Date: December 30, 2003
Time: 02:48:52
Name: Richard Morreale
Comments: Hello just a quick note to inform you that my grandfather
Pete Morreale, passed away December 28, 2003. I have listened to many of his stories of his tours of duty on the
USS BATFISH, his eyes would light up any time HIS boat was mentioned.
He served proudly and I thank you for your web-page. I have not had the
honor of visiting your site but I will make every effort to attend the
2004 reunion in his honor. Please respond to me for I would like to be
kept updated on you park and any way that I may assist in the future.
Thank You, Richard Morreale (Shark1@gt.rr.com)
Date: December 28, 2003
Time: 19:54:38
Name: William Wilkinson
Comments: Am reading the book USS Batfish and hope to visit your boat
soon. Served as a Torpedoman on the Spearfish SS 190 in the Pacific
during WW2. Some of the most enjoyable years of my life!
What a feat to float the boat to Ok! Bill Wilkinson hbwilk1@juno.com
Date: December 02, 2003
Time: 19:01:19
Name: STEVE NOVACEK
Comments: I ENJOYED LOOKING AT THE PICTURES AS I FOUND SOME I TOOK WHEN
I VISITED THE SUBMARINE IN 1985. IT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES OF THE SITE.
ALSO I WANTED TO KNOW IF IT WAS STILL THERE.
Date: December 02, 2003
Time: 14:35:10
Name: Paul Wentzel
Comments: Hello, I am a Military Aviation artist, that was asked to
consider doing an Original Painting of your WW-II Submarine, The USS
Batfish. It is to be a Christmas gift for a former crew member Mr. Robert
T. Craig, it was comissioned through his daughter. The painting is
complete. and I am having a Transparency made, for future reproduction
use. The painting has come upon Rave Reviews, and will be sent out to the
owner, later next week. If you have any interest, please let me know,
God's Speed, Sincerely, Mr. Paul F. Wentzel sr.
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 06:57:06
Name: Cody Weis
Comments: n/t
Date: November 17, 2003
Time: 06:17:57
Name: Montgomery Bonner
Comments: Hello, I have been reading about WW-II subs since I was a kid,
52 years ago. I was in the navy and served in the CSS-14 as a staff
Yeoman, have never qualified in Subs, which I fondly regret. Good site,
keep up the good work on the memoral. Monty
Date: November 12, 2003
Time: 23:23:07
Name: Joe Lu
Comments: n/t
Date: November 3, 2003
Time: 18:21:39
Name: Kevin Arenius
Comments: Excellant site...>!!!
Date: October 11, 2003
Time: 20:13:13
Name: James & Mary Travis
Comments: My wife and I meet one of your shipmates LeRoy Keotz and his
wife today. We had a long discussion (mainly about the Cubbies and their
world series prospects). I mentioned to him about the WWII Memorial
being constructed in Washington, DC and asked if he had nominated himself
or others into the registry. I am finding that there are a lot of WWII
veterans who are not aware of this registry for WWII service (military
& civilian) and are dying before they can be so honored. I recommend
that you inform the surviving USS Batfish WWII crew members that they can
nominate themselves or their buddies (deceased or alive). The web site
is http://www.wwiimemorial.com. Good luck and thanks for your service.
Date: October 11, 2003
Time: 17:58:31
Name: Paul Crant
Comments: I am Grateful that people like you take the time to put this
type of material on the web. It is sad that so much can be forgotten.
The men, women, places, machines and events are made more real for me
especially with then and now pictures.
Date: October 2, 2003
Time: 02:50:14
Name: Lynn Towne
Comments: Looking for anyone who might remember Sam Edlin from Indiana
who was stationed on the BatFish. His brother is inquiring and doesn't
have a computer so I am his "computer". My Father was a WWII Ranger
along with Sam's brother Bob Edlin "The Fool Lt".
Date: September 26, 2003
Time: 14:47:37
Name: Wade Tucker
Comments: I liked everything that I saw.Your Information was good
Thanks to you and others that all who served are not
forgotten. Two many have. Wade Tucker, Birmingham,Al. Yes, I would like to
here from you
Date: September 23, 2003
Time: 23:43:37
Name: Carmon Webb
Comments: Hi the 10th of Aug Elton Landrum signed in but did not leave
an e-mail address. Elton if you see this give me a call(e-mail)at
Ltchwebb@aol.com
Date: September 15, 2003
Time: 03:19:04
Name: Ed Kaminskas
comments: I am gathering names/addresses/phone & Email addresses of all
second commissioning(1952 to decommissioning in 1958) crew members so
that you can be invited to the annual reunion the first week in May in
Muskogee. Please send info to vilnius6@comcast.net Thanks, Ed "Drac" Kaminskas
EM/3(SS) USS Batfish 1955-1957
PS I remember the time we flooded the Forward Engine Room off GTMO too.
It would be an interesting discussion at the reunion.
Date: September 12, 2003
Time: 14:24:25
Name: Larry Johnston
Comments: I spent a few years on the Batfish. Plan to attend the 2004
reunion.
Date: September 9, 2003
Time: 17:53:18
Name: George Lampere
Comments: I was doing some consulting work in Tulsa and heard about the
Batfish. I have been helping restore the Cobia restoring the radios,
radar, and most recently the TBT. I would love to visit if time would
allow. Good luck.
Date: September 9, 2003
Time: 15:15:42
Name: Donny Ray
Comments: n/t
Date: August 29, 2003
Time: 18:46:21
Name: Richard Cady
Comments: Batfish was my first assignment 1952 after graduating in the
88th enlisted sub school. I qualified aboard and transferred to
Spikefish SS404 finishing my 4 year tour aboard Spikefish as a school boat in
NL. I looked through the log book but I did not recognize any names. As I
don't know how many more sunsets I have, I wanted my name to be entered in
your visitors log. Good luck, calm seas and fair winds.
Date: August 10, 2003
Time: 02:41:50
Name: Elton Landrum
Comments: I was stationed on the USS Batfish in 1956-1957 and worked in
the engine room. My wife and I enjoyed visiting the Batfish in its
present location and would like any information on a reunion. Thank You.
Elton Landrum, CWO2, Retired We found your site to be very informative
and enjoyed the photos. It was located at Yahoo.com.
Date: August 10, 2003
Time: 00:59:32
Name: Jason Wood
Comments: I liked the site. I plan on taking my kids on a fieldtrip to
see the USS Batfish. I saw the USS Batfish on channel 9 okc during a
travel oklahoma showcase. I think this is a great site. It will help
my kids to learn about their country. God Bless all of our Veterans
and troops.
Date: July 31, 2003
Time: 18:00:52
Name: Robert Thomason
Comments: I just finished the book, "BATFISH", by H.E. Lowder (1980),
and was curious about the current condition status of the "Batfish".
It seems like our nation too often feels obligated to fund foreign
nations and ignores our own veterans, memorials, etc. Seems like we have to
"fend for ourselves" or just fade away..... I'm a Vietnam veteran
(Army)... my father served in the Pacific in WWII (USAAF officer), and
all of my uncles served in that war as well (in various services). I think
it took a "special breed" of sailor to serve in the subs of WWII (& earlier).
Date: July 28, 2003
Time: 13:18:05
Name: Ernie Patrick
Comments: I had the opportunity to visit the Batfish along with my wife
and friends, and truly appreciate the preservation of this boat for
the honor and enjoyment to tour. My wife and I are both X Navy Corpsman, and
this is the first time we have ever been on a submarine. Even though it is
on dry ground, the experience was awesome.
Date: July 27, 2003
Time: 17:28:11
Name: Jeff Moon
Comments: Hope to see the Batfish soon. I live in Tulsa and plan to
drive over to see it. Jeff Moon
Date: July 26, 2003
Time: 16:50:12
Name: John Hoffmann
Comments: I'm truly fascinated about subs. It don't matter what sub it is as they
ALL are remarkable machines. I have my own fleet of subs as I am a model builder
and the subject matter has my total attention. The Batfish looks to be a Gato class
sub, is this accurate? Good site, very historically informative.
Date: July 24, 2003
Time: 13:52:13
Name: Jimmie Myers
Comments: Thanks for keeping history alive and available. From an old
retired Navy CPO. I Also think a link on Cassin Young Museum ships site
would be beneficial to the cause. Thanks, again. Jimmie
Date: July 15, 2003
Time: 23:17:06
Name: JAMES & JUDITH ARMSTRONG
Comments: TELL MARY AND VAUGHN HELLO, LOOKS LIKE THEY HAVE ONE HUGE
PROJECT HERE. MARY FILLS ME IN EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE
DOING. VAUGHN IS A GENIUS WHEN IT COMES TO ANYTHING LIKE THIS. SOUNDS
LIKE THEY HAVE MADE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR! MARY IS MY COUSIN, BY THE WAY.
Date: July 14, 2003
Time: 12:02:44
Name: James Brooking
Comments: n/t
Date: June 29, 2003
Time: 15:48:28
Name: Ralph Trego,JR.
Comments: I like what they have done with the Batfish.
When I visited her quite a few yr's back she was in a lagoon and
rusting. She look a lot better on dry ground and probably easier to upkeep.
Sure wish my ships could have been saved.
Date: June 19, 2003
Time: 18:10:22
Name: Cordelia Bohreer
Comments: I was wondering if anyone was on this submarine when my grandfather
John C Bohreer was on it and if you have any memories of him and how he got his
silver star. Thanks you can e-mail me at cordytess2002@yahoo.com. Thanks so much
Date: June 14, 2003
Time: 18:27:08
Name: Martin Reimer
Comments: I like Submarines
Date: June 14, 2003
Time: 04:46:22
Name: Jerry Hemby
Comments: Great site guys. Thanks for your service and great results on
your patrols. I was an ETR-3 aboard the USS America (cva-66), 1965-1967
OE div Hemby, J.O.
Date: June 5, 2003
Time: 20:58:33
Name: Joshua Pierce
Comments: n/t
Date: May 29, 2003
Time: 18:19:00
Name: Molly McCoy
Comments: I am so proud of you Bepaw! I Love You. -Molly
Date: May 25, 2003
Time: 17:47:42
Name: John (Jack) L. ULMEN
Comments: I served on the Batfish SS310 during early 1958 and
qualified SS on the Batfish 27 Feb. 1958. If any reunions are planned, I
will be interested in participating. Also, if any association or
organization exists, I am interested in belonging. Feel free to contact me.
John L. Ulmen
Date: May 20, 2003
Time: 16:40:12
Name: Fred Longan
Comments: MY DAD (HAROLD LONGAN) WAS ON THE SPEARFISH DURING WWII, JUST
WONDERING IF ANYONE THAT WAS ON THE BATFISH MIGHT HAVE KNOW HIM. Email: FASTEM2003@YAHOO.COM
Date: May 16, 2003
Time: 17:36:47
Name: Andrea Wilson
Comments: What a great website! My great grandmother Nellie Fortier had
the honor of Christening the USS Batfish. I was very pleased to find this site and find
that there are people who care about preserving this ship and passing down it's great history.
Date: May 14, 2003
Time: 21:03:52
Name: Laura Reinhardt
Comments: n/t
Date: May 12, 2003
Time: 20:13:20
Name: John Hickman
Comments: My wife and I visited the batfish in May of 2000. I took my
navy entrance exam aboard the Batfish in 1963 when she was stationed in New Orleans, La. My
trip to Muskogee was to revisit the ship that started my navy years. What a surprise
to be
there the same time as a reunion of the original crew! My wife and I got into a conversation
with Bob Craig. Bob offered to give us a personal tour of the boat when (quote) all the OLD
PEOPLE get off!! We had a great time with Bob and all the others. The Batfish will always
be regarded as the ship where it all began.
Date: May 2, 2003
Time: 20:21:53
Name: Mary Ralph
Comments: I found this site a couple of years ago but lost touch when I
moved. I am the daughter of Thomas E. Cousins, that served during
1943-44. My Dad passed away in 1986 of Cancer. My husband and I both served 20 years in the
Army and I am now proud to say that my daughter has plans to join the Marines upon graduation
from high School and my son, also in High School, is working hard so he can apply to the
Navy Academy when he graduates. My Dad would be proud that he Navy tradition will be carried
on.
Date: April 27, 2003
Time: 13:23:59
Name: James Treat
Comments: I talked to Sam on the air this morning at station WW2SUB and
them looked up web site as advised. Thanks, Jim
Date: April 25, 2003
Time: 01:35:25
Name: James Riddle
Comments: I like your website and think you have done a good job with
it. I have visited Batfish in person several times and think you have a
nice museum. Would like to be able to look through the periscopes. I
found your website just by typing in "USS Batfish". My e-mail address
is: riddle8@hotmail.com
Date: April 22, 2003
Time: 19:46:02
Name: Kiefer cannotell
Comments: I visited the sub on 4-19-03 it was amazing
Date: April 22, 2003
Time: 05:08:11
Name: Ruth Varnell
Comments: The USS BATFISH Memorial is about 50 miles from me and I was
trying to find out how she came to be in Muskogee. Your site was very
helpful and is very informative. Keep up the good work. Thank you for
the info. Sincerely, Ruth
Date: April 17, 2003
Time: 23:46:34
Name: Terry Oline
Comments: Hello, my name is Terry Craig Oline and I am the daughter of
Robert Craig who served on the USS Batfish. I love the site but hope
that you can change the spelling of my fathers name on the picture from
the reunion in May of 2000. The name you have currently listed is Bob
Greg, It should be Bob Craig. My father is very proud of his service in
the United States Navy and also to be on the USS Batfish. I hope that
you have no difficulties in changing the name to the correct spelling.
My Mother and Father will be attending the reunion in May.
Thank you, Terry Oline
Date: April 16, 2003
Time: 15:15:03
Name: l gerrell
Comments: n/t
Date: April 14, 2003
Time: 23:05:16
Name: Terry Craig-Oline
Comments: Hello, I am the daughter of Robert T. Craig who served on the
USS Batfish. I am thrilled to view the website! I did however find a
small mistake on the Reunion picture in May of 2000. My fathers name
is listed as Bob Greg. It should be Bob Craig. I am hoping that this
could be changed. My parents will be attending this years reunion, and
I know that they are looking forward to being there. I have attended
one of the reunions and was very moved by the submarine and learning of
its history. My father is a true American Hero! Thank you again for
this great website and I look forward to future information. Terry Craig-Oline
Date: April 13, 2003
Time: 00:42:24
Name: Chuck Petri
Comments: My wife and I visited the Batfish in the 70's or maybe the
80's. I know it was soon after it was opened for visits. I live in Tulsa
and need to go see it again. I remember when we went aborad I was really
impressed and proud of all you guys that served and fought for us. I
had four uncles in WW2. One brother in the Coast Guard in 1945, 2
brothers in during the Korean war. One in the CG and one in the Army and I
went in the Army in 1954 to 56. All I can say is thank you for your
service and God Bless you and all your buddies. Chuck
Date: April 11, 2003
Time: 22:38:13
Name: Chris Sultana TM1/SS
Comments: Hi, my name is Chris Sultana and I served aboard the USS
Batfish SSN-681 from 1979-1983. I was in for 8 years and got out as a
TM1/SS. I am a member of the SubVets Inc in San Diego, Ca. Do you
carry/sell any Batfish memoribilia? Shirts, Caps, Stickers, anything?? I would
be interested in hearing from you. Thanks, Chris
Date: April 2, 2003
Time: 18:45:57
Name: Daysi Lopez
Comments: n/t
Date: March 18, 2003
Time: 17:14:58
Name: Tim Henning
Comments: Great Job on site, sure my grandfather Lt. D.A. Henning (ret)
would be very happy to know about this.
Date: March 18, 2003
Time: 16:42:31
Name: Mickey Kovach
Comments: My Dad is Bob Craig. Thanks for a great website and great
service!!
Date: March 16, 2003
Time: 19:25:22
Name: kathrene robinson
Comments: n/t
Date: March 11, 2003
Time: 13:38:26
Name: Ron Tyler
Comments: I found out about the Batfish when I lived in Poteau, OK in
the early nineties. I was facinated to find that OK had a navy. Having
ties to the shooting down of Yamamoto (LT Roger J. Ames) and being from
the hometown of the most decorated american soldier in US history (Jack
Treadwell) I have been interested in the different aspects of american
heroism. I feel that the submariners are some of the most courageous
men in the armed services. My gratitude goes out to the men of the
Batfish and many others who did not come home. THANK YOU!!!
Date: March 7, 2003
Time: 16:53:57
Name: shey phillips
Comments: n/t
Date: March 1, 2003
Time: 22:35:37
Name: joe bradley
Comments: It was probably 1956, Key West, I was aboard the Batfish as a
seaman 1st class, just learning the ropes of submarine life. I was a
sonarman striker and had the duty to man the sonar set to evaluate
British and USN surface ships using us for pratice. We were to avoid
contact and try to come up to periscope depth without being detected, take a
sighting, feed the data into the TDC and simulate a war shot. The Brits, or our
own surface ships would make a run on us and that's where I cam in. I'd give
the captian information as to the angle of attack, soundings, etc. One day we
were out, not to far from Gitmo, (Cuba) and we had just finished charging
batteries on the surface and were about to dive. Keep in mind, that even in
1957, this was a tired old war ship that had seen her share of battles. We were
supposed to go to 100 feet and level off, but some how, someone left the dive
planes in auxillary (hydraulic) and not in "hand." My memory is a little fuzzy
just why, but when the bow and stern planesmen tried to level off, we just kept
on going because we were in hyrdaulic lock conditions. Deeper and deeper til
finally I could hear the hull start to creek. Men were in high activitiy,
shutting valves, slamming water tight doors and dogging them, blowing negative
and safety tanks until someone found the problem, righted the error and we
leveled off at 500 feet, a full 50 to 100 feet below crush depth. We surfaced,
took stock as to the damge and headed for Key West. A close one for all aboard.
By he way, the depth outside of Gitmo Harbor is one of the deepest spots in the
Atlantic Ocean. So if we had bought the farm, there would have been no recovery.
Anyone out there remember this??? Joe Bradley
Date: February 27, 2003
Time: 02:28:10
Name: Pete McKinniss
Comments: Thank you for leading the way! I served on the USS Batfish SSN681
during 1988-1991. Nice website.
Date: February 25, 2003
Time: 02:31:53
Name: DARIO ROSAS
Comment: I ENJOYED VERY MUCH WITH THIS SITE. I ARRIVED HERE NAVIGATING.
I LIVE AT LIMA PERU. AND ONE OF MY HOBBIES IS TRY TO FIND ABOUT SUBS. I
HAVE READ THE BOOK SUBMARINES IN SPANISH, VERY GOOD BOOK.
Date: February 23, 2003
Time: 18:15:07
Name: John C
Comments: I like the site, informative and such, and i will have to make the
drive up there to have a look see. The only big question i have is how exactley
did you get the sub into oklahoma?
Date: February 22, 2003
Time: 03:03:58
Name: Ken Caye
Comments: Great site. I list Bergall as favorite because she was my
first of my 4 smoke boats + 2 nukes. I was on the USS Lloyd Thomas
(DDE 764)'55-'56. For you Batfisher's that was the destroyer that put a
hedgehog into your after deck during ASW exercises as part of Op. Springboard.
You guys painted all up nice & painted a Batfish patch on it & returned it to us
when we got into port. Picture made All Hands. Our skipper was David S. Cone,
Cdr. He was a WWII boat sailor. Saw him in movie at sub school when one of our
boats was taking on board some Jap sailors. He was on deck with matching pearl
handled looking 45 Cal. That Jap looked like he would rather have been eating
by sharks. Cone was about6'5" & probably 275 - with guns he was really big.
Thanks for memories - from the best surface SONAR gang in the Atlantic. Ken
Caye, STCM(SS) currently in Pleasant Grove, UT. Found site on SubmarineSailor.Com
Date: February 6, Feb 2003
Time: 03:01:17
Name: Wiley "Tex" Davis
Comments: Hope to see all of you the week of the 5-10 of May for the
reunion. I served on the Batfish for all of the war patrols. wv@breasil.com
Date: January 30, 2003
Time: 00:01:14
Name: leon farmer
Comments: n/t
Date: January 26, 2003
Time: 21:19:30
Name: Craig Radloff
Comments: Enjoyed your site immensely. I first made contact with the
Batfish on a trip back to Kansas from Memphis. We were driving down I-40 and looked to
the north at the Arkansas and low and behold, a submarine. I suspect that it was sometime
during the move to Muskogee. Some time later my wife and I and two children and got the
chance to tour the Batfish at the memorial, it really brought back old memories. I was
attached to the Bashaw in the late 60's, never qualified, but sure enjoyed that tour.
Our tour of the Batfish must have been early on in the rebuild because the pictures on
your site show a lot better restoration. Good job guys. Thanx, Craig Radloff
Date: January 25, 2003
Time: 03:16:29
Name: Randall Smith
Comments: I'm very impressed with this web site. I found out about
submarinesailors.com by word of mouth about ten days ago. I served on the Thornback from
1-24-59 till 8-1-61. You are doing a great service with this site...THANK YOU I'll be back... Randy
Date: January 23, 2003
Time: 02:27:05
Name: travis luper
Comments: Hello, my name is Travis,i saw the U.S.S. Batfish in
Oklahoma,where I live.i would give anything to meet a crewmember of the Batfish.
Date: January 21, 2003
Time: 04:39:11
Name: Michael Pafundi
Comments: I was an ET aboard Batfish from Feb 53 to Oct 55. Got my
dolphins in Oct 53. Would like to contact other guys who were aboard during that time. Email:
mpafundi@aol.com
Date: January 18, 2003
Time: 09:17:27
Name: carl and gladys walton(coker)
Comments: WELL IM JUST THINKING ABOUT DAD HARRY AND LOOKING AT THE WEB
PAGE HERE THANKS FOR THE MEMORYS.........
Date: January 17, 2003
Time: 19:32:16
Name: Kody Johnston
Comments: hey crew on the USS batfish, this is LCDR William H. Ridgon
grandson do ya'll remember him you probably do i wish he was still here good luck for years to come
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