The purpose of this blog post is to allow all USS Yosemite crew members to place a Notice to Connect with Previous Crew Members as a comment on this page
Please note: USS Yosemite Association reserves the right to filter responses. All public responses and comments are reviewed by this Association for relevancy, appropriateness, and acceptance for publication on our website. We look forward to reading the notice you post as a comment below.
Thank you for your interest in our USS Yosemite Crew, the most valuable part of our ship.
Yosemite Sam is the traditional mascot of the US Navy ship that bears his name. In 1979, Warner Brother Studios gave permission to reproduce Yosemite Sam's likeness for the USS Yosemite use.
Served on board from October 89 to July 90
Hey you! I hope u are doing well!
I am writing this request on behalf of Laurie Huntley who is requesting information about Angelo Blo Service Record. Here’s the original request by Laurie:
Good Morning,
My name is Laurie Huntley and I am seeking urgent assistance from a group archivist or researcher for the USS Yosemite, on with Angelo Blo served during WWII. His health is failing and his granddaughter has asked me to help her access any information on his service record in preparation for funeral services. For obvious reasons, accessing NARA archives may not be useful due to time constraints and I am hoping someone from your organization can help me, I appreciate you help with this.
Kindest Regards,
Laurie Huntley
Please reply if you have any information.
SK2 William Hall 9/68 to 3/72 S-1 Division. I remember you and would like to hear from you , hope you are doing well. 7400 E. Highland Rd, Howell, Mi. 48843
I finally completed my Lifetime membership for the USS Yosemite AD 19 Association. I served aboard the busy lady from July 1983 – July 1985, i split toured my sea duty at the time to move over to the future of the Navy’s Gas Turbine propulsion, so I went to gas turbine schools in Great Lakes and then reported aboard the USS Aubrey Fitch FFG34. I was in my best guess at the time a good career move to advance my self in knowledge and rank. I retired in 1996 as an EMCS(SW) aboard the cruiser USS Thomas S Gates CG51. I enjoyed my time aboard the YoYo and made many friends and shipmates. Even worked with a few later in my city career at Johnson & Johnson.
My very first ship USS Salamonie AO-26,in 1959, served under a Supply Officer named Samuel J. Walker, ENS, SC. Last ship USS Yosemite 76-78, you guessed it CDR Samuel J. Walker. Still keep in touch.
Does anyone remember the motto
” if we can’t fix it, it ain’t broke “
Name is Ted Keenan. Served on the YoYo from 86-88. R-1, P&E and then finished up Rov supply handling supplies needed for repair Div. Many great memories.
My name was Dawn Campbell. I was an SH. I don’t remember the years I was aboard ship. I’m trying to find out where the ship went when I was aboard. I would appreciate it if anyone could help me
Dawn, it would be difficult without knowing the years you were aboard. I was aboard when they first brought females aboard. I served aboard from March of 1982 through June of 1986. I’ll check our Cruise Books later for you.
I am the webmaster, the picture in this post is not Steve Brownell, I have created this post on his behalf
from content Steven provided in different section of the website:
USS Yosemite’s Motor Whaleboat Message from Steve Brownell:
Hello. My name is Steve Brownell. I recently purchased one of the 26 ft Motor Whaleboats from the USS Yosemite. I have it in Newport, Rhode Island. I’m doing research on the boat and found this page and figured I could reach out.
If any USS Yosemite crew are in there Newport, RI area I’d be happy to take them out for a summer cruise for old times sake!
Also I found a photo with a fellow working on one of the Whaleboats, his name is Nicholas Oswald, Hull Technician 3rd Class. I was hoping maybe I could chat with someone like him who actually serviced and worked on the Whaleboats. Figured we could have a nice convo!
Thanks for any help or guidance you can provide!
-Steve Brownell
Worked in R3 division ‘74-77. Motor rewind and outside repair.
I served from May of 89 to Nov of 90 in R2 Division. Had a blast.
R-2 Machine shop 89 to 92. MR2 Stewart
Looking for crew mates that served on the Yosemite from 68 thru 72. 1 Med cruise to Naples and relocation to Mayport Fl. My name is Dan Rutkowski served in the oil shack as a BT. Served with many good guys. Mitch Frania, Mike Loefler, Don Silvera, and many others. Hoping all are well. I have lived near Sarasota Florida since 1980
DAN, I WAS IN THE BR SHOP FROM70 TILL SEPT 72, WAS THE DRUMMER IN THE BAND ON THE BAHAMA CRUISE
Yes. I was a storekeeper from 1968 – 1972. I missed most of the Med Cruise because of some surgery in Newport but caught up with it later. Spent one day in Malta and came all the way back.
SK 3 John Kastner. I served aboard from 1968-1972. We had a good crew. Wish I could see my old shipmates. 504 Russell Dr., Ripon, WI 54971
Hello, my name is Gary Beard. I served on board 72-75 in the HT and ER shops. Hope to connect with old mates. Look forward to 2020 reunion if there will be one. Thank you
Hi Gary! My father in law is Edward Felton he served from 72-75, he says he remembers you! He talks about the Yosemite all the time!
Hi Amanda , I served on the Yosemite from 72-75 , I was a Ship Fitter 3rd class in the ship fitter shop . What did your father – law do . His name rings a bell just a bit
hey Gary , I served from 72-75 too. Ship fitter shop , George Gilbert HT-3 Got waxed by a car along with Dave Crank in DEC , just got back from a Med cruise . Was in the Hospital for 5 months . Then of all things , some Cockroach stole MY P COAT GRRRRRR
Hi there , George Gilbert HT-3 Ship fitter shop , 72-75 . I was the one who got hit by a Drunk Driver on New Years eve . Spent 6 month’s in the Hospital . Then some sob Stole my P coat . grrrrr . I think I know who did it . Double grrrrrr. . But I do remember you , and your name .
Gary , you sound familiar . Were you in the Pipe Shop ???
I need help, I am trying to locate a man who served on the USS Yosemite in 1965 or 1966. All I know is his name was “Chuck” (most likely a nickname) and was a Fire Controlman. Is there a way I could find out the names of the listed men who held that position? I know this is a weird question but I recently found out he is my bio father and I have very little to go on. The only accurate information I have is that he was on this ship in 1966. Any help would be much appreciated.
My husband, MMCS John C. Benware served onboard from 1967-71. He passed away last week of cancer throughout his body. I am desperately trying to find information on his 8 months in Vietnam. He was at Pho Bai and was an MM2 at the time and ran on the gunboats and patrol boats. He and a buddy, (unknown) were hit with mortar and his back was full of schrapnel. I am trying to find anyone who knew him or was with him during 1968 in Nam. He deserves the recognition as there is nothing in his records, yet he received a bronze star for combat. Also, the agent orange that was being used. I don’t understand why there is no mention in his military records and am desperate. He retired as MMCS in 1988. Thank you all so very much.
O served on the yoyo from 1961 to 1963 and played basketball
For two years and played on the cruse deslant team.great memories.I hope to be at king of Prussia in may 2018.
Jerry,
Our Philadelphia Reunion was a lot of fun. Once again those of us that were once on this great Tender joined together to tell of our times on board with our families and as always we met some new people that added to the festivities. Please consider joining us for our next Reunion. Mark you calander now. April 24-27th will be a lot of fun in Savannah. Join us!
Bill Krug III
President USS Yosemite Association
Jerry,
I was looking forward to seeing you at the Reunion in Philadelphia. Once again a group of people that once served on this great Tender met to share their stories and spend time as a group. This of course includes family members. We did in fact have some new faces that added to our event. I hope you mark your calander and join us for our next Reunion in Savannah, Ga. April 24th – 27th. I am working on Hotels right now. Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions.
Bill Krug III
President USS Yosemite Association
My name is John Ryan Jr, my father served on the USS Yosemite AD 19 from 1944 to 1947. He passed away in Oct 1976, can anyone assist, I would like to know how I can get a picture of the crew or and individual picture of my father when he served about the ship.
I run the Sunset League out of Newport, RI. Many years we had the USS Yosemite baseball team playing in our league along with many other ships stationed in Newport at the time. I was wondering if there were any former ballplayers from those days that might have some information on the team/league/etc. my email is donnelly.sunset@gmail.com
Thank you
Chris La Rose
Chris,
We have a large mix of people that once served on the Yosemite at our reunions. Some bring Cruise Books and many have collections of memorabilia from their time on the Ship. While most people think in order to have a good time at a Reunion you have to have a group of people that served with you present…I as many others found out that is not the case. Perhaps you should consider attending our next Reunion in Savannah, Ga. Mark your Calander for April 24th – 27th and make a plan to be with our group. You might even meet some prior ball players. It might also help if you told me the years you played and then I could look at some of our members that may have been on the ship when you were. We just completed a Reunion in Philadelphia. Once again we had some new faces and they added a lot to our get together. Remember it is not just you…people will be happy to meet your family as well. I am currently working on details for the 2019 Reunion.
Bill Krug III
President USS Yosemite Association.
I know someone has a pic of me holding up Ann’s or Mike’s Titan jersey with a lighter underneath it. Please forward a copy to me thanks.
Sam Jeffrey
sasebosam56@gmail.com
I was in the boiler repair shop 77, 78.. my name is Jeff Brady. I have just found this site and will follow up when I get the time. Glad to see this site.
Jeff,
Well I am glad to see the Yosemite is once again in your life. I am sure you have some fond memories of being on the ship in “Repair Department”. We just had a Reunion in Philadelphia. Once again we had some new faces and that always adds some new stories to the mix that is being told. Please consider joining us for the 2019 Reunion in Savannah, Ga. April 24-27th. I think you will find a great group of people with one thing in common…USS Yosemite. We always have a great spread of food, a Hospitality Room with Beer, Wine, and Mixed Drinks. On Saturday we will have a Banquet Dinner and then spend 2-3 hours raffling off treasures that our members donate. Every year we have a beautiful homemade quilt that goes home with some one. I am working on details for the 2019 Reunion now. When the Hotel is picked we will have info on this site. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. Remember this is a family event. You will meet some great people.
Bill Krug III
President USS Yosemite Association
I WAS IN THR BR SHOP FROM MARCH 70 TILL SEPT 72. DOUBT THERE WAS ANYBODY LEFT OVER FROM MY TIME
Fantastic way to keep the memory of our Yo-Yo alive!
Joe,
I think you are right…but what would even make more of a difference would be you being at one of our Reunions. We just left Philadelphia. I think it is fair to say a good time was had by all. We also had some new faces and that means we all shared some experiences from the past. I think you would find a really interesting group of people from all walks of life that all have this ship in common. We always have a room for our group to go to during their stay at the Reunion. The Hospitality Room always has great food and drinks that we provide so that you do not have to leave the Hotel to eat. While in Philadelphia just over a week ago we had 5-7 large Pizzas each day and Beer, Wine, and Mixed Drinks. Not to mention snacks. People have a chance to meet new people and we always have a Banquet Dinner and the most fun at our Raffle that lasts for hours on Saturday night. Its a window of time normally between 6-10 PM that is filled with fun. Consider joining us in 2019. Savannah, Ga. April 24th – 27th. Put it on your calander. I am working on Reunion details now for 2019.
Bill Krug III
President USS Yosemite Association.
I am trying to locate a former shipman from the Yosemite while she was in Mobile AL 1980/1981 he was a Cook Joseph L Robinson really would love to make contact again. Thanks!
My father, Jack Harp, served on the Yosemite from 1951-53. I have a picture of the ship that no one in the family wants. Is there someone out there that would like to have this treasure.
member of ships company 1962 would love a copy of that picture , phone picture would be fine Thanks
Hi Kim
Sorry this reply is a little late. I would be glad to get these pictures if you will send them to me. We would be glad to pay for any postage.
You can send them to me at: Alan Koepke
344 Southlake Cr
Fond du Lac, Wi
54935
Hope to hear from you soon.
Alan Koepke
Yosemite Association Historian
It me take me a while to safely package, but will send.
Got a notice that package was delivered. Please confirm. Thanks and God bless you for your service.
AHOY there Alan , I’m from 72>75 Long story , but I’m from Michigan , and after several years I went back to FLA , Dayrona . I was on the YO YO in MAYPORT . I met a woman in 90 and moved to WI. in 92 .I’m now in TWO RIVERS WI.
Served aboard 68-72 now in Ripon WI
I served on the USS Yosemite 1970 thru 1972 and would like to reunite with crew members. I especially want to find 2nd Class petty officer Henry A. Sharp MR2. Please send me information as to how I can join the association.
Hi Joe
Sorry this reply is a little late. We are always looking for new members, so you will be welcomed to our Association. If you go to the Join Us tab on the Home page, all the info you need to join us is right there.
Hope to hear from you soon as a new member to our Association.
Alan Koepke
Yosemite Association Secretary
My Grandfather was discharged in 1949 at Pensacola from the USS Yosemite. Would love to find out if anyone has a Cruise book from that time period. I have been in touch with national archives and did not find any there.
Thank you!
Hi Holly
Thanks for interest in getting a Cruise book, but I don’t have any and don’t know of anyone who has one.
Alan Koepke
Yosemite Association Secretary
To the crew of the Yosemite,
My Dad , William M. Kane, was on the Ship from 1951-1954, attained 3rd Class Petty Officer in charge of the ship’s store. He would tell many stories about the ship and being in the Navy. He would say that ” No ever invaded Newport Harbor while the Yosemite was in port”.
My Dad will be 86 in November and would offer “best wishes” to all that served.
I would say thank you for the memories my Dad has shared with me over the years.
Hello. My name is Eric Greenwald. My Father-in-law, Warren “Cool Breeze” Reeves served on YOSEMITE from 1971 to 1974. Knick named “Sonny” by his family, he passed away on the afternoon of Monday, July 3rd, 2017 after a battle with interstitial lung disease that spread as cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild when he left this world. If anyone here recalls serving with him, his family would be grateful to hear a word or two from you. Thank you very much for your service.
Sincerely
Eric Greenwald
ETCS (SS/SW/AW/IW)
Eric, my name is Bruce McGuinty. I was on the Yosemite for some of the time that Warren was there. Did he ever speak of his rate or where he worked on the ship? I was an IC1, Interior Communications First Class Petty Officer that worked in Outside Repair, working on other ships gyrocompasses. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I can recall that big smile he had most of the time. He was a good sailor/man/person. I hope this is the Warren “Sonny” Reeves that I recall. Let me know for sure if this is the same person.
IC1 BRUCE McGUINTY (RETIRED)
Sorry for the delay (way delayed) responses. I only recently started getting emails from the site that folks had posted.
This was the same Sonny. He was an IC2 aboard YOSEMITE, which I find surprising I neglected to add to the original post.
Eric , there was a Reeves in my shop . First Class . Was he in the Ship Fitter shop . I was on Board during that time
Hi Eric , tell me , was Reeves First Class PO in the Ship Fitter shop ?? There was a Reeves there
Sonny was an IC2. From some other responses he worked in the shop support gyro repair.
My father, Frank Steven Andrews, was on this ship as far as I know.
I was onboard her from July 1986 to Feb 1991 in R4.
Hey you!! I hope you are doing well!
👋 I hope all is well with you.
Liking the new website all. I was on board from 1986-1988 as a part of A-Gang in the boat and hydralic shop. If there are any here that were a part of that crew I would love to hear from you and to find out what the years have done with you.
I was on the Yosemite, 1960-64 Would like to join.
To join the USS Yosemite Association click on the “Join Us” menu tab above or click on https://ussyosemite.net/join/ . You may complete the online membership application form or print out the PDF file, fill it out and mail it to us.
Hi there wondering if you knew my father Nastasi, Anthony. E3 Boiler tech. He served from 59-61. Thankyou,
Well Sam my condolence to you, for the loss of your love one. I feel very excited to learn about this asociation. I lived on that boat for about two years. Our Captain at that time was Capt. Suarez Velazquez. How many members are in tha Association ? I will join and looking foward to go 2017 cruise, I need my Sea Legs Back. My name is Edwi Diaz ( TM2 Diaz Weapons ) my email diazedwin22@gmail anybody who remember me;. email me please.
Respectfully
Edwin Diaz
I served the same time as you TM1 Harry Santiago
A short notice to all the members of the USS YOSEMITE AD-19. My mother passed away Nov 30, 2016, on the 1 or 2 reunions she attended with me, she really enjoyed meeting everyone and the tours she attended.
Respectfully
Sam Jeffrey