The Champion Submarine-Killing Submarine of World War Two

 

Guestbook, 2003

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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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