"...BALASI, PH2 Alfred ...My late father actually had a world wind tour of the Pacific from late 1944 to early 1946. He was a photographer's mate who shipped out to the Pacific in late 1944 to be assigned to a PB4Y squadron but got sent mistakenly to a PBY squadron - VP-71 initially. By then the Navy stopped assigning photogs to planes and he began flying with different PB4Y squadrons, but mostly with VPB-104. Dad then ended up with FAW-17 at Clark and finally on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) and USS Curtiss (AV-4) in occupation duty before returning to the states in early 1946. I'd be interested in word from anyone who might remember him..." Contributed by Mark Balasi balasi@comcast.net [18NOV2002]

"...BARELA, Joe Madrid...My Father, Joe Madrid Barela, served aboard the USS Argonaut (SS-475), USS Tarawa (CV-40), USS Sumner (AGS-5), USS Sangay (AE-10) and the USS Pine Island (AV-12). I am seeking any information on him would love to here from anyone who may have known him or has any pictures. He passed in 1986. Thank you for any help with this or where I can go to find more information about him. Kathy Sammons (Daughter) candk_24@yahoo.com..." [26FEB2010]

BARNES, FN1 Chris c/o His Son Brian Barnes brianbarnes@att.net "...My Father, Chris Barnes, served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) as a FN1 on its first deployment. Does anyone remember him? Just wondering..." [10DEC2003]

BURCH, REAR ADMIRAL William Oscar Jr. (Deceased) http://www.usstarawavets.org/CV-40%20pages/Burch.Bio.htm "...William Oscar Burch, Jr., was born June 27, 1904, at Paducah, Kentucky, the son of William O. and Elizabeth Metzler Burch. He attended Paducah High School and was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, entering in June 1923, graduating with the Class of 1927. He advanced through the ranks, named Captain for temporary service on 27 June, (his birthday) 1945, attaining the four stripes on July 1, 1950, to rank from March 30, 1945. On October 6, 1956, he was named Rear Admiral to rank from July 1 of that year. Burch was the eighth commanding officer of the U.S.S. Tarawa, taking over on August 8, 1953. He was relieved of command in the Pacific as the ship was in the final stages of the 1953-54 World Cruise. Upon graduation from the Academy, Burch served as a Junior Division Officer aboard the U.S.S. Medusa, a ship of the Train, Base Force, from July 1927 to August 1928. From August 1928 to March 1930 he served in a similar capacity in the U.S.S. West Virginia, flagship of Battleship Divisions, Battle Fleet. In March 1930 he reported to the U.S. NAS Pensacola, Florida, for flight instruction and was designated Naval Aviator on December 12 of that year. The following month he took up duties as Junior Aviation Officer aboard the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. In May 1933 he returned to NAS Pensacola, Florida, as an instructor until June 1935. He was then transferred to Scouting Squadron 4-B with duties as Material Officer until June 1937 when he joined Scouting Squadron 42 with similar responsibilities. With these squadron assignments he was based in the carriers Langley, Saratoga and Ranger until October 1937 when he returned again to NAS Pensacola, Florida as an instructor until June 1939. In June 1939 he joined Scouting Squadron 5, and took command in August 1941. In the early months of World War II he participated in raids on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands and Salamaua-Lae, and in the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. He was twice awarded the Navy Cross, and received the Silver Star Medal and a letter of Commendation from the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, for heroism in that command. The citation for his first Navy Cross reads, in part: "Due to Lieutenant Commander Burch's distinguished and capable leadership, the high combat efficiency attained by units under his command enabled them to deliver five aggressive and exceptionally successful dive-bombing attacks, the first at Tulagi Harbor on May 4 in which at least eight enemy Japanese vessels were destroyed or severely damaged, and later on May 7, when an enemy carrier was sunk...On May 8 (his) squadron succeeded in sinking or severely damaging another enemy Japanese carrier...(and) contributed materially to the success of our forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea." His Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross citation reads, in part: "Lieutenant Commander Burch fearlessly led his squadron over high mountains and dense jungles fo New Guinea in a dive-bombing attack against three enemy airplane tenders or transports...He and his squadron scored seven direct hits and eight very near misses against the hostile vessels, one direct hit being made by Lieutenant Commander Burch personally...contributed materially to the sinking of the three Japanese ships..." From June to August 1942 he served as Training Officer with Carriers, Pacific, and then as Executive Officer with Advanced Carrier Training Group until October 1942. He then was assigned to the NAS Jacksonville, Florida, eventually serving there as Commanding Officer of the Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida, until February 1944. In May 1944 he reported to the Naval Training Station, Newport, Rhode Island, as the prospective Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Ticonderoga (CV-14). Upon that carrier's commissioning he became her Executive Officer. He served in her from May 1944 to June 1945 in the Pacific. He was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a third Navy Cross for heroic conduct as XO when the ship was hit by a suicide plane and bomb crashing through her flight deck; he directed the fire fighting though burned and severely wounded by shrapnel. His Gold Star citation in lieu of a third Navy Cross reads: "...Organizing fire-fighting crews on the hangar deck after his ship had been hit, (then Commander) Burch was the first to take a hose into the fire despite the billowing flames and continuous ammunition explosions although his clothes caught fire on two occasions. After the fire-fighting crews were functioning, he made his way to secondary control and manned his exposed battle station until severely wounded by shrapnel. Refusing to go to Sick Bay, he gave orders to be carried to the flight deck where he directed the fire fighting until the flames were under control..." Upon his return to the United States, he served from June 1945 to November 1946 as Commanding Officer, Naval Auxiliary Air Training Center, Naval Air Station, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then as CO of the Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida, until March 1947. Then followed a succession of commands, Commanding Officer of the USS Pine Island (AV-12) from March 1947 to February 1948; Commanding Officer, FAW-1, from February to April 1948; returning to the USS Pine Island (AV-12) as Co until May of 1948. He then became Head, Enlisted Distribution Branch, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Navy Department, until August of 1951 when he reported as a student to the National War College, Washington, D.C., graduating in June 1952. Then followed a year of duty as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander, Carrier Division Six. It was following that assignment, in August 1953, that Burch was named skipper of the U.S.S. Tarawa, a command he held for a year before reporting for two months of instruction with the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. From July until October 1954 he served as Chief of Staff with the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Formosa. His next assignment was a two-month tour with Air Force, Atlantic Fleet, followed in November 1954 by being named Chief of Staff, Fleet Air Wings, Atlantic Fleet. In September 1956 he rose to become Commander Fleet Air Wings, Atlantic Fleet, with additional duty as Commander, Fleet Air Wing Five, all based at the NAS Norfolk, Virginia. In August 1957 he was named Commander, Carrier Division 18, and in November 1958 became Commander, Naval Aviation Safety Center, NAS Norfolk, Virginia. While retaining that post, he took on additional duties from December 24, 1960 to October 1961 as Commandant, Fifth Naval District, and Commander Naval Base, Norfolk. It was during this time that he was awarded the Legion of Merit "For exceptionally meritorious conduct¼ as Commander, United States Naval Aviation Safety Center, from November 1958 to June 1962. "Responsible for reducing annual naval aviation aircraft losses to the lowest level ever attained in the history of naval aviation, Rear Admiral Burch consistently exercised a high degree of professional skill and resourcefulness throughout this period. "Through his constant and meticulous attention to the problems of safety, he has been directly responsible for minimizing aircraft and aircrew personnel losses, resulting in definite increase in operational readiness and substantial monetary savings. "In stimulating command interest and attention to all aspects of aviation safety, and in initiating the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization Programs, he has made a major contribution to the success of the Navy-wide safety effort. His ability to solve the many and varied problems associated with his command ensured the smooth functioning that provided the most efficient service to the Navy..." The admiral's Distinguished Flying Cross was won "For heroic conduct in aerial combat as Commanding Officer of Scouting Squadron Five during operations of U.S. forces against the Gilbert Islands on January 31, 1942...(when) he personally made a direct bomb hit on an enemy seaplane tender and sank a four-engined patrol plane on the water by machine gun fire." On July 1, 1962, Burch was transferred to the Retired List of the U.S. Navy. The shrapnel wounds suffered in World War II plagued him during the remainder of his life, the metal fragments continuing to work their way through parts of his body. Burch died at his home on 21 January 1989..." [22JUL2003]

BURDETT, AMM2 Merle W. "Burdie" burdievfd85@yahoo.com "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) (Plank Owner) as a member of Victor Division. I left the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in Tokyo Bay (Japan) to go to Sasebo (Japan) to join VPB-27 onboard the USS St. George (AV-16). Three planes left Sasebo 12/31/1945 to go to NAS Oakland, California and arrived 2/12/1946. USS Pine Island (AV-12) crew members at Okinawa might rember me as the guy in the rubber boat tied to the fantail. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [26SEP2010]

BURGUNDER, JOHN H. lyt-house@yahoo.com "...I SERVED ABOARD THE USS Pine Island (AV-12) DURING THE YEARS OF 1963-1966/ I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO IT AFTER I WAS DISCHARED FROM SERVICE?IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE SHIP PLEASE EMAIL..." [25APR2001]

"...CATE, CDR Thomas R. Jr...CATE, JR., CDR THOMAS R. of Plano, TX passed away April 21, 2004. Born in Tulsa, OK, on September 11, 1932, he is survived by his wife of 29 years, Nancy E Cate; his daughter and son-in-law Carol and Billy Dison of Jacksonville, TX, granddaughters Jessica and Jackie Dison; son Tom K Cate of Troup TX; and the families of cousins Mary Clifton of Magnolia, TX, Davis Helberg of Esko, MN, Pat Mims of Bellevue, WA, and Ruth Dickey (deceased) of Mabank, TX. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Visitation will begin on Saturday, April 24, 2004 with his family receiving guests from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. CDR Cate served in the US Navy from 1952 to 1975. As a pilot, he logged 4811 hours flight time in SNB, US2B, P2, SNJ, P4Y-2 and R4D-6 aircraft including 6 carrier landings. He completed flight training in Pensacola, FL and Hutchinson, KS before joining VP-3 (1954-56). He was a flight instructor at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas from 1957-1960 where he and close friend Kenneth ('Moon) Mullins enjoyed many hours fishing and water skiing in the Gulf. He was Communications Officer on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in 1961, Administrative Officer to Ops Of Korea 1961-63, and was assigned to VP-4 in NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan and Hawaii from November 1963 - Nov 1965. From Dec 1965 to Dec 1967, he served as briefing officer to the Joint Chiefs of Staff attached to ANMCC, Fort Ritchie, MD. In December 1969, he graduated Cum Laude from Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA where as Section Leader for BAA-8, his study group achieved the highest cumulative grade point average at that time. From late 1969 to December 1970, he resumed working with high-level command and control as Acting Director for the Commander United Nations Command/ Commander US Forces, Korea, Command Center. From 1971 to 1975, he led Team Bravo in the Center for War Gaming at the Naval War College, Newport, RI until his retirement. He directed an innovative set of war games for civilian and military analysts where he met future wife, Nancy (Hill) Cate. His military honors included the Joint Chiefs of Staff Commendation Medal, Viet Nam Service Award, Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Aerial Flight (Southeast Asia), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and National Defense Service Medal. After retiring, he worked as a consultant for Systems Consultants Inc. He relocated to Plano, TX after joining Pacer Systems as Regional Manager, marketing flight simulators for corporate and private pilots. He directed training seminars for the American Management Association, traveling throughout the central states in 1978. Returning to an early passion for geology, he served as landsman for various independent oil and gas drilling companies until 1990. Medical conditions from 1992 impacted his last years. CDR Cate treasured the times spent with his wife, parents, children and grandchildren. His life was enriched by close friendships that spanned many years. With Bart Bradford of Fort Worth, TX, he celebrated a lasting friendship that began in first grade in Streetman, TX. Other long-term friends included Col. BJ Palmer, USMC ret., Darrell Clements and Sam Galentree. His warmth and humor are deeply missed. The family extends special thanks to his caregiver, Terry Barnett of Deport, TX who gave kindness and dignity to his last years...Steve/Andy Andruszkewicz sgpa2zfmly@aol.com..." [06MAR2010]

CHAMBERLAIN, Ted tedchamberlain@att.net "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) (1960-1962) in the Navigation Division. My best buddies were Burke and Perini..." [05MAY2012]

CONLEY, Boyd c/o Brian John Conley golfnut064@aol.com "...My Father, Boyd Conley, served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) from 1945 to 1946 and is now living at 1369 Gallant Lane, Boise, ID 83642. Thank you..." [ADDR Updated 26OCT2010 | 02JUN2007]

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DEAN, Gerald (Jerry) Jerrybeulah@aol.com "...I have researched this site from to date thru January 2001. It's great! I was a crew member of the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in the years 1952 through 1954. I was in the AV Metal Shop and later a Master-of-Arms until January 1955. I would like to hear from anyone who served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) during this time. I remember servicing VP-40, VP-41, and VP-42 in the Pescadores Straits during the Formasa patrol era..." [19OCT2002]

DECHANT, Wilma J. Retired cbed1968@yahoo.com "...I was with VP-42 in 1950 at NAS North Island, San Diego, California, and then on two NAS Iwakuni, Japan. I have a few pictures of the 77th fighter Wing club. Some of the Shipmates that I can't recall one of the Ramp Crew. I was with FAW-6 on board the USS Pine Island (AV-12), then to NAS Atsugi, Japan. I have been trying to get in touch with Bud Norris. I retired in 1968 as a Seabee..." [12APR2001]

DRANE, AB John T. havenofrest@dnet.net "...My father, John T. Drane served on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) as an Aviation Boatswain Mate somewhere from 1/44-1/46 when he was discharged. I am interested in finding someone who may have known him or may have any pictures. He is now 88 and we are presenting him with his metals. He is going into a nursing home and I know this would mean a lot to him and the family. Thank You..." [28AUG2007]

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ELDRIDGE, QM3 Sanford c/o Michael Eldridge meldridge00@yahoo.com "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in 1949. I would like to hear from former Shipmates and also obtain a list of Shipmates aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in 1949. Thanks..." [29MAR2010]

ELLIOTT, EM2 Thomas R. tomanddonna1@peoplepc.com "...I served on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) (E-Division). I remember some interesting times like the time we lost all our small boats (service and refueling). We had a seaplane set up and couldn't get out of the way of a typhoon. I was responsible for the boat deck crane and it went down and we knew the fantail crane was out of service as well. I don't recall everthing now but at the time I was sure I'd be court marshaled. Hope there's someone out there that can recall our 1958 and 1959 cruise. I would sure like to hear from you..." [E-Mail Updated 20FEB2005 | 10JAN2003]

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"...FINLEY, SN Harold C...Sad to report that SN Finley (USS Pine Island (AV-12) 1948-04/1950) passed away January 16, 2016..." Contributed by Charles Moore charlesdupreemoore@comcast.net [23NOV2022]

FINLEY, Harold haroldestelle@bellsouth.net "...Served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) from early 1948 until April 1950. Served in Tsingtow China..." [11MAR2010]

FOUST, Ray teffey@sos-corp.com "...I served on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) during WWII. I would love to hear from former Shipmates..." [19MAR2004]

FRARY, AE Ladd G. alanladd7@msn.com "...I reported aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) during the fall of 1946 when she was in drydock in Norfolk, Virginia. In December, we sailed as part of Operation Highjump via the Panama Canal. As an Electrician Mate, my duty station was both engine rooms and evaporators. During flight quarters, I was on duty on the after crane and was stationed there when survivors of the crashed PBM were brought aboard. I served on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) until our arrival in San Diego, California via Rio de Janerio, again the Panama, Canal and San Diego, California. I then transferred to the USS Tarawa, CV-40..." [06AUG2007]

FRAZIER, H. Frazier c/o His Wife Jackie Frazier JackieFrazier@aol.com "...My husband, Charles H. Frazier, was on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) from l947 until March l950 was the mailman aboard ship. Looking for anyone that remembers him..." [10JAN2002]

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GRAPPONE, AMSC Al Retired algrappone@comcast.net "...I attended Boot Samp Newport, RI (June 18, 1941 to August 25, 1941, AM School NAS Jacksonville, Florida (August 26, 1941 to December 29, 1941), LTA School NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (December 31, 1941 to June 3, 1942), ZP-12 NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (June 3, 1942 to January 24, 1943), ZP-51 San Juan Puerto Rico, ZP-51 NAS Trinidad, British West Indies (March 4, 1942 to August 24, 1943), Blimp Hedron 5 NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (1943), Blimp Hedron 2 NAAF Atkinson Field, Essequibo, British Guiana, Blimp Hedron 4 NAF Amapa, Brazil (1945), ZP-41 Richmond Field, FL (June 8, 1945 to March 2, 1946), ZP-12 NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (March 2, 1946 to August 10, 1946), NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island (August 12, 1946 to September 8, 1947), COMFLEETAIR WESTCOAST (October 2, 1947 to October 7, 1947), VP-ML-1 NAS Miramar, California (October 7, 1947 to July 20, 1948), Receiving Station NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (July 1948), Receiving Station NAS Agana, Guam (August 18, 1948 to August 25, 1948), FASRON-122 Tsingtao China (August 29, 1948 to December 6, 1948), USS Pine Island (AV-12) (December 7, 1948 to April 4, 1949), FASRON-119 Tsingtao China (April 4, 1949 to April 5, 1949), FASRON-122 NAF Oppama, Japan (1949), USS Fabius (1950 to 1951), VR-5 href="nasmoffett.html">NAS Moffett Field, California (1951), VR-21 NAS Atsugi, Japan (1952), VR-23 NAS Atsugi, Japan (1952 to 1954), VR-2 NAS Alameda, California (1954 to 1956), VR-23 NAS Atsugi, Japan (1956 to 1958), VFAW-3 NAS North Island, San Diego, California (1958 to 1959), FASRON-110 NAS North Island, San Diego, California (1959 to 1960), NAS North Island, San Diego, California (1960 to 1961), and Retired May 4, 1961..." [E-Mail Updated 26MAR2011 | 02MAY2004]

GIRON, Anthony agiron@espanola.com "...I was assigned to the Pine Island when she slif of heer skids in San Pedro Ca. She sailed to San Diego to pick her first crew. In San Diego we had a few days of "shake Down" preformance. We immediately were sent West and ended joining a fleet on way to invade Okinawa. We were in Okinawa at war's end. For occupation time we were sent to Sasabo, Japan, a Japanese submarine port. There the USS Pine Island (AV-12) was handed the job of collecting small arms from homes. From there we went to Yokahama where we had to sink many Jap sea planes..." [25MAY2002]

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"...HORAIS, Tony...My step-dad, Tony Horais, served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12), known fondly(?) as the Piney Maru on board 11 January 1963. I would like to hear from Shipmates who remembers him...Sylvia Horais sdhorais@aol.com..." [20MAY2006]

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KEMPTON, CS1 Robert Leo scottyrk@comcast.net "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) as a Commissaryman 1st Class (ships cook) from August 1947 to May 1950..." [08AUG2007]

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NICHOLS, ABGAN Kenneth Lee karenjean_connielynn@yahoo.com "...I spent 6 months in a A3D Squadron, I think it was called VAH-2, we were out of NAS Whidbey Island, Washington in 1958. I was on 3 carriers. The "Big T" and the Ranger. After that I spent the rest of my 4 years on the USS Pine Island (AV-12). I was a Coxswain on the #2 boswer boat from 1958 to 1960. Refueled many PBY's..." [BIO Updated 03JUN2006 | 20FEB2006]

NOTTGER, RMSN Ernie ernie4919@sbcglobal.net "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) from 1960 to 1962..." [18MAY2010]

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PARKER, Howard H. hojo0247@netzero.net "...I served as a station keeping at NAS Grosse ILE, Michigan from June 1950 until September 1951 at which time I volunteered for duty with VP-731 which had been activated for duty during the Korean War. I later was assigned to the USS Pine Island (AV-12) and served in X Division as a PNA2. My closest friend was AM3 who served identical duty with me. I'm looking for anyone who served about that time i n VP-731, or the USS Pine Island (AV-12), NS Sangley Point, Philippines to give me a shout..." [E-Mail Updated 16JAN2007 | 04FEB2006]

"...POOL, Gerald Hugh...My two older brothers both served on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) together. Gerald Hugh Pool died on 18 Sep 2006 in Monroe, LA..." Contributed by Lawrence D. Pool pooll@theriver.com [06JUL2010]

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ROBERTSON, AX2 Claude "Robby" claude45@centurytel.net "...I served with VP-40 (AX2) from 1965 to 1967. I worked in shops on the USS Careton, USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) and USS Pine Island (AV-12). Please yell if you remember me..." [E-Mail Updated 21AUG2010 | E-Mail Updated 08SEP2008 | 18MAR2004]

ROBINSON, Dennis Z. c/o His Son Chad Robinson chadrob27@yahoo.com "...Dad was a cook. and did some time in Australia. He did 6 years in the Navy and I believe he was around Vietnam but not sure..." [19FEB2002]

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SANDELIN, Charlie crsandelin@yahoo.com "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) from 1955 to 1957! I was assigned to the 2nd Division (Deck Ape!)..." [01JUL2001]

SCHNEIDER, AG3 John R. jrs2bbs@aol.com "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in 1959-60 as an AG3 (Aerographer). Our Pacific tour sent us to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines and Hong Kong. We were also one of the first ships sent to Viet Nam..." [30MAR2007]

SKOLNIK, Howard "Greek" bighskol@webtv.net "...Hedron 14-1 or FAW-14 who were stationed aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12). I was a plank owner and got to fly over Nagasaki and Hiroshima in August of 1945 shortly after the TYPHOON at Okinawa prior to the formal peace signing in Sept. '45. From Okinawa, went to Yokuska, then Shanghai, then Tsing Tao in China where I got the USS Lubbock back to the states for discharge. Interested in hearing from anyone in that time frame..." [09JAN2001]

SMITH, AK Larry E. smith8967@attbi.com "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) from October 1953 to November 1954. I was in the Aviation Storekeeper unit at that time. At some time in the past, (70's ?) I saw the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in Bremerton, Puget Sound. It was docked in the Shipyard, and then later I saw it in the Sound off Bremerton WA. The next visit to that area, it was no longer in the area..." [04OCT2002]

STEADMAN, Tony TCSteadman@webtv.com "...I was ordered out of boot camp to the USS Pine Island (AV-12) At first I thought it was a south seas island. Anyway, I was a Yoeman aboard until she was decommissioned. I was one of the bitter enders when she went out..." [25JUL2001]

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THOMPSON, RM3 Dick dicknjan1@juno.com "...I served on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) from June 1945 to July 1946 as an RM3C. We traveled from San Diego to Pearl Harbor to Okinawa. When the peace treaty was signed we proceeded to Sasebol Japan, Tokyo Harbor, then Shanghai, China, Tsingtao, Chinad. Eventually returning to Norfolk, Virginia via the Suez Canal..." [29DEC2003]

TOMPKINS, BM3 Steve steveatompkins@aol.com "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) (BM3 1st Division) from December 1960 to October 1963. I was aboard for three WestPac cruises..." [19DEC2008]

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WATERS, Wayne R. wrwaters@earthlink.net "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) as Operations Officer from April 1951 until mid 1953. The ship tended seaplanes (PBM) at Iwakuni, Japan, Buckner Bay, Okinawa, Pescadores Islands, Formosa Straits. Overhaul at Long Beach Shipyard and back to Buckner Bay and the Pescadores..." [15NOV2002]

WATTS, Doug wattsup@centurylink.net "...Attended attended Aviation Ordnance School (1943) at NAS Norman, Oklahoma, Naval Air Gunnery School at Purcell, Ok, PBM Operational Training Unit at NAS Banana River, Florida and NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, VPB-208 (07/1945-12/1945) while on deployment to Shimawan Bay, Okinawa, USS Pine Island (AV-12) and USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39) for duty in China and recalled in 1950 serving aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) as part of Task Force 77 in Korea. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [E-Mail Updated 05MAR2014 | 01APR2002]

"...WILLIAMS, Robert W...My Dad, Robert W. Williams, USN Retired was a Boatswains Mate stationed on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in the 1950's. His Shipmates called him "Willie". Recently passed away in San Diego at the age of 82. Just wondered if anyone remembered him...Karen Williams DeBolt deboltkaren@yahoo.com..." [20OCT2005]

WINGO, AB3 Jim E. jwingo1025@aol.com "...I served aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12), as a AB-3 in V-1 Division, during 1955 and 1956. I was coxswain of the the Number 2 crash boat. Those with the '56 cruise book can see me hanging from the hook of the faintail crane while we were attempting an open ocean rescue of a P6M Seamaster that run out of fuel on a flight from San Diego. He landed 250 miles short of Hilo. Typhoon Babs of '56 will not be forgot by those who were there! Piney Maru memories are better as we all get a little older..." [13JAN2006]

"...WRIGHT, Jerry A...I am sad to say that retired Master Chief Jerry A. Wright passed away on 2/18/2004 at his home in Shawnee, Kansas. He served with the US Navy from 1946 to 1966 on active duty. His last assignment was aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12) as an ETCM from 10/3/64-8/22/66...Chris Wright cdwright22@hotmail.com..." [10APR2004]

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"USS Pine Island (AV-12) Summary Page"

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