James R. Emery
807 Minakwa Dr.
Madison, WI. 53711
August 2, 2000
Nathan Good - KC5VLF
P.O. Box 833
Tatum, NM 88267-0813
Dear Mr. Good:
While visiting with friends in Illinois, recently, we began to play around on the
Internet and called up information on the "Flying Goose" USS Currituck AV7.
Your call sign KC5VLF also appeared.
You apparently had some connection with the USS Curntuck. For your information I am a "Plank Owner". On my return from Trinidad, BWI, I was assigned to the USS Currituck on May 12, 1944. She was commissioned on June 22, 1944 at Philadelphia, PA.
After the shake down cruise, we passed through the Panama Canal either Sept.9th
or 10th . We crossed the Equator on September 17, 1944. Arrived in Finchhaffen, New Guinea on October 2, 1944. (My 21st birthday.) We sailed through the
Solomon Island, Admiralty Island, Manus, Morati, Palu and many other island
enroute to Taclobon, Leyete. On Oct. 13th, Admiral Wagner, Com7thflt,
Aerological DivLogistic Section came aboard and the USS Currituck became his FlagShip. At the time I was RM2C, but a short time later I was transferred to Admiral Wagner's staff. Later, we moved ashore at Sangley Point, Cavite, Luzon,
Philippines. I was then promoted to RM1 C.
I was discharged Jan. 6, 1945.
She was a great ship on which to serve. I have many fond memories of the roll she played in the South Pacific. The USS Tangiers, AV6, also served in the same area.
Any information you can provide regarding historical facts, past reunions or any upcoming reunions would be most helpful.
I don't have e-mail or Internet, so you will have to rely on the old US Mail. Or set a
time and frequency and perhaps we can chat - I hold an extra class license -KG9PT.
Sincerely,
James R. Emery
My Father, Ellis S. Keith was a Pharmacists Mate 1/C during WW2 and was an Aviation Medical Technician. He flew on PBY's that were assigned to the Currituck, in 44. Enclosed is a picture of him, (click on his name above for pic..webmaster) which was taken shortly after he came home. The flight pictuer was taken before he went overseas, while in school at San Francisco. I have been in contact with several of her former crew members, of which Lyman Roney advised me of your web site. I wish to thank you very much for your site and a WELL DONE! If you would like to know about how we "Brown Water Sailors" lived in Viet Nam, check out YRBM-20. I was a plank owner. Take care and don't let your anchor drag, kenkeith at lisco.com
Ken Keith
1960-1963 I can think of lots of good memories, but one Really stands out. We were in Guantanamo Bay during "shakedown" cruise, and we had a little run-in with some smart alec Sailors from another ship, and they insisted on having their butts whipped by a bunch of Currituck Sailors. Did we EVER oblige them!!!!!!!!!. Even our Ship's Boatswain and Engineering Department head joined the frey. I returned to the ship with some twenty Shore Patrol Clubs/Nightsticks, and with some fairly large knots all over the old Bod . /ha
The Captain's Mast sure was crowded when the Captain addressed more men than could be accommodated comfortably on one small Ship. I don't recall how many men were put on report, but there were a LOT of good men there. I sorta' remember that Mike Corso represented the ship pretty too. "MAN" what a punch that young man had. He musta' been a coal miner's Son.
Anyway, the reson for the Ship's involvement in the melee was, our Ship had been repainted in the Shipyard and the interior color turned out to be a Beautiful "PINK", and these Smart Alec Sailors were calling us a bunch of Candy A..es. Well , to their detriment, we were not even the "Candy" part of their insinutaions. After a few were gently "Laid Out", they decided to holler "UNCLE". Needless to say, the "Candies" had us put on report. Musta taken a lot of Shore Patrol half the night to get everyones' name on paper. /ha
At the Captain's Mast, there was "Standing-room-Only" . The Captain (I refuse to name him, but his initials were C.A.B.) /ha chewed us out for a few minutes, and then with a "BROAD" smile said, "I'm Proud Of Every One Of You For Defending The Honor Of Your Ship, Only wish I could Have participated ". Everyone, Dismissed, with a smile, and lots of black eyes, swollen lips, and sore heads were returned to duty, with their good records still intact.
To this day , I cannot remember even one persons' name that was involved in this "Smoker". I dare one of you to tell me I'm lyin' !!!!!!!. /ha/ha/ah/ah I sure Enjoyed serving with every one of you "Candies". /ha/ha
Don't forget to let Ron, Steve, Nathan, and all the rest that helped put together the information for your Web Page, a great BIG "ATTABOY!".
Smooth sailing to you all, Joe Peake
Where is the Ships Bell ?
"Why do you take your wife to all the Navy Reunions?"
"Because she's too ugly to kiss goodbye." Don Maxwell sent me a newspaper article regarding an x-swabbie that
made a trip to the South Pacific and found his sunken ship. And all I'm
trying to do is find the ship's bell off the EVERGLADES (and off the
CURRITUCK), and am having two kinds of luck: none and not any. The
EVERGLADES was towed/broken up in India in 1992 after being sold in
1991. Did the bell go with her, or does it languish in someone's den?
-- (Can't remember if I heard this from VanBlaricom or Maxwell or
Mayor Curtis)
(No, they did not originate the saying: Bum Phillips, Houston
Oiler's
Football coach came up with it)
How y'all are?
"To the World you might be just one person:
But to one person, you might be the World."
If you've not 'voted' on your choice for the 2002 reunion site, 'make it
so.' The last votes counted will be received (eML) or post marked
(snail mail) prior to July 01.
Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Council Bluffs, Memphis. As Jerry
published in the last 'publication he publically pronounced,' vote for
three sites: 1st (3 points); 2nd (2 points); and 3rd (1 point).
Greatest number of total points wins: a gold plated dollar coin will be
used to flip regarding a tie for 1st place.
I could tell you who is ahead at this time, but I won't. I will say
this: there is one 'out in front'; two almost tied in the middle; and
one bringing up the rear.
I've been in contact with other ships that have had reunions in each
of these locations, and they've had glowing reports about each of them.
Oh, by the way; don't try to 'run in a ringer' on me and try to vote
more than one time. My 'fleas of 1000 camels to infest armpits' retorts
are anxiously awaiting those making futile 'second' attempts.
Please, when you talk to other Association members, ask them if
they've voted, and if not, do so to: Walter Johnson, 5311 Tawney
Avenue, Amarillo TX 79106 or eML to: batusa at arn.net
Y'all hang tough until the fat lady sings,
Walter Johnson in BATUSA (Beautiful Amarillo Texas USA)
(ME2, 5th Div, Plank Owner, USS EVERGLADES AD24 51-54)
15th annual reunion Seattle Sept 2000 16th Boston Sept 2001
17th 2002 ???)
