Monday, December 05, 2016

Additional Altair musings by Tommy Lee

Subject: Re: Altair email-Altair Musings
Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2016 17:37:38 -0500

Shipmates:

I was on the port side of the boat deck painting the overhead while underway.  Commander Woodard came by and spotted the paint on my shoes and called me to attention.  He instructed me to remove my shoes and throw them overboard, which I did without hesitation.  I would have probably jumped overboard had he ordered me to do so.  In my mind, he was the Vince Lombardi of the fleet.

I cannot imagine Commander Woodard surrendering the Altair to a bunch of rag tag pirates or the recent swift boat incident with the Iranians where the crew were taken prisoners without a fight.  I personally blame this on Obama and the cowardly administration we have today.

What has happened to the navy we were in?  We were not on a battleship or Carrier.  We were on a cargo ship with only 40 mm's and a few small arms. However, the leadership and the men under them, would have stood tall and never given in to the boarding of our ship or small boats to the likes of the Iranians or anyone else.  Not a day goes by that I do not think of my shipmates and Commander Woodard.

AS Vince Lombardi would have said, "WHAT IN THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT THERE" 

Tommy Lee BMSN, USS Altair AKS32 1961-1964

Sunday, December 04, 2016

Altair musings by Terry F Chatfield

Subject: Your Altair update email

Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2016 00:41:43 +0000 (UTC)

While I was the Deck YN I worked for Lt Furey and CWO Downs. Then when I was transferred to the Personnel Office I worked for Chief Guthrie. Of course we all remember XO CDR Woodward. One amusing incident about CDR Woodward - myself and another Personnelman was at the ladder leading from the main deck (inside the house) to the 2nd Deck our area of responsibility. We were discussing about painting the area, comment was made as to what color the XO wanted the area painted and from the 2nd deck came "I don't care what color you paint it as long as it comes out white" of course this was the XO.

  Terry F Chatfield,  PN1, USN(Ret).

Monday, November 07, 2016

November 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for November 2016.

FINANCIAL:  The beginning cash-on-hand balance was $912.75 with income of $50.00 and no expenses bringing the total to $962.75.  The beginning and ending balance of the savings account is $8545.32 bringing the overall balance of $9508.07.

SHIPMATES PASSING:  Shipmate LTJG Fred Keefer reports the following Altair Shipmates passing:

    FUREY, Francis D, LCDR 1959-1961, passed 10 April 1976
    GUTHRIE, Gordon L, YNC, 1960-1963, passed 14 April 2011
    NIENAST, Vernon W, SKC, 1960-1962, passed 19 March 2011
    WOODWARD, Lamar Lee, CDR, 1960-1962, passed 28 November 2010
    DOWNS, Charles Leslie, CW02, 1959-1961, passed 20 April 1999
    GOODSON, Raymond Thomas, CW02, 1960-1962, passed 16 February 1988
    PEARCE, Travis Dean, CT3, 1960-1961, passed 18 September 1997

NOTE:  Shipmate Pearce did not have a Altair billet number and was with RPMIO (Registered Publications Mobile Issuing Office)  The rate of CT3 is "Cryptologic Technician 3rd Class)

    Thank you Mr. Keefer for all the information!

NOTE 2:  I really remember Lt. Furey while I was a deck ape.  He was a "Mustang" and really knew his "stuff".  Tough, but fair.

NOTE 3: I also really remember the Exec. Officer, CDR Woodward.  He was well liked!

All for now.  Please us cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us for any questions of information.

Best Regards To All.........Charles

October 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for October 2016.

VOTE!!

FINANCIAL:   Same as last month.  Beginning and ending cash-on-hand of $912.75. Savings balance $8,545.32.  No income nor expenses for a total of $9,458.07.

ARCHIVES:  The new web site for the National Archives is www.archives.com

ALTAIR RECORDS:  I still have 13 microfilm ships records that I used in tracking down Altair shipmates.  I used a printing microfilm reel reading machine and printed out the various forms from the Altair.  Each film contains MANY ships and as I recall they were all service or supply ships.  AOs, AKs,  AEs, etc.  I still have reels for 1952, 1954, 1955-1956, 1957, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.  The reels for 1958, 1960, 1961 are missing and were never returned by the shipmates that took them at the first reunion in Branson, MO.  If you would like for me to send you a reel, please let me know and I will get it on the way.

All for now.  Please use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us for comments or additional info.

Best Wishes To All.............Charles

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Shipmate passing by Charles Brecheisen

From: James Desantis
To: cmbaltairaks32(@)fastmail.us
Subject: Gary Jenkins SKSN
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2016 22:29:50 -0400

Charles,

I signed onto Gary Jenkins facebook page to wish him Happy Birthday today and found out he passed away in April of this year. I do not know how he died and do not know any of his relatives. He was aboard the Altair from 1966 to 1968, assigned to #2 hold with me.

Jim DeSantis SK3 1967 to 1968


      ----------REMEMBER----------
When forwarding,PLEASE REMOVE
  ALL email addresses and use BCC!

Wednesday, October 05, 2016

September 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your report for September 2016.

It's October already!!!!  Don't forget to vote!!!

FINANCIAL:  The beginning and ending balance of the cash-on-hand is $912.75.  The beginning and ending balance of the savings account is $8,545.32 for a grand total of $9,458.07.  There were no expenses nor income.

BARCELONA:  The following headline came from a foxnews.com  article:  "BARCELONA CITY OFFICIALS CALL FOR REMOVAL OF OPPRESSIVE CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS STATUE." The article was published on September 30, 2016  Coming home to Barcelona, I always looked forward to seeing the statue.  How depressing this is. Another P.C. hit.

All for now.  For comments or questions, please use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.com

Best Wishes to All..........Charles

Sunday, September 11, 2016

2017 reunion at Myrtle Beach by Dick Stader

All Hands USS Altair AKS 32
From MMCM Dick Stader
Subj: 2017 Altair Reunion

Charles could you please send this letter out to all hands about our up coming plans for the reunion that Dan Douglas and I are trying to put together for next year 2017.

Dan Douglas and I are planing a reunion in 2017 at Myrtle Beach, S.C. For late September early October as soon as we can get all the information and plans made with Pam Brown of Gatherings Plus who we have worked with before and who we trust with doing a good job for us again.We picked Myrtle Beach because it is a good spot for a reunion with lots to do and see and because no one else seems to want to do any of the work involved with planning and setting it up and because we can't have it in everyone's back yard as some folks would it to be.We will be sending out all of the information and specifics just as soon as we get them ironed out with Pam Brown, so until then sit tight and wait for Dan and I to do our thing.  

Fair Winds and Following Seas to all our Shipmates out there.      Dick Stader

Wednesday, September 07, 2016

August 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for August
2016.

First of All:  Hail Houston Cougars, hail yes!
                  Hail Oklahoma Sooners, Hail NO!!!!
                  (Sorry about that!)

It's September and football season is here!  Yea!

FINANCIAL:  The beginning cash-on-hand balance was $892.75 with $20.00 income and no expenses leaving a balance of $912.75.  The Altair savings beginning and end is $8,545.32 totaling $9,458.07.

REUNION:  We are still looking for shipmates input as to where to hold our next reunion!

If you anticipate moving or changing email addresses, ,please keep me posted as we don't want to lose contact with any shipmate.

All for now.  Please use (cmbaltairals32 [at] fastmail.us) for any questions or comments.

Best Wishes To All...........Charles

Sunday, August 07, 2016

July 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

WX: It's hot here in E. TX; 101-103 day after day after day and no rain nor end in sight.

REUNION:  Reunion comments have been almost nil.  Where would you like our next reunion?
    When?  This year?  Next year?  Every two years?  Where?  Volunteers?

FINANCIAL:  No changes again this month; no income and no expenses.  Cash on hand balance $892.75 with $8,545.32 in savings totaling $9438.07.

Check out the following Altair web sites:

    http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org
    http://altair.smugmug.com
    http://aks32.blogspot.com

All for now.  Please use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us for comments
and questions.

Best Regards To All.......Charles

Thursday, July 07, 2016

June 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for June 2016.

SHIPMATES:  Our email list has 258 shipmates; and, I have another approximately 130 that do not use a computer.  When I receive a email rejection, I will snail mail for 3 months to see if there is a
problem.  Sometimes, they have changed email addresses or physical addresses.  After 3 mailings, I drop them from the email list, but maintain their current address and info.

FINANCIAL:  No changes from last month.  No income nor expenses.  The beginning and ending balances are $892.75 cash on hand and $8,545.32 in savings for a total $9,438.07. 

As usual, the "dog days of August" have arrived a month early again this year. 

I hope all had a great 4th. of July celebration.  I was trapped in Dallas and could not make it home for a few days.

All for now.  If you have questions or comments, please use "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.com.

Best Regards To All.........Charles

Please visit
http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org and
http://altair.smugmug.com

Monday, June 06, 2016

Family has lost most in a flood and are asking for help with shipmate pictures.

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

We received the following request for info for deceased shipmate Ronald F. Spina, SKSN 1953-1954.

"Hi my name is Jennifer Spina my grandfather Ronald F. Spina served on this ship.  I was wondering if anyone knew him or pictures of him.  We lost everything of his in a flood shortly after he
passed all I have is his lighter with the picture and name photos.  If would mean the world to me to be able to share some photos or stories with my 3 boys.  Thank You!
Sincerely, Jennifer Spina  "jaytayzay [at] gmail.com""

I am looking for any additional info that I might have about Shipmate Spina.  Please feel free to contact Ms. Spina with any info you might have.

Best Regards To All.........Charles

Sunday, June 05, 2016

May 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for May 2016.

The following shipmates were reported deceased:

    Beakey, Edward M., SN, 1953-1955
         130 Grand Isle Drive, #2H, Hot Springs, AR 71913

    Willits, Vance, RM3, 1963-1965
         C/O Linda Willits FIsher, 221 Fleetwood Dr., Bloomington, IL 61701

Our condolences to the respective families.  I send sympathy cards from "The Altair Shipmate Crew" and normally get thank you notes from the families.

FINANCIAL:  No changes from April.  The beginning and ending May balance was $9,438.07  No income or expenses.

After weeks, the sun is shining here in east Texas.  We are still cleaning up from the F-2 tornado a few weeks ago.

All for now.  Please do not reply to this email.  For any questions or commends, please use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All...........Charles

Wednesday, May 04, 2016

April 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for April 2016.

We had a F-2 tornado hit Holly Lake Ranch last week destroying much of Holly Lake Ranch.  Fortunately, I live in a separate area about 2/3 of a mile away from the main area and only suffered minor tree damage.  We were lucky as the tornado was 1-3/4 of a mile wide.

FINANCIAL:  The beginning and ending balances of the cash-on-hand, $892.75 and savings $8,545.32 remained the same.  The grand total is $9,438.07.

As previously reported, Shipmate Benjamin (BX) Wabich, RMSN, 1961-62 passed away.  He was a good friend.

That's all the info I have for last month.  We are still looking for any recommendations for the next Altair reunion site.  Please send your preference for a site to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail or to Dan
Douglas ddouglas [at] aol.com.

Best Wishes To All...........Charles

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Shipmate Passing

Greetings Altair Shipmates.

It is with deep regret that I announce that an Altair shipmate and a friend has passed.

Benjamin X. Wabich, RMSN, 1961-1962 passed away April 26, 2016 after a long illness.

I served with "BX" in the Altair radio room and we became good friends while aboard ship and ashore. He will be missed!

More information is available at:

http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/Benjamin-X.-Wabich-103522908

The Wabich family can be reached at:

    9580 Anchor Drive
    Algonac, MI 48001
    810-794-9505
    syntex1 [at] comcast.net

Best Regards, Charles

Tuesday, April 05, 2016

March 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for March.

ALTAIR SHIPMATE:  Please welcome aboard new shipmate Elliot Whittemore, SK2, 1963-964.
Shipmate Whittemore resides in Vernon Rockville, CT.  WELCOME ABOARD!

FINANCIAL:  The beginning cash-on-hand was $872.75 with $20 income and no expenses leaving a balance of $892.75.  The beginning and ending Altair savings balance is $8,545.32 giving a total balance of $9438.07.

REUNION:  If you have any recommendations for our next reunion site, please contact Dan Douglas at "ddouglas [at] aol.com"

All for now.  Any comments and questions, please contact me at "cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us"

Best Regards To All..........Charles

Thursday, March 03, 2016

February 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for February 2016.

Seasons Greetings!!  It's hard to believe that it is March already!
     Where does the time go??????????

ALTAIR SHIPMATE:  Please welcome aboard Shipmate Gerald Nopper, FN 1958.
    Shipmate Nopper resides in Seminole, FL.  WELCOME ABOARD!!

FINANCIAL:  The beginning cash on hand balance was $857.75 with income of $40 from dues and expenses of $25.00.  Expenses were $5 for Sympathy Cards and $20 for our web site; balance $872.75.  The beginning & ending balance for the Savings account is $8,545.32 giving a total balance of $9,418.07.

All for now.  For questions or comments, please us 'cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us'

Best Wishes To All............Charles

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

January 2016 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates.  Here is your monthly report for January 2016.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's hard to believe that it is 2016!  Oh well, another year and another dollar.  But, the SS is taking away $12 of my SS monthly wage.  Yuk!

FINANCE:  The previous cash-in-hand was $447.75 with income of $290.00 in dues and $120.00 from the sale of Altair caps giving a total of $857.75.  The previous and ending balance of the Altair savings account is $8545.32 giving a total of $9,403.07. 

All for now.  For comments and questions, please use cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All............Charles

Friday, January 08, 2016

Location request for 2016 reunion

To: All Hands USS Altair AKS 32
From:Dick Stader MMCM  USN Ret.
Subject: 2016 Altair Reunion
It is that time of the year to start thinking again about another Reunion again and if we are going to have one and if so when and where.  I have only gotten so far two location suggestions and those are Nashville,Tenn. and Myrtle Beach,S.C., and we are open to other suggestions for locations, and while I know everyone would like it in their backyard that just can't happen so let's get serious about this and make a decision that works for everyone. Oh yes and by the way, we also need a chairman for this Reunion,so shipmates get your thinking caps on and let's get this Reunion underway. You can contact me by e-mail at (dickandterry5@sbcglobal.net) or by phone at 262-654-9202 or respond to Charles at the Altair web site. Fair Winds And Following Seas to you all.   Dick Stader

Sunday, January 03, 2016

December 2015 by Charles Brecheisen

Greetings Altair Shipmates. Here is your monthly report for December 2015.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

FINANCIAL:  The beginning and ending cash-on-hand balance is $447.75.  The beginning and ending savings balance is $8,545.32 giving a total cash balance of $8,993.07.

SHIPMATE PASSING:  I received a telephone call from Mrs. Paul Bradarich telling of her husband passing.  I sent a card from the Altair Crew.

     Bradarich, Paul, SK2, 1965-1969
     672 Farragut Court
     Spring Hill,  FL  34609-9201

NEW SHIPMATE:  Please welcome aboard Ronald L. Gadberry, FN, 1957-1958;     No other info available on Shipmate Gadberry.

IT'S JANUARY AND DUES TIME!!!  $10 (TEN BUCKS) (That's cheap!!)  Cash, check or MO to:

     Charles M. Brecheisen
     248 Drifting Cloud
     Holly Lake Ranch,  TX  75765-6321

     Please make out checks to me as my bank will ONLY cash or deposit checks made out to me.

All for now.  Any comments and questions to cmbaltairaks32 [at] fastmail.us

Best Regards To All...........Charles