The Champion Submarine-Killing Submarine of World War Two

 

Guestbook, 2012

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Date: December 30, 2012
Time: 3:00 PM
Name: Charles R Cunningham
Comments:
Date: December 12, 2012
Time: 7:38 PM
Name: David deBlois
Comments:
Date: November 15, 2012
Time: 4:36 PM
Name: Mike Banks
Comments: Very interesting reading. I regret the "Lost Boats" webpage seems to have vanished. We should never forget them--I hope it can be replaced as was.
Date: November 14, 2012
Time: 10:36 PM
Name: Robbie
Comments: I visited the Batfish with my parents two summers ago and absolutely loved it --- fantastic work and keep it up!
Date: November 7, 2012
Time: 7:31 PM
Name: John West
Comments: Heard you have HF contact events. Please let me know if you have further info or a HAM schedule. thanx..John West K5JDW
Date: November 6, 2012
Time: 3:25 PM
Name: Louis E. LeBlanc III
Comments: You have done a great job preserving the Batfish. I joined the Navy Reserve and signed my papers in her galley July 23, 1960. I went active duty and served on board the SS-315( Sealion) and then on to the SS-272 (Redfin). I majored inFun while in the service.The Redfin spent most of our time in the Bahamas with the George Washington SSBN-598 (Our First Balistic Missle Sub. Louis E. LeBlanc III RM-3(SS) I had a Blast..
Date: November 4, 2012
Time: 9:06 AM
Name: Paul Roggemann
Comments: I had the honor and pleasure of attending a 90th birthday celebration for Robert "Steamboat" Fulton MoMM1/c which was hosted by his loving family & friends on Nov 3,2012 at the VFW in New Paltz, NY. It was a complete surprise for Steamboat and we were all happy to seem him again. Paul Roggemann Hudson-Valley Base USSVI USS Sea Robin SS-407 (63-67) ET2(SS)
Date: October 24, 2012
Time: 3:45 PM
Name: William Erickson
Comments: Having trouble submitting my name for the crew list on SSN-681. William Erickson STS2/SS Nov 80 - Nov 83
Date: October 24, 2012
Time: 7:39 AM
Name: Norma Powers
Comments: A refreshing outing to see what our guys had to endure during the Batfish's day's. my bra is off to those that fought so bravely, to keep our flag flying, & our country secure. Taps.
Date: October 22, 2012
Time: 2:25 PM
Name: Debra D. Soto
Comments: Fantastic- Kudos to you all!
Date: October 21, 2012
Time: 6:35 PM
Name: jeff davis
Comments: Very nice website. I was in Muskogee to talk to one of our customers (Proform) and saw you sign. It was great to see the actual USS Batfish. Jeff from the home of the USS Blueback
Date: October 8, 2012
Time: 10:20 AM
Name: Gary Douglas
Comments: Very interesting. I'm former USN/USNR
Date: October 6, 2012
Time: 5:24 PM
Name: Larry M. Johnston
Comments: I was just crusing all Warship Memorial Parks in existence within the United States for Possible future vacation propsects, Seen your site and paid a Visit. Thanks
Date: October 4, 2012
Time: 7:30 AM
Name: Donald Allen Bice
Comments: Nice site and a great boat. I served on the USS-Cobbler from 1948 to 1952 and appreciate all smoke boats. Also Nukes but not as much.
Date: September 30, 2012
Time: 7:26 PM
Name: Brent Caldwell
Comments: I was passing thru a few weeks back on the way to Ponca City OK for work. I was amazed to see a sub sitting docked so far from the ocean. Couldnt wait to tell my friend back home about it.
Date: September 25, 2012
Time: 6:59 AM
Name: Aaron W Bell Sr
Comments:
Date: September 23, 2012
Time: 11:09 PM
Name: Terrance Hughes
Comments: Gentlemen - Just finished reading Don Keith's "In the Course of Duty" . . . . what an awesome adventure for all the crew. I'm sure they were scared out of their wits on more than one occasion. God Bless 'em all!! My dad was a Machinist's Mate First Class on board the USS New Mexico back before the war and I guess I'm one of the reasons he didn't get called back. GO NAVY!!
Date: September 21, 2012
Time: 10:43 PM
Name: Jim Mellenberger
Comments: Boatswain 2C, 83-90, aboard U.S.S. Merrill DD-976 and U.S.S. Fox CG-33, and NAVPHIBASE Coronado. Plan to visit this weekend after we deliver to Georgia Pacific in Muskogee. I've saved this visit until she was on the road with me so that we could enjoy this together. We have a lot of military members in the family, and one of them was her great uncle, Marine Robert Lee Wilson, Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Tinian, who'd fought many of the island campaigns during his service. He dived on a grenade to save his buddies. Thanks for the opportunity to see history, as we will share with other family members when we visit. Fair winds and following seas!
Date: September 1, 2012
Time: 7:38 PM
Name: Frank Holloway
Comments: Was a crew member in 1973 & 1974
Date: August 31, 2012
Time: 9:37 PM
Name: Melanie
Comments: We visited the Batfish today with the family. AWESOME. Our boys LOVED it. THANK YOU to all who have served, we appreciate YOU!
Date: August 29, 2012
Time: 8:38 PM
Name: PSC(SEL) Dinis
Comments: Looking forward to seeing the Batfish in person!
Date: August 28, 2012
Time: 11:08 AM
Name: Roy Graves
Comments: I visited the memorial on August 22, 2012 and had a great time. I am a former crewman of SSN-681. Keep up the good work in keeping history alive and remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Date: August 27, 2012
Time: 4:19 PM
Name: scott hendryx
Comments: i visited the batfish when i was 7y/o im 45 now and the batfish looks ready to fight today. keep up the good work. scotty
Date: August 12, 2012
Time: 10:36 PM
Name: Earl R Elsea -USAF Vet - E5
Comments: I grew up within a few miles of PNSY so I am always interested in any of her children. You men have done a great job with the website and the park. I will send a small check to help out, will pass this site on to my military friends. We all need to stick together these days.
Date: July 30, 2012
Time: 8:03 PM
Name: Michael Schonherr
Comments: The website is very well put together, much time and patience was put into this. As for the BATFISH itself the only world I can use to explain it is "AMAZING!!!!!!".
Date: July 28, 2012
Time: 8:35 PM
Name: mike rivera
Comments: i would more info about uss batfish
Date: July 10, 2012
Time: 5:57 PM
Name: stacie
Comments: the web site was awesome reading. planning a visit to museum some time this yr. thanks to all the vets for our freedom
Date: July 8, 2012
Time: 6:35 PM
Name: Ruby Feldmann
Comments: Looks good, Can't wait to come by and see the Batfish again.
Date: July 2, 2012
Time: 6:30 PM
Name: Elizabeth Smith
Comments: It was great!!!My grandkids LOVED it.
Date: June 30, 2012
Time: 9:47 PM
Name: Richard "Pete" Pedersen
Comments: Extremely interesting. visited the Batfish when I was in Ok. It took a lot of courage on the part of every man aboard and to all who served. Thank you and God bless.
Date: June 29, 2012
Time: 3:54 PM
Name: Wm. Erickson
Comments: Good site. Served under T.D. Ryan from Dec 80-Nov 83.
Date: June 19, 2012
Time: 9:24 AM
Name: John Bevins
Comments: Spent 5 years on the USS Sennet (SS-408).
Date: June 18, 2012
Time: 1:51 PM
Name: Kyle Boehlke
Comments: Drove for 4 hours just to see your museum. I was not disappointed. I really like the different depth charges, guns, and other ordnance throughout the park. The mast from USS Oklahoma was really neat, but should be protected from the weather. I took many pictures and bought many souvenirs. Thanks for making the long drive well worth it. Proud to say I've been on German U-Boat U-505 in Chicago, and now am proud to have been on US Sub SS-310 Batfish.
Date: June 10, 2012
Time: 10:39 AM
Name: timothy lennon
Comments: Many thanks to whoever puts this wonderful site together. I was proud to go aboard The U.S.S. Batfish when she put in to Charleston Naval Shipyard. I was 18 or so, fresh out of bootcamp and some extra training, and had been assigned to the Electrical gang at Charleston, Duties included stringing shore power to the mothballed ships, mostly DDs and Escorts. The excitement on the base was hight, as most of us had never seen, or boarded a sub. It's been fifty years, but I'll never forget the experience. Years of reading and studying naval history have only increased my respect for the brave men of "the silent service" who performed so heroically. My own modest service in the Navy never involved combat, but I have always been proud to boast a shared fellowship. Belated but sincere thanks f=to the families of these brave men.
Date: June 5, 2012
Time: 8:24 PM
Name: Byron Shore
Comments: You guys and girls do great justice to the Batfish. You were my first ever HF Ham Radio Contact in March as I was operating at our N4G Special Event site commerating the Revolutionary War Battle of Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro NC. I have since worked you from my own station N4CTT on two other occasions - most recently the Museum Ships Weekend. Great job to Kathee. I am a retired 28 year Navy Cryptologic Technician. You make this hobby exciting while preserving the history of our great Navy...Byron
Date: June 4, 2012
Time: 7:40 AM
Name: Bill Allen
Comments: This is amazing. Thank you.
Date: June 3, 2012
Time: 8:45 PM
Name: Justin Holder
Comments: Just wanted to stop by and thank everyone again for this weekend and letting us join you and operate from the USS Batfish..The support you all gave us and everything you did for us and our student radio operators this weekend for the Museum Ships Weekend will not be forgotten, you allowed all of us to make memories that will last a lifetime!! Ur was an honor for me personally to be able to go aboard the Batfish and operate from her. I have done alot of great things since I have been in Ham Radio but this weekend and what I was able to do is the TOP of the list!! It was a phenomenal and successful weekend for me as well as the young operators. Thank you all so much again for all you did to make this possible for the young operators!!! (and us OMs HiHi) I hope to maintain the new friendships I made this weekend. Take care and 73, de KB7CSW, Justin.
Date: June 3, 2012
Time: 10:41 AM
Name: Ray WX4PBC
Comments: On 2/June 2012,I had the privilege in participating in the Amateur Radio Museum Ships weekend special event. As a student of war history, I take it a privilege to be able to "Talk" to and be active part of a historic ship from an historic time in our history. As an amateur radio operator and history buff, thanks for your dedication is preserving a part of history that help shape our future and that can not be replaced. Respectfully, Ray Ruby, WX4PBC
Date: June 2, 2012
Time: 8:04 PM
Name: David Mauldin (WA6TWJ)
Comments: I had the distinct honor and privilege of working the USS Batfish on the air on 06-03-2012 at 00:22:36 UTC on PSK31. I love to see these ships and their crews memories remembered and respected like this. Keep up the good work there. It is appreciated. Go Navy! 73, WA6TWJ David Mauldin USA.
Date: June 2, 2012
Time: 9:50 AM
Name: Keith Engelmeier
Comments: I contacted your special event amateur radio station on 2 June. Was not familiar with the Batfish and its WWII history until the radio contact and a subsequent internet search. Excellent website - I found the ship's log describing the Batfish's combat patrols absolutely fascinating. Best Wishes to all of you who maintain the Batfish - thanks for all that you do to preserve such an important piece of America's wartime history! Keith Engelmeier, Amateur Radio - K3PRP, Rockville, Maryland
Date: June 2, 2012
Time: 7:02 AM
Name: Jack Nelson K5FSE
Comments: Thanks for creating this informative website and for partipicating in the Museum Ship Weekend.
Date: June 1, 2012
Time: 11:54 PM
Name: Luis Abasolo
Comments:
Date: May 30, 2012
Time: 9:37 PM
Name: John Shearer Sr
Comments: Was onboard back in 1981 when we came to see Parents for Christmas. Dad took us to you. I am a ham radio opperator and I hope I can make contact with you this weekend on ships on the air. Thanks for being there and the CREW that was on her, for without them we would not be here. God Bless
Date: May 27, 2012
Time: 7:37 PM
Name: Gary Smith
Comments: Just saw the boat for my first time today (5/27/12) and think she's gorgeous. As a Navy vet, I love what you've done with her. Keep up the great work. It is appreciated.
Date: May 25, 2012
Time: 2:06 AM
Name: James N. Riddle
Comments: It looks as if you have done quite a bit of work on the boat since I was up there last. When I lived at Roland, Oklahoma a number of years ago, I made a number of trips up there, not only to tour the boat and museum, but to take photographs as well. The boat was pretty well stripped at that time. Looks like you have fixed it up pretty good. Any plans to restore one or more of the diesels? There are 3 or 4 submarine memorials around the country that have restored at least one diesel and have started them up. One sub has had the TDC restored to operating condition and I think one has had the SJ radar restored to operating condition.
Date: May 22, 2012
Time: 2:42 AM
Name: Paul Haist
Comments: I served on the USS Pomfret, SS 391, early in my life, after World War II. I went on to the USS Lewis and Clark, SSBN 644. My favorite boat was Pomfret. I am glad to find this website. It brings back memories that are very important in my life.
Date: May 4, 2012
Time: 12:56 PM
Name: Mike McGivern
Comments: I'm going to try and be at the Batfish on June 9th. If you need any help setting up for the day, let me know and I'll get there early. Looking forward to seeing the boat. Mike McGivern Qm3SS, USSVI Member at Large
Date: April 29, 2012
Time: 12:11 PM
Name: PR2 Samuel S. Young
Comments: Great site and ship. Keep up the good work - PR2
Date: April 24, 2012
Time: 12:50 PM
Name: Ed McDowell Jr
Comments: Good site - I read a book about the Batfish many years ago - as i recall she was particularly adept at knocking off Jap subs.
Date: April 22, 2012
Time: 11:03 AM
Name: J.F.SCOTT
Comments: The new book about USS Batfish makes one hellve read.I could not put down until I had finshed it.Its commender and crew where one heck of a bunch blokes.Thanks for a True War story.
Date: April 16, 2012
Time: 9:18 AM
Name: David Melton
Comments: I loved this site it was very informative. I have read all of the patrol logs but number 7 and plan on finishing it today.
ADate: pril 15, 2012
Time: 11:10 AM
Name: Wayne R. Merrill Jr. USN Ret.
Comments: My dad was the first CO of the Batfish. This is a great site, thanks for keeping the memory of this boat and the sailors that served on her alive. Skip Merrill, LCDR USN Ret.
Date: April 8, 2012
Time: 12:02 PM
Name: Kenneth Stirewalt
Comments: We just came back from Muskogee, and very much enjoyed visiting the Batfish. Anyone who wants an idea of what it was like to be in a submarine, should definitely visit. It was worth every dollar.
Date: April 4, 2012
Time: 5:25 PM
Name: James N. Riddle
Comments: How are you being able to keep the bottom from rusting out even with the cathodic protection? I have heard (and read) about a number of ship memorials having to be put in drydock after a number of years for repair or normal work.
Date: March 26, 2012
Time: 1:08 PM
Name: Clif Banner
Comments: Thank you. An excellent and very informational site! Clif Banner, Nashua, NH, Lt Col, USAF (ret.)
Date: March 21, 2012
Time: 12:46 PM
Name: David Macchiarolo
Comments: We contacted the radio room (WW2SUB) this past weekend, March 17th, during a special event station from North Carolina with the call sign N4G. Very cool.
Date: March 19, 2012
Time: 5:26 PM
Name: Bob Olney YN2, USS BUSHNELL (AS-15)
Comments: USS BATFISH (SS-310)was part of SubRon TWELVE when I was attached to the SubRon Twelve Staff. I was a Yeoman in the Staff Office on board BUSHNELL. That was in the early 50s. The ship hadn't been at the sub base in Key West very long when I came aboard. She had recently been recommissioned. BATFISH would be alongside BUSHNELL from time to time when not berthed at the quay with the other boats.
Date: March 19, 2012
Time: 1:34 PM
Name: Tim Blackwell
Comments:
Date: March 17, 2012
Time: 9:42 PM
Name: Jack Parsons
Comments: Congratulations and thank-you to all who served on the USS Batfish. I found out about the sub when I picked up Don Keith's book, "In The Course Of Duty."
Date: March 10, 2012
Time: 2:37 PM
Name: John Trama
Comments: I am looking forward tovisiting the Batfish with members of my DD crew who served during the Korean War. While training at GTMO during the early 1950's I spent one day onboard the sub with another radarman from my ship. The Batfish sent one radarman to our ship so that we could see first hand what each of us did during a Hunter-KILLER OPERATION. iT WAS A VERY INFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE. We hope to visit Muskogee later this year. When will the Oklahoma weather be kind to us ???
Date: February 25, 2012
Time: 12:31 PM
Name: Jim Foster
Comments: Great work. A suggestion: Unless I missed it, the location of the Park is not available. Could you give a location or directions for us Arkies. Thanks, Jim
Date: February 14, 2012
Time: 3:45 PM
Name: Bill Mannion
Comments: A wonderfull website that brought back many pleasant memories of my time on the Batfish from June 1954 to June 1955.
Date: February 9, 2012
Time: 9:44 PM
Name: Jon L. Coffey
Comments: Have enjoyed this the Batfish for many years. First, with our kids and now with our grandkids. Great history that should never be forgotten. I come from a long line of Marines and my son just recently discharged from the Marines. Have always been fascinated with Subs. Many times wished I had came from long line of Seamen. Always wanted to serve on a Sub.
Date: February 6, 2012
Time: 2:29 PM
Name: Arthur Silvester
Comments: Very informative site, ships logs great insight to operational tours. Thank you for the site.
Date: January 23, 2012
Time: 3:55 AM
Name: Tom Koerner
Comments: Great website about a boat with a fascinating story.
Date: January 7, 2012
Time: 9:26 AM
Name: Ron Craven
Comments: served aboard Batfish for three weeks in Feb 1957 while awaiting arrival of Balao and then served two years on Balao. Am plank owner of USS Chicago Base, USSVI
Date: January 5, 2012
Time: 12:24 PM
Name: Ike Cohen SK2(SS)
Comments: This is a great Web Site. As good as I have seen, especially for a World War II boat.
Date: January 4, 2012
Time: 1:28 PM
Name: Phil Varckette
Comments: Very interesting reading about the USS Batfish. Came accross it by accident , reading about the ship my father was on in WWII. My father served on the LCI 222, which provided an escourt for the Batfish at the start of Patrol # 7. I will read more about the Batfish. I also plan on purchasing the book. Thanks, Phil Varckette
 

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