) that has the letters JFK in the shape of the ship w/ planes launching would be REALLY cool.

My dad always talked about the JFK and told me many stories about his cruises in the Med. He was actually in the Med when my brother was born in Jan, '71.  He took emergency leave to come home to meet him.

When we were doing the photo collage for his funeral, I found a picture of my dad and another sailor having a "duel" with screwdrivers.  It's one of my favorite pictures now...makes me smile to think about the possible back story there. My mom is Judy (Jacobs) Corley, from Gorham, KS and she was in communications in Norfolk.

If any of you knew my dad (or mom), I'd sure like to hear any stories you may have.

Thank you,
Michele Owens

Mar. 2, 2012

It turns out the VA was no help whatsoever.  I didn't even get a reply to my email.  But we ended up using the block JFK logo that I sent you. See photos below.

Thank you,
Michele



40.
July 29, 2011

I am in search of a Navy buddy who was assigned to the USS John F Kennedy (CV-67) about 1975 or 1976.  (I called him Buddha).  We were stationed together at Roosevelt Roads, PR and lost touch many years ago. Any information you could forward would be helpful in my quest!

Thanx so much,
Goldie Eaves Buce


39.
July 10, 2011

I was on that piece of sh.. from 1980 to 1983, just joking. U.S.S. Kennedy, I had  some really good memories, I miss it.

Gary Watson


38.
May 20, 2011

I was a young sea cadet when Big John came Scotland I keep remembering about that visit it was so long ago I am 58 years old now and I now live in Bryan, Texas. I was picked up with other cadets and taken out from Leith docks on the launch we spent the day and got feed in the mess with all the American sailors. I met my wife in Scotland she was on vacation back in 1995 and I came here to Texas in 1996 and been here ever since and I love Texas. If you want to reply with the dates of my visit I would like that. Thank you very much for your time.

Yours,
John Spinks


37.
Jan. 3, 2011

My husband was on the JFK, we donated a painting to the ship in 1991 or 92, please let me know where it is at.

Thank you,
Mrs. Linda Degailler

Reply 1
Apr. 4, 2011

I just wanted to let you know, that I heard from the last Captain/Skipper/CO of the ship. He said, everything in the inport cabin was very carefully packed up and inventoried, and most of it went to the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola, FL.  Some items went to the Navy Achieves (sp?) in Washington, D.C. (Which I might have said Naval Historical Center or something along those lines). He also said the Archives actually had a rep on the ship for what they got. I've asked a couple other Shipmates to check with both places to see which direction, the painting went. I actually hope it went to the Naval Air Museum, since the person (currently) in charge of that is another former Skipper/Captain of the ship. With the Archives you might be talking about something along the lines of "the ark", like in the Indiana Jones movies.  As I find out more, I'll let you know.

Your Shipmate,
Bob Haner

The painting being donated to USS John F. Kennedy.


36.
Dec. 22, 2010

My dad was an engineer straight out of college working for Newport News Shipbuilding while the John F. Kennedy was being built.  One of his projects was the LSO instrument panel.  I am very interested in obtaining photos of that original instrument panel on the JFK. Thank you for any help!

Susan A.
Daughter of a former NNSB employee


35.
Nov. 30, 2010

I was on the JFK from 1972-1975 and worked in V-2 Division on catapult #3.  I would love to hear from anyone who was there during that period.

Jim Maready


34.
Sept. 20, 2010

Looking for anyone that remembers a collision during the 1970-thru May 1972. Was on a repair party 7A/B near the island and can't find any references to a collision is my memory failing me or does someone else
remember this?

Kenneth Roe
Fort Bliss, Texas

(Addendum: Found it.Atlantic 04/21/71: A fire of electrical origin and short duration occurs aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) in the Virginia Capes area.)


33.
Aug 12, 2010

Can I submit photos for the John F. Kennedy section? I have a few from the Philadelphia Navy Yard when I visited a couple of months ago.

John Smith

 
 

32.
May 23, 2010

A lot has been happening concerning the reunion, and our attempts to save BIG JOHN. There are two groups that have submitted packages (one in Rhode Island and the other in Portland, Maine, and some ships don't even get one, so we are blessed in that sense) to the Navy for our ship, and planning for our reunion goes on. Here's the latest concerning the reunion:

Name:  2011 USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) REUNION
Place:  Norfolk, VA
Dates:  8-11 SEP 2011
POC:  Bob Haner,
312 S. Wymore Rd, Apt. 103, Altamonte Springs, FL  32714,
Ph: 407-682-2613,
E-Mail:  bobnghaner@yahoo.com  or bbngh@earthlink.net
Website:  www.ussjfkassociation.com

Well, that's it for this update. Thanks for all you've done to help keep alive the memory and spirit of the ship. I, and the crew deeply appreciate it. TCAMGB.

Respectfully,
Bob Haner
President, USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) Association


31.
May 14, 2010

I served on " Big John " from 1972-1975 and would like to hear from anyone from V-2 Div. during that time, if you can help me. I would appreciate it very much.

Rollie Anderson


30.
May 13, 2010
I am or was, BT3 Oil Lab Smitty I was stationed on board Big John from Dec. 72 to Sept. 75. I was in the oil lab. I first worked for Chief Harris, he was a hell of a chief and taught me a lot. I still live my life by some of the morals he taught. I worked with Bob Briggs of Pa., Rick Christensen of Erie, Pa., Mike Clark of Indiana. I really loved serving my entire enlistment on the Kennedy.

I heard about the decommissioning ceremony in 2007 and was there. I never thought i'd be able to board her magnificentness again. I loved it and was glad to be there. My wife went with me as her dad served aboard the Midway. They are a magnificent piece of machinery. I would like any one to contact me if they wish. I hope she is turned into a museum and I will be on board once again. Thanks for the memories BIG JOHN.

Sincerely,
Oil Lab Smitty


29.
Apr. 25, 2010

My name is Joe McHugh (dog). Served on JFK from 1969-1972. 1st div/deck dept. Would love to hear from old shipmates. I'm from Philly. The ship is here in decommission, like to post message in hopes of receiving some responses from old shipmates. Please post my e-mail.

Joe McHugh
(Mchugh6@live.com)


28.
Apr. 6, 2010

I was a BT in 2MMR from 74-77. I was also in charge of a fire party when we collided with Belknap. People don't realize we burned for 10 -12 hours on the port 01-02 levels and we fought those fires. I hated JFK then but I look back now and see all that I learned. But I will say, airdales had it sooo much easier-three section duty at sea! We worked and had duty every day- woe to the 4-8 watch section! Work til 3:30, eat, stand watch get off at 7:45, shower, try to sleep, and then up at 3:30 to relieve the 12-4 watch! But at least we controlled the fresh water and could "trip" the pumps and have to try and work the bypass to bring it back online! I would like to volunteer to save JFK anyway I can

Steve Kirkland
Baton Rouge, Louisiana


27.
Mar. 10, 2010

Just keeping you up to date on the efforts to save the JFK, here is a link to the group that we hope will be able to bring the ship to Portland, Maine.

www.ussjohnfkennedymuseum.net

Bob Haner


26.
Feb. 4, 2010

I am trying to make contact with a very special person by name of Eddie Franklin? Petty Officer on USS JFK when it came to Perth, Western Australia in early 1981. At Fremantle we were able to go on a tour. We had a great friendship which carried on by letters for four years and then we lost touch with my travel. No emails back then or mobile phones were not the best. He was 33 at the time 6'6, (I am 5'10) divorced (I think) had 2 girls back in I think LA, and it is very important for me to find out if he would like to renew contact with me If you can post this on your wonderful site I would be most grateful. Perhaps someone knows what happened to him. He gave us a guided tour of the great ship and it most very memorable, I have always remembered him and still have his photo.

Rachel Spencer
Formerly Perth, Western Australia


25.
Dec. 22, 2009

I recently checked out the website again. I truly enjoy it. I served onboard The U.S.S. John F. Kennedy between 1981- 1985. I was a member of anti-submarine squadron VS-22, which was attached to N.A.S. Cecil Field, Fla. It too has been shut down, due to the downsizing. Cecil Field was approx 6 miles west of Jacksonville. I made two major deployments onboard the Kennedy, along with work-ups, training exercises and shake downs.

The U.S.S. John F. Kennedy is certainly an experience I will "NEVER" forget, especially the first time I worked the flight deck at night. It was and is an experience I will never forget. I wish to salute and say hello to all whom served onboard The U.S.S. John F. Kennedy and the rest of the fleet we worked along side. If anyone reads this message that worked with or knew me, I would like to hear from them. One can send me a message via Facebook.

Sincerely,
Tracy Mottern



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Messages 25-49
Page published Dec. 22, 2009