The Champion Submarine-Killing Submarine of World War Two

 

Guestbook, 2000

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Date: December 27, 2000
Time: 16:17:33
Name: Rod West
Comments: I was in Naval Reserve Unit 8-34 in 64-65. The Batfish was our training boat at Algiers Naval Station in New Orleans. We didn't take it out but did "dives" at the dock. Later on in life, it turns out my boss at work had been in the same unit after I left. We had a Chief Reynolds on board who was in WWII. I retired as a MGySgt. in the USMC after 30 years but always remember my time on the boats. MGySgt. Rod West USMC (RET)

Date: December 27, 2000
Time: 00:36:43
Name: None
Comments: Bravo Zulu on your web site from a former "Dirt Sailor": HM2(FMF/SW/SCW)/USN. Found from search enginer @ "northernlights.com". Looking for some sub simulation games for my iMac

Date: December 4, 2000
Time: 11:49:42 -0500
Name: Sherri Autrey
Comments: I liked it all! I will check it out more from home. I got a tip from a great source that this was an awesome site!!! As far as my favorite sub, I'll have to think about it and get back to you!

Date: November 28, 2000
Time: 20:57:30
Name: Jeff Crowcroft
Comment: Just finished Mr. Houghston's book...very entertaining!!

Date: November 28, 2000
Time: 15:23:11
Name: John Coen
Comment: n/t

Date: November 12, 2000
Time: 18:36:55
Name: Pedro Castillo
Comments: I visited the Batfish in Muskogee in the middle of this year and it was an excellent experience for me as I am a foreigner visiting Oklahoma, I fell in love with the way you guys have kept the memory alive of those who served in WWII, thanks.

Date: November 1, 2000
Time: 02:26:58
Name: Joe Sauder
Comments: Best lookin volunteer group I've seen in years. If I ever do get to the BATFISH, you'll have a hell of time getting me to go home. Would you let me sleep on her? :-) Love the smell of the old subs. Best regards, Joe Sauder

Date: October 30, 2000
Time: 23:17:16
Name: Elizabeth Boriszek
Comments: I live in Baltimore and work as Keeper of Boat on USS Torsk also work as paid staff for the museum .Have come to feel quite affectionate to Torsk she is very special to me. Of course care about all memorial subs cant loose any of them since they are the contacts to the sub services legacy. Yet time I spend on Torsk is important to me. One of Batfish former crewmembers Joe Tuma also spends time on the boat talking to visitors they enjoy his lively and informative talks. Keep up the good work with Batfish she deserves any and all the attention that she gets.

Date: October 30, 2000
Time: 17:00:59
Name: Paula Day
Comments: n/t

Date: October 30, 2000
Time: 07:05:11
Name: Michael Thomas
Comments: I got to your site via the 'Haze-Gray & Underway' site, which lists all museum ships in the US and worldwide. My interest in the Batfish is that (through his son-in-law) I knew the late Admiral Jake Fyfe (wonderful character) who, as you must know, was a former captain of the boat (as I think you call them in the US, in polite terms, that is. I think you have done a grand job here. The only additions I would like to see are some more detailed shots of the interior of the submarine. Well done! Dr. Mike Thomas

Date: October 27, 2000
Time: 09:58:46
Name: Bomar
Comments: Being a retired "skimmer" (DD-442,) I think of the courage of the crew on subs. I have often wondered what thoughts and fears went through the minds of these men every time we rolled a spread off our racks. It would scare the hell out of me

Date: October 3, 2000
Time: 01:10:47
Name: Eugene Titsworth
Comments: I'm 35 and live in Van Buren Arkansas, as a child I remember watching a remarkable sight. A WWII Sub floated by our town in the Arkansas River. Later I would see this same sub tied up in Muskogee Ok. Over the years I have kept up with this sub and have always been in awe of her. Several years ago I took my own children to see her up close and personal. To this day whenever I get a chance to be in that area I go by for a look.

Date: October 1, 2000
Time: 21:42:03
Name: Gary Tears
Comments: After 6 years of driving by your location, I toured the museum and sub in Sept. You have done well with what you have been given. I believe that a more substantial sign would have lured me to the museum much sooner! I hope to be able to volunteer some time in the future to help to maintain this landmark. Gary

Date: September 30, 2000
Time: 15:23:08
Name: Carl Weber
Comments: Hi, I recommissioned the Batfish in 1953 and stayed onboard until 1955. It was a great re-commisioning crew. Remember the CO Jackson, he was one of the best. Would like to know when and where you might be having a reunion.

Date: September 24, 2000
Time: 18:33:56
Name: Jerry Patrick
Comments: On a recent trip to Muskogee to attend an air show, I made plans to go to the Memorial Museum before driving home. At nine years old in 1970 I was on a tour that my grandfather had planned for us at his work place. He worked at the Orange Naval Station in Orange Texas, for overseeing the security of the moth ball fleet that was anchored there. We were shown many ships from the Navy, but there were two submarines in the fleet that also were there. One of them was the Batfish. My grandfather related to us some of it's history and how it come to be anchored at the Naval station. We pulled along side of the sub and crawled aboard to look at the superstructure. Seeing the scars of years of hard work from many of the times it had seen had taken a toll on it's hull. This memory had stayed with me for years. Now, 30 years after that time I spent on deck, I once again was privledged to walk the deck of the Batfish. But as I sat there looking at the sub, I thought of all those that served her in her prime state. Men that were proud to do thier duty in her care. Easing my way through the body of the boat, I could almost hear the men that graced her for so many years. Every work station had it's importance. In my reflection of those that were there when I was touring the interior there were those that were looking intently at every detail and those that just were looking. I don't know if the lookers realize what the Batfish symbolizes? Ask any vet that has served on a submarine. They will tell you what it symbolizes! This is a part of American history. The type you can see and feel. For me ..30 years ago it didn't make much sense what my grandfather had told us. But in those years I learned about sacrifice and duty to my country. Now when I see the Batfish, it's like meeting an old friend you haven't seen but always thought of. Keep up the fantastic work to keep this history alive. I'm sure to return for another visit.

Date: September 5, 2000
Time: 21:58:44
Name: Delmar Harris
Comments: I live in Stigler, OK and have visited the Batfish on several occasions and am always amazed at how the boys must have had to live on any sub during WWII. Having served 3 years in the medics in Vietnam from 64-67 will always have a special place in my heart for any combat vet.

Date: September 5, 2000
Time: 10:15:38
Name: Gladys Walton
Comments: Hello! This is Gladys Walton. I was at the reunion in 1999 and really enjoyed myself. My stepfather which is Harry Coker he was on the batfish . If anybody has questions feel free to e-mail me at wal-fam@cherokeewoods.com. I will answer anybody's questions if I can't I know my dad can.

Date: August 24, 2000
Time: 19:01:49
Name: Bill Heaton
Comments: (ex) IC1/SS ...served aboard USS Batfish (SSN-681 version) 1984-1986. Original "Sighted Jap sub, sank same" Ship's Log from SS-310 was on our mess decks in a display case. The old "Rubber Batboat" is decommissioned and will be heading for SRP any time now. Sad thing. Great site you got here! Thanks for what you guys (and all submariners) did for us in WWII. Iron men for sure.

Date: August 23, 2000
Time: 21:42:41
Name: LT HAMMONDS
Comments: As a crew member of the USS Batfish during WW2 I am please to see this sort of information and pictures for the first time. It brings back a lot of memories, thanks to my son-inlaw. and thanks to the men and women to put on this fine presentation, again thanks. LT Hammonds

Date: August 16, 2000
Time: 04:18:23
Name: Hondo
Comments: Great site Mark!! I've only made about a thousand visits here so it's about time I signed in and say that you have my deepest respect for all that you do to keep the memory and the valiant history of the USS Batfish alive and well.

Date: August 11, 2000
Time: 00:39:39
Name: Everett Rice
Comments: I recently visited your boat and was very happy to have made the trip down from Topeka,Ks. The Batfish is the forth submarine I have been on the first being the Cod in Cleveland Oh. when it was still maintained by the Naval Reserve. More recently were the Torsk in Baltimore and the Marlin in Omaha. I enjoyed touring the Batfish most but as with the other two fleet boats still wish I could have seen the inside of the conning tower. If I lived closer you would have an avid volunteer! Everett Rice

Date: August 5, 2000
Time: 23:17:29
Name: Paul Kouma
Comments: My name is Paul kouma. I knew Mr. Teeter as a good friend and neighbor. I'd work on his car as he waited patiently off to one side, never an interuption. One day after we were done with his car, he gave me a pen. It was from a reunion. It was from that pen that I learned of the USS Batfish. I want to learn more about the Batfish and Mr. Teeter.(i dont even know his rank). I remember his bone crushing handshakes but I also remember that hug that he would give me that made me feel that I was more important than him.

Date: August 3, 2000
Time: 16:49:11
Name: Marty Baum
Comments: great site, I'm a plank owner 681 boat thanks!! marty

Date: July 28, 2000
Time: 02:17:03
Name: Charles R Scribner
Comments: Just searching on Yahoo for Batfish and found this sight. I was one of the first people to get on board the Batfish when it arrived in the Muskogee Port Area. I met a lot of the old crew while the berth for it was being built. Since I was a member of the local county law official, I stood guard watch for a time at the Batfish. I met Admiral Kirkpatrick from Oklahoma City who was one of the persons involved in getting the sub for Muskogee. One of the old crew I remember was a man named Battenfield from around Pryor, Oklahoma. He along with a lot of others put in a lot of long hours during the berthing stage.

Date: July 27, 2000
Time: 00:47:53
Name: Loren Simms
Comments: Hi Loren Simms here. I was just wandering thru and came on this website. My Father, Elijah H. Simms (served on the USS Cavalla during WWII) was one of the men responsible for bring the USS Batfish to Muskogee. I have visited the 'boat' a several years ago. One of these days I hope to again visit. Thank you.

Date: July 25, 2000
Time: 14:26:30
Name: Mush
Comments: Well I have not looked at it yet but bookmarked it and will taka a close look later. Arrived trough Silent Hunter Forum.

Date: July 3, 2000
Time: 19:56:11
Name: Ken May
Comments: Great Site! I really became interested in subs a few months ago and have been going wild about them. I have lived within a couple hours drive of Muskogee for over 20 years, but never knew about the Batfish. My wife saw just the very tail end of a program about the Batfish on the Public Television station so she got on the net and found your site. I went to see the Batfish today because of your site, and I loved it. It was the first trip of many. Now that I have gotten back, I have gotten back on your site to review some of the facts about this sub. Thanks!!

Date: June 30, 2000
Time: 23:48:34
Name: Kevin Shutt
Comments: I lived on Snook Ave. at Sub Base New London. I spent four years on the USS Groton (SSN 694) from Oct. 1993 until her decomm Nov. 7 1997 at Portsmouth, N.H. I look forward to visiting the Batfish 1 July 2000 (tomorrow). I am a member of the Batfish base, but since I live down in Lawton, it is hard for me to get up that way for meetings. Fair winds and following seas!

Date: June 30, 2000
Time: 08:18:16
Name: Ray Kirkbride
Comments: Great Site. My hat's off to you. I discovered your great boat while on a trip to Tenkiller Lake several years ago, and went through it then. My wife and I will be celebrating our 27TH year of marriage soon and we are planning to drive around our great state and visit places we haven't seen together.So since she was'nt with me on my first visit I thought I would like for her to see it this time. I spent 4 years in the Navy, but as a airdale (SAR Team),with 3 tours in Viet Nam. No matter what rating--Navy men, women,ships, boats, aircraft, it doesn't matter, they are always near my heart. I look forward to my visit in mid July.

Date: June 28, 2000
Time: 23:57:57
Name: Eldon Lindenau
Comments: I got her right out of sub school New London, Conn.. We had already heard about her record. I believe She had a PUC for killing 3 Japanese subs in 72 hrs. I went to torpedo "A" school after and caught her in Gitmo Bay. Pulled liberty in Havana Santiago Guantanam City You should have seen the train we rode from Camanero to Guantanam City, Kingston, Cartehena, Columbia, Panama city, Colon, swam in the fresh water lake. Hit all the major ports on the West Coast of S.A.early 1957. Served on Four more Pac Fleet. Mustered out 1968 TM 1 (ss). Thanks for remembering those WW 2 heros. Eldon Lindenau

Date: June 28, 2000
Time: 10:38:15
Name: Darrel, Kim & kids De Sautell
Comments: We thank the people who got this important piece of history for everyone to visit so they might understand our War time history. We, as a family, are very thankful for all who served, fought, and died for our great country. We are just glad to have this memorial to visit to honor those good men and women and will share our experience with our friends and family so they might honor those also. Thanks again!!!

Date: June 20, 2000
Time: 13:00:29
Name: Billy Clonts
Comments: this is a very intresting site. thanks, billy clonts

Date: June 18, 2000
Time: 22:14:52
Name: Thomas Washington
Comments: Site advertised in Dallas Morning News comic section on June 18,2000. It would be great if you could find and publish the rosters of the crew and officers from each patrol.

Date: June 18, 2000
Time: 22:11:50
Name: BRUCE LESTER
Comments: n/t

Date: June 1, 2000
Time: 09:32:00
Name: Gary Markwell
Comments: Served on the U.S.S. Growler 577

Date: May 20, 2000
Time: 18:55:31
Name: Jerry Hemby
Comments: First this is an excellent web site. I was in the Navy but not on subs. I was going to sub school but did not want to extend for it at the time. I was stationed on the USS America CVA-66, 65-68, ETR-3, landing radar and several radars. I enjoyed this site tremendously. I read EVERY patrol record and again think this is a great tribute to the submariners who lived and died in the service of the country. Thanks for so much information on the operations of this great boat and the men who served in her. Jerry Hemby

Date: May 5, 2000
Time: 03:18:43
Name: Les Cooksey
Comments: To: U.S.S. Batfish, Arrived here after hearing of a U.S. WW II submarine in Muskogee. I love to read about World War II, especially the war in the Pacific, and the role of the Silent Service. I live in Bossier City, Louisiana, and hope I will be able to visit the U.S.S. Batfish in the near future. Thank you for keeping this important part of that history alive and available to the general public. May God continue to bless you, and those who served. Les Cooksey

Date: April 29, 2000
Time: 11:27:09
Name: Jim Roughley
Comments: n/t

Date: April 28, 2000
Time: 19:45:31
Name: James Smith
Comments: Way back in the early 80's, a few friends and myself operated amateur radio from the Batfish. Must have been about 80-81. Lost the logs a long time ago. I kept one of the QSL cards we used, but forgot to date it or send myself one in the mail! We were inspired by accounts of radio operation on the USS Texas battleship (W5TSB, I think...). I think the call we used was WA5YTI, a club call from one of the OKC area clubs. Lotsa fun! Jim N8AVX/AG

Date: April 20, 2000
Time: 08:07:41
Name: Andy Ratto
Comments: Hello. Fantastic site. I had a close family friend who served on the USS Batfish in WWII. His name was Joseph Kilrain, Joe past away a few years ago. When I was a kid he gave me a plaque that had two fish ramming a ship on either side. He said it was from his boat the Batfish. That was 14 years ago and I still have it. I came upon this site after telling the guys I work with about Joe and was curious to find and information about the USS Batfish. I am most interested in a larger image of the crew photo on the main page to see if I can pick my friend out. Again, fantastic site, keep up the good work. Andy

Date: April 16, 2000
Time: 16:53:47
Name: Levi Taylor
Comments: Congratulations on a great web page, outstanding job. Levi

Date: April 9, 2000
Time: 17:49:51
Name: Ed McDowell
Comments: Good site for a top boat - will be back from time to time. Subnut and Silent Hunter simulation devotee, Ed McDowell

Date: April 8, 2000
Time: 03:19:22
Name: Larry Kramer
Comments: Hi, just found your website, I have toured the Cavalla in Galveston several times, but my heart sank two years ago when I saw her in such devastation . . .always had a thing for submarines, since I was eight or ten. but if you visit my website, you will also find that I like the old Warbirds as much! please visit my website and sign my guestbook.

Date: March 20, 2000
Time: 23:37:29
Name: Robert Fisher
Comments: Visited the Batfish in 1981. I have studied about subs as a past time and it all started with the tour of the Batfish. Just reading Hughston E. Lowder's book and wondered if the Batfish was still open as a war memorial. It was good to see the website indicate that it is. Thanks

Date: March 16, 2000
Time: 14:27:54
Name: John E. Hooten
Comments: Love your sight. Thanks for the time and effort, please keep it up so they don't forget. John E. Hooten QMC USN Ret.

Date: March 15, 2000
Time: 23:46:48
Name: Harvey Tate
Comments: Have been to see Batfish two times, very enjoyable, also bought and read book . Great memorial to WW2 and submariners

Date: March 5, 2000
Time: 00:25:21
Name: Shane Creaton
Comments: Good afternoon sir, GM3 reporting sir. I found this page when I decided to see what I can find on the net about the Batfish. I have gone and seen twice when NJROTC when I was high school. I'm now in the navy. I had just made GM3.Today is my duty day and since I had nothing to do I would learn about the great boat that sits in my home state. Sincerely, Shane M. Creaton GM3 USN

Date: March 3, 2000
Time: 00:35:18
Name: Ray Agee
Comments: I visited Batfish a few summers ago and was impressed with what you have. I felt bad to see the condition of her hull and vandalism I saw. If I lived there, I would be a volunteer.

Date: February 18, 2000
Time: 17:56:27
Name: Fred Butz
Comments: I served on the Batfish at Key West mid 50's Sonar Operator, Then Forward Eng Room. Visited the Batfish April 98 and am going to see her again in May

Date: February 16, 2000
Time: 03:17:23
Name: John M. Lamb CS1 (SS) ret
Comments: Very nice page for the boat.JML

Date: February 15, 2000
Time: 08:58:20
Name: David Allen
Comments: Like Don Brown (from earlier entry), I also spent several nights on the Batfish with a Boy Scout troop. I don't think there is a place on the sub that I have not been. One fond memory is crawling through one of the forward torpedo tubes. They have since chained them shut, not that I could fit in one now...The page keep looking better and better, count me in on the volunteer day!

Date: February 12, 2000
Time: 09:42:06
Name: Jim Nickle
Comments: I was a crew member and qualified on the Batfish SS310 during 1957 and 58. We put her out of commission in Charleston in the summer of 1958. I enjoyed the web-page and encourage you to do more.

Date: February 8, 2000
Time: 13:15:26
Name: Gary Thonn
Comments: The Batfish was my Naval Reserve training boat in New Orleans in the 60's. I later served on two conventional boats: Carp (SS-338) and Sirago (SS-485)

Date: February 3, 2000
Time: 19:20:47
Name: Richard Crockett
Comments: My father served onboard during war and is in your picture of crew. My brother Jim visited your memorial to see the sub my dad was on. He sent me a cap and a bigger picture of the crew. I am now reading the patrol log missions. I wish I could find someone who knew my dad on the ship during the war.His name was William I. Crockett (Bill). He was a torpedoman 1st class.I would like to thank you and others for creating this site to remember our heroes. Sincerely, Richard Crockett. Email thealamo1@cs.com

Date: February 3, 2000
Time: 00:35:04
Name: Bill Crockett
Comments: I really liked your web site my father served on USS Batfish during the war. He was a torpedoman. Do you have a list of all crew on board during the war? My fathers name is Bill Ccrockett or William I Crockett. If you have any information on him please let me know. My father passed away in 1978 from cancer. He loved the Navy. My e-mail address is thealamo1@cs.com. I am Bills oldest son Richard.

Date: February 2, 2000
Time: 15:43:12
Name: Mike Smith
Comments: Hi~ I was born and raised in Muskogee, Okla. near the Arkansas River. When I was a boy, one day a tug pulled a submarine up the river to the edge of a slough. My friends and I instantly fell in love with this giant, as sad as it looked, lying in the mud, almost on it's side. It became our favorite place to be. Eventually restored and opened to the public, I toured it many times. I have also taken my children through it, and they as well, fell in love with it, too.We now live in Texas. My question to you is about newsletters on the Batfish. Is there one available, and if so, how do I subscribe to it? I would appreciate any reply to this matter. Thank you so much and long live the Batfish!! Sincerely, Mike Smith

Date: January 22, 2000
Time: 23:04:55
Name: Jim Blackburn
Comments: Great job! Nothing said can match what has been done! Had the honor of serving on Archerfish during phase 1 and 2 of operation sea scan. Enjoyed learning history of sister sub.

Date: January 21, 2000
Time: 12:26:54
Name: Noel Barnett
Comments: I am the last Electrical Division Chief onboard the last ship named Batfish, (that ship being SSN 681). We decommissioned her in March of 1999. I was on the decomm crew. We finished an arournd -the-world deployment prior to inactivation and crossed roads where the SS 310 patrolled during WW II. I am from Oklahoma origionally and have visited the War Memorial several times after I joined the Navy inn 1978. I am retired from active duty now and look forward to being part of the Batfish legacy.

Date: January 18, 2000
Time: 17:40:06
Name: Tom Chambers
Comments: This is a great site! I especially like the patrol reports, they make it clear that actually sub combat in WWII was a lot different and more frustrating than the movies or history books convey. Keep up the good work!

Date: January 17, 2000
Time: 20:24:43
Name: Dean Gilliland
Comments: I served aboard the Batfish in 1954 and 1955 as an EN-2(SS). She was my first boat of many to follow. Finally retiring in 1974. I could ramble on forever, but will try not to. I visited the boat at Muskogee with my wife's cousin who served on the Charr during WW2. We were a bit disappointed---. After serving on a boat for a couple of years and then going back after about forty five years---. It's hard to explain, but to watch the visitors go aboard, and in our humble opinion, showed little, if any respect for a gallant lady who served her country so gallantly. Maybe I'm just a sentimental old fool---. You have a beautiful web site; thanks so much for the memories. Dean. Email address henry_clair@zdnetonebox.com

Date: January 16, 2000
Time: 19:20:52
Name: Peter Arzenshek (aka Fearless Freep)
Comments: I have always been a WW-II nut in general, and always have had a special interest in sub-warfare. I probably don't have the extensive knowledge of USN submarines that you guys have (but Hey, thats why I love hanging out at the Hawk's forum). I have enjoyed SH for nearly 4 years now; I don't know if I ever will go full manual TDC, but I really enjoy all the new angles, and look forward to participating in the new scenarios that you (and others, we hope) will design. Cheers! Pete

Date: January 11, 2000
Time: 12:29:16
Name: Chris Dawson
Comments: n/t

Date: January 10, 2000
Time: 19:39:25
Name: Daniel Riggle
Comments: Wonderful site! I am trying to find anyone that remembers motor machinist mate Roger Neal Riggle, he served 1944-1945 on the Batfish, I have scores of Batfish photos and stories too numerous to mention. my father has since disceased and I am urgently seeking any information that anyone may have. Thank you, Daniel Riggle, his son. Email address VONRGL@AOL.com

Date: January 5, 2000
Time: 21:41:16
Name: Don P. Brown
Comments: Howdy! Wanted to let you know this is an excellent site. I especially like the modern photos of the sub in Muskogee. The archive photos are great, too, but I wish there were more archival shots of the sub itself, in whole. How I arrived at the site: I searched through MetaCrawler for USS Batfish. I was hoping to find detailed photos of the sub for a modeling project (and I found some good ones!) I plan to make a model of the Batfish, because it has some sentimental value for me (even though I'm just 34 years old). As a youngster in Boy Scouts in the mid-'70s, I had the privilege of being able to spend the night aboard the Batfish in Muskogee on a troop field trip. You can imagine that with a bunch of pre-teen boys, there wasn't much sleep going on! I eventually caught a few z's in the aft torpedo room. Since then, I've been on the lookout for a model of the Batfish, but have never seen one. Recently, I came across a model of a similar sub, the Lionfish, and I plan to convert it to make a replica of the Batfish. Who knows, perhaps another trip to Muskogee is in order, for some close-up inspection. Keep up your great work here ... this is the best sub site I've run across!

 

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