Thursday 02/27/2003 3:33:55pm

Name:

jeff schoonover DC3 midway 1988-1991

E-Mail:

jeffscom2@yahoo.com

Location:

Coeur d Alene, Idaho

Comments:

What a cool site! AWESOME job...

Tuesday 02/25/2003 7:12:27pm

Name:

Entonio

Location:

Norfolk

Comments:

I was a Chippy Ho dude for a minute. I enjoyed my time in Atsugi. your squadron was 3 hangars down. Cool page!

Monday 02/24/2003 5:27:17pm

Name:

Dave Tousseau

E-Mail:

tousseaudj@barstow.usmc.mil

Comments:

Good site, brought back memories, i was in VA-185 during the gulf war.

Saturday 02/22/2003 5:05:03pm

Name:

Dane Haaf

E-Mail:

kdhaaf@juno.com

Location:

Littleton, Colorado

Comments:

Oh, the memories come flooding back. I wouldn't trade my Midway time for anything. I wished I had known back then how much I would cherish the memories I have of the ugliest, oldest carrier in the fleet.

I remember walking around on the flight deck at night, the whole place bathed in red lights. It was probably the I.O. or some other warm place. It was pretty quiet out on the bow, just listening to the sound of the water being plowed aside. Seeing the Southern Cross down low near the horizon. Hearing the occasional flight deck announcements about a re-spot or some other thing going on up there.

Or maybe it was daylight and you can still see the little "flying" fish scooting away from the ship. Well, it's time to go read that letter from the wife (or girlfriend, or hook, or friend or mom, or child) that you've only read six times. Scootin' back down the well-worn ladders and landing on the deck of your coop and hearing the sound of your shipmates laughing at some joke or probably because someone farted loud and long in the little lounge that had the tables with the checkerboard on them.

Only now, you can't see the table, 'cause there's a wool blanket on it to keep the poker cards from sticking to the formica. Our "chips" are toothpicks, 'cause if the MAA's came down and saw money on the table, you were written up. And we're gambling away out paychecks, because we're not spending them on anything but batteries for our walkman or Cheese Nips from the ships store.

Singapore
Thailand
Perth
Korea
Hong Kong (and the 45 minute boat ride into the pier. But there was soda and beer on ice if you wanted.)
P.I. (the smells, sounds, sights and the smells. Can't get over that smell)

Need to go see her again. No doubt.

Press on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday 02/22/2003 4:26:00pm

Name:

Dane H. Haaf

E-Mail:

kdhaaf@juno.com

Location:

Littleton, Colorado

Comments:

Hope to see some of my friends at Midway's return to SanDog in 2003. I served in 82-85... s-2/s-5 Div.

Friday 02/21/2003 0:32:19am

Name:

E. A. Hughes, FTCM (SS), USN (ret)

E-Mail:

Hughes235@aol.com

Location:

Johns Island, SC

Comments:

Still a great site for sailors. Excellent graphics of Fuji, tigers and roses. Do not know what could be better.
Author of "Once I Was A Navyman". Thank you
E. A. Hughes

Monday 02/17/2003 8:14:49pm

Name:

Thomas Cave

E-Mail:

caveman186@juno.com

Comments:

I served on USS Midway from 1984-1987.Stationed in Yokosuka, Japan.

Thursday 02/13/2003 8:12:09pm

Name:

Bill Boylan

E-Mail:

wboylan@rcn.com

Location:

Boston, Ma

Comments:

Great Web Site, forgot all the good & tough times aboard the MIDWAY. But very proud to serve on the best ship in the Navy.

Tuesday, 02/11/2003 12:31:07

Name:

Jean Polhamus

E-Mail:

jeanpol21@yahoo.com

Comments:

I was stationed aboard the USS Midway in 1966----1967. I am looking for Dennis Donam and Ron Switzer. If anyone has their e-mail address would you please send it to me. Thanks for any help.

Leon (Buddy) Polhamus 
jeanp@bellatlantic.net

Friday 02/07/2003 12:59:05am

Name:

Mike Killips

E-Mail:

mkillips@voyager.net

Comments:

I served on the Midway from 81 to 84. VA-93

Thursday 02/06/2003 2:30:45pm

Name:

ASC JOHN W. DUFF

E-Mail:

duff.john@AIMD.nasni.navy.mil

Location:

SAN DIEGO

Comments:

I reported in Mar 89 to CV-41, did the cross deck to the Indy, went to Atsugi, back to the Indy then crossed to the Kitty and like many of us Midway sailor's did. "Nothing compares to the Midway Magic". Good job on your work on this site and I'll go ahead and pass the word.. Again, outstanding job, shipmate!!

Wednesday 02/05/2003 1:44:39pm

Name:

Tom Rose

E-Mail:

we3roses@msn.com

Location:

NAS Lemoore

Comments:

I served aboard her from 1989-1991 with VFA-151. Those were some unforgetable times some of the best in my career so far.

Tuesday 02/04/2003 9:15:22pm

Name:

David R. Reed

E-Mail:

reed_d@sbcglobal.net

Location:

E-mail

Comments:

This is a great site. Good job.

Concerning your picture of a wave crashing over EL 01. This is the 2nd time that I know of that this has happened. You think we would have learned something. I was aboard the Midway with VAQ-136 from '83 - '86. We hit a typhoon somewhere around the P.I. There was an A-7 sitting next to Ironclaw 604, the elevator went down to bring up an A-7. 604 was along for the ride. The wave came, snapped the chains on the A-7 and slammed it into our plane. We almost lost it and the PC since he had to ride brake. (that was policy). Both planes were trashed. Both 604's canopys were smashed and cockpits filled with sea water. Every piece of equipment, including the ejection seats, had to be removed and replaced. The reclamation on this was very time consuming and tedious. Needless to say, the plane did not fly again until we got back to Yokosuka. The plane was started and flew low speed, low altitude, and stiff legged to Atsugi by the C.O and M.O. I'll never forget seeing the C.O. in the right seat giving a thumbs down while CB were popping and the M.O. in the pilot seat giving the thumbs up. At the cat stroke, the plane disappeared briefly from sight and began to gain altitude slowly as if we were watching one of those old WWII movies. Needless to say, as soon as 604 arrived in Atsugi, it went immediately to NIPPI for overhaul.

David R. Reed
AME1 USN (RET)

Tuesday 02/04/2003 8:08:57pm

Name:

Barry Ernst

E-Mail:

barry@pipinternet.net

Location:

Buffalo Mo.

Comments:

Looking for shipmates in m div. from 61 to 65. work in #4 eng & pump room.

Tuesday 02/04/2003 6:29:07pm

Name:

ABF2 Lloyd Sullivan

E-Mail:

luciouslloyd@yahoo.com

Referred By:

Found it by accident

Location:

Seattle, Wa.

Comments:

served on midway 1987-1989

Sunday 02/02/2003 5:18:55pm

Name:

Michael Stenberg

E-Mail:

tsohindbq@hotmail.com

Comments:

Was SMO (senior medical officer) june73 - aug 76 (3yr 1 mo 11 days).
Retired at Naval Station Washington DC 1990.
This site is super.
Some picky points: in 75 in Thailand, the aircraft were hoisted aboard, not flown. They were not tailhook equipped. (We had NO shore liberty but could see the beer stand on the beach.) We steamed at nearly max to Guam where we offloaded them by crane in record time and steamed back to PI. The Flag aboard held an inspection of the crew somewhere between Guam and PI. I remember his chief of staff in whites with pants that had to be 6 inches too short. btw it was hot on the flight deck in the noonday sun.
Keep up all the good work.

Reply:

Thank you for the correction Michael. I had been meaning to change the history concerning this fact, but I kept getting sidetracked. This information has now been updated in the history.

 ~ Troy, Website owner

Saturday 02/01/2003 7:25:32pm

Name:

Barry Ernst

E-Mail:

barry@pipinternet.net

Location:

Buffalo Mo.

Comments:

Was in m div.#4 engine room 61 to 66

Wednesday 01/29/2003 3:47:26pm

Name:

clayton copping

E-Mail:

whitebib@hotmail.com

Referred By:

A friend told me

Comments:

I spent 4 years on the USS Midway in the gunnery depart. 7th division. Richard Kretzschmar lives in Mellen WI. He was on the Midway with me--same division.

Tuesday 01/28/2003 8:33:38pm

Name:

Hank

E-Mail:

hankm1@prodigy.net

Comments:

Thanks for a splendid website! Great reading about an incomparable carrier!

I have several questions which I'm hoping that you can answer for me. I have a friend that relates stories about when he was aboard the USS midway near the end of her modernization in the mid 1960s. Quite frankly I do not believe the stories. My brother-in-law maintains that he has had the stories substantiated recently by someone who also claimed to be on the USS Midway at the time of here mid 1960s modernization.

He relates that she was fitted with nuclear power. I have established that this is not true.

Additionally, he relates that the crew was schooled on a proposed rapid ship reversal system that would:

~ Employ a configuration of the ship which would allow seawater to pass through the ship from the aft to the bow.
 

~ The seawater would pass along the hanger deck.
 

~ Doors at the aft and bow would allow the seawater to pass in and out.
 

He claims that they were shown videos and that they were issued harnesses to hook onto rings that had been installed along the hanger deck. These were to keep the crew from being washed overboard.
 

I do not believe this story but have no way to disprove that the idea was even contemplated by the Navy for the USS Midway.

He also relates that while she was heading to sea trials an erroneous computer caused water to be shifted in ballast tanks and that she heeled over to a very dangerous condition.

Thanks again for the splendid site.

Hank

Reply:

Does anyone else know about this? I had never heard of it and it sounds like a whopper of a sea story.

 ~ Troy, Website owner

Thursday 01/23/2003 0:45:32am

Name:

MSSN James Brady 1990-1992

E-Mail:

sisnjim@sbcglobal.net

Comments:

Midway was the singlemost best experience of my life. I'll never forget her or the lifelong friends I made. I was on board during the fire, and I just took a moment to remember the loss of our fellow shipmates. I hope everyone does the same.

Wednesday 01/22/2003 10:14:14pm

Name:

Ronald Donovan

E-Mail:

REDONOVAN@AOL.COM

Location:

Seattle Wa.

Comments:

Good info. I was on Midway from 5/87 till 12/90. She was a "GREAT SHIP"

Sunday 01/19/2003 8:48:59am

Name:

AWCM James A. Stuthers Jr.

E-Mail:

jmasthrs@earthlink.net

Location:

Sunny Florida

Comments:

April 1984-April 1987 served with HS-12 in Midway as aircrewmember and Command Senior Chief. It was fantastic and I do have stories that I will submit.

Sunday 01/19/2003 7:53:20am

Name:

AW1(AW) Ret. Rob Bixby

E-Mail:

Scubabix@attbi.com

Comments:

Thanks for a great site for what I consider the best ship I served on in my 20 years.

Saturday 01/18/2003 5:23:40pm

Name:

AE 2 Tom Whited

E-Mail:

whitedtom@msn.com

Comments:

I was a member of VA 56 and was onboard from 1972 through 1975

Thursday 01/16/2003 8:02:44am

Name:

Chris Roop

E-Mail:

n204@yahoo.com

Location:

Florida

Comments:

VA-93 Ravens

Tuesday 01/14/2003 2:40:19pm

Name:

James Massey

E-Mail:

James.Massey@GDC4S.com

Comments:

Great site. Thanks for keeping the memories alive. 07/88 - 12/91 operations dept. OE05 NTDS

Tuesday 01/14/2003 1:02:35pm

Name:

doug.miller

E-Mail:

dejkmiller@wcoil.com

Location:

van wert ohio

Comments:

I was on the midway from 1957 to 1961 in the v3 div i also have a collection of midway stuff not as much as you I have been trying to find a cup but not much luck yet do you plan on going to san diego when they get the old gal set up? thanks doug,

Friday 01/10/2003 11:34:09pm

Name:

PAUL GURCZYNSKI

E-Mail:

PAULGFNP@COMCAST.NET

Comments:

WAS ON MIDWAY 1977 - 1981 INTERESTING TO SEE THE PICTURES.

Wednesday 01/08/2003 7:50:37pm

Name:

Terry Weidner

E-Mail:

tspace66@yahoo.com

Location:

Lead S.D.

Comments:

I Had the pleasure to come aboard as a hull tech In june 1990 just a few days before the fire that killed our three ship mates. I knew 2 personally and actually got assigned a rack from 1 of the deceased. It was a hell of a way to begin my polywogship. And on our way to war to boot. Well I do hope that the carriers that are on there way now have some of that magic of The Midway Thank you

Tuesday 01/07/2003 5:52:19am

Name:

Rick Gould

E-Mail:

ibnfe2@att.net

Homepage URL:

http://home.att.net/~ibnfe2/home.html

Location:

NAS Point Mugu, CA

Comments:

I served aboard the Midway during almost the exact time that you did. I was in VFA-195 and was there from Jan 89 through March 1991.

I reflect your reverence for the FINEST SHIP IN THE FLEET. Everyone thinks BS until they actually experience that ship. Not one person of the dozens and dozens that served aboard her, whom I have run into, has ever said it was a bad tour, bad crew, or bad ship.

It was always the CREW that made her the FINEST!

Thank God, they're going to make her a museum!

Sunday 01/05/2003 6:09:48am

Name:

Kana

E-Mail:

kjaerospace@yahoo.com

Location:

Los Angeles

Comments:

Hi!! I am looking for my friends who were on USS MIDWAY in 1989~1991, and friends who were also on the USS MIDWAY then later moved to NAS Lemoore with VFA-151. My ex-husband was AZ at the time and his last name is PENN. I was his wife (now ex). I am just wondering how is everybody!! E-mail me at kjaerospace@yahoo.com, if you remember us!! Talk to you soon!!

Saturday 01/04/2003 7:14:36pm

Name:

Scott W. Smith

E-Mail:

ssmith@ffscnorva.navy.mil

Location:

Norfolk, VA

Comments:

Great site with great history of my first love in the Navy. I sailed on her from 1982 to 1986 with VF-151. I seen a lot of history made during those years, including the first time she had 2 F-14 Tomcats take her wires due to their ship was fogged in. Marines had to guard them in fear of some serious zapping from the airwing. It wasn't everyday we had visiting aircraft from other airwings. :)

Saturday 01/04/2003 6:55:08pm

Name:

L. RUSS PORTER

E-Mail:

lrpandjmp@aol.com

Location:

EAST NEWPORT, MAINE

Comments:

I WAS ABOARD 46-48 AND WITNESSED THE LAUNCHING OF THE V-2 ROCKET OFF THE STERN OF THE FLIGHT DECK. YOU SAY IT WAS IN SEP. 47 BUT AM SURE IT WAS IN JUNE 47, I AM PRETTY SURE OF THE DATE.
RUSS PORTER

Reply:

Sorry Russ.....

After considerable research, I have to stand by the September 1947 date. Even the U.S. Navy says so!

 ~ Troy, Website owner

Friday 01/03/2003 2:17:46pm

Name:

Kana Hirouchi-Penn

E-Mail:

kjaerospace@yahoo.com

Location:

Los Angeles

Comments:

Hi!! I am from Japan, now I am living in Los Angeles with my three daughters who were born in here U.S. I had many friends who were on USS MIDWAY, especially around the time DESERT STORM was goin' on. My daughters father was in VFA-151 and we moved to NAS Lemoore in 1991. In 1993, he got out from NAVY. Sometimes I am wondering how are my all MIDWAY friends going now. I really enjoy your site! Thank you!!

Wednesday 01/01/2003 4:58:15pm

Name:

Art Warmanen

E-Mail:

fatartwar53@aol.com

Location:

Mount Vernon, Wa 98274

Comments:

Good website , I was a AME1 Stationed with VA-115 1981-83, and with VA-185 1987-1989. Knew a few guys from VAQ-136.