 USS Albemarle (AV-5) Shipmates
 "...ABBOTT, James Daniel "Danny"...I happily stumbled across this marvelous site, and wish to request assistance in gathering info on my father's WW2 naval experience. His name was James Daniel "Danny" Abbott. He was born 4/22/16, and passed away 10/19/2000. He never talked much about the war, but I learned he was a CAEM on USS Albemarle (AV-5), and was definitely on her about Sept-Nov 1942, when assigned to the Pacific in the area of NAF/NAAF Galapagos, Seymour Island, Ecuador. I have a few photos of him with some of his buddies on the islands, but nothing of the USS Albemarle (AV-5) or any photos of "his" planes. He remarked that he flew often on PBM's, in various capacities, and told me about all the different aircraft he worked on, but... no photos. I just wondered if there were any old salts out there who may have known him. His home was usually Miami, FL, but for the last 10 years of his life, he and my step-mom lived happily in Blairsville, GA, in the foothills of the Appalachians. I'd appreciate hearing back from anyone who knew him, or who knew anything about the USS Albemarle (AV-5) around that time. THANKS VERY MUCH!...James Daniel "Danny" Abbott [Deceased] c/o His Son Dana Abbott katycoachswim@yahoo.com..." [E-Mail Updated 01MAR2010 | E-Mail Updated 21FEB2005 | 21DEC2000]
ALLEN, Gale D. c/o His Grand Daughter Amy L amyl@mediafour.com "...My grandfather, Gale D Allen served on the USS Albemarle (AV-5). I'm wondering if anyone knew him and what you could tell me about him. He was an Electritian, and served in the 1940's to the best of my knowledge. He is from Iowa. I hope that is enough information. Any replies would be appreciated. Thank you in advance..." [14JAN2002]
ARKINS, LT James E. c/o Dan Arkins darkins@artechpackaging.com "...I served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) (03/1942-01/1946). I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [18DEC2019]
BLAKELY, Robert F. "Bob" rfblakely@comcast.net "...I served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) from December 1959 until she was decommissioned (21OCT60) as Disbursing Officer and Assistant Supply Officer. Our skipper was Captain Melvin and our XO was CDR Ward, both fine men. My boss was LCDR Ken Woollard, another fine officer. My closest friend certainly would have been Ed McDonald, our ship's dentist, with whom I played banjo to his fine Georgia guitar, much to the dismay of our tolerant Shipmates. W4 Boatswain's Mate Jim Eastman was also a particular friend. I loved my time on the old "Able Mable" and would really like to hear from former Shipmates..." [29MAR2011]
DEWEY, William E. wedewey@aol.com "...I was aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) for precommissioning and commissioning in October ,1957 with Capt. William Dean. I served under Capt. Charles Minter and Capt. Vincent de Poix. (Both Captains later became Vice Admirals). I have some great memories of being the OOD entering and leaving Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and the cruise up the St. Lawrence Seaway..." [11MAR2001]
DuLONG, Robert Joseph tamatha@nycap.rr.com "...I served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) during the testing of the Atomic Bomb and on the USS Kasaan Bay (CVE-69) in Europe and two years out at sea. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [20AUG2011]
"...FAMBROUGH, BM1 Joe M...My father, Joe M. Fambrough, BM1, USN (ret.) served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) from 24 October 1946 to March 1948. I have some photos taken of USS Albemarle (AV-5) with notes it was docked at Key West, Fla. in 1947 at the time. Dad was BM2 aboard USS Albemarle (AV-5), then transferred to USS Manchester CL 83 before Operation Crossroads. Dad enlisted in Pensacola, Fla., in 1939 and went from there to the Pacific during World War II. Units he served in included ACORN 12 and PATSU 1-9. He was temporarily attached to CASU 8 before being assigned to CASU 39 Detachment A, which he used to call "Fighting Forward 39," and CASU 50...Kevin Fambrough kevinfambrough@cox.net..." [BIO Updated 24FEB2005 | 23FEB2005]
"...FOX, Paul...My father, Paul Fox, served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) through 1946 and was present at Operation Crossroads. I have the Official Pictorial Record, his Navy photo (in uniform), his uniforms including cap, and the official post card issued by the Department of the Navy with the official seal imbossment on the card. The post card features a drawing of the atomic blast with the words printed on the top: "Rendezvous with Destiny-Bikini Atoll, 1946." On the bottom: "Glad to be Aboard, Sir!"..." Contributed by Paul Fox paul-fox@sbcglobal.net [26MAR2013]
GARRISON, Bob bobjane81@yahoo.com "...I was assigned to the USS Albemarle (AV-5) in 1959, as its general medical officer, while it was being refitted at Phila.shipyard after the St. Lawrence Seaway event. Following shakedown to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and a VP Squadron exercise at the mouth of the Rappahanock, we returned to NAS Norfolk, Virginia for Christmas, then to San Juan for about 3 months in support of Marine exercises at Vieques. Captain then was Agee Melvin. He was succeeded by Captain Vincent dePoix, later skipper of our first nuclear carrier, Enterprise. Interestingly, he Commanded the Enterprise during the blockade of Cuba during the missile crisis, while I was ashore in NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with a surgical team. I later saw RADM dePoix twice more while stationed at NH Bethesda. While at San Juan, the ship visited the Virgin Islands. Also visited Port au Prince, before she returned to NAS Norfolk, Virginia for decommissioning. I was reassigned then to NH Bethesda for further training. During the year with the USS Albemarle (AV-5), I was most ably supported by an excellent group of HMs, who I would love to hear from, if they see this note. (Who could forget the 3 Hs, Hamalainen, Housenfluck, and Houston?) All of the ship's officers were very patient with me and my entire one month's experience in the Navy before joining the ship. (Would you believe seasick in the wardroom while still docked in Norfolk?). I especially remember XO CDR Ed. Ward; LT Bennett (later killed in a plane crash); LT Dick Swadener, who named his first-born, a daughter, after mine; Chaplain Foelber; CDR Don Spoon; Ed, our dental officer, and several other fine men whose names elude me after 44 years..." [06SEP2002]
GEORGE, Ray raygeorge5352@cs.com "...I along with LT Dewey served on the Pre-com and commissioning of the USS Albemarle (AV-5) in 1957. Enjoyed my tour even though the P6M program flopped . Prior to that I served 4 years in VS-32 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia and NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Flew the Turkey Bird (back-seat) and Ditched SR-17 with John Kneeland and LT BORS on May 1 1951..." [02AUG2001]
GOUMALATSOS, Michael c/o His Son Steven Goumas RAMM@S-WAY.COM "...My Father served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) during Project Crossroads July 1946. He would like to contact Shipmates or their families..." [24FEB2001]
"...HAYDEN, John O...My father, John O. Hayden, served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) during the Baker Test in the Bikini Islands. As I understand he was the pay master on the ship. I am interested in information about those days in the Marshall Islands as he was not allowed to talk to us about it. He died in 1991..." Contributed by Susan Jones susala04@hotmail.com [11NOV2013]
HIDAY, Henry "Hank" c/o His Son Thomas A. Hiday tomhiday@hotmail.com "...My father served on the USS Albemarle (AV-5) during WW-II. I was very happy to find this site with so much information. I have a personl log of his from the war that I will share if there is any interest. He was Henry "Hank" Hiday and was an Aviation Machinst Mate. At various times he flew in PBYs, PBMs, PV-1s, J2Fs and others. He was stationed in NAS Norfolk, Virginia for some of the war..." [10OCT2002]
HUBER, Alfred R. alfredr.huber@verizon.net "...I also served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) as a Seaman Quartermaster in the Navigation Department from the time she came out of moth balls in 1957 to the time she was decomissioned in 1960. Many of us were then transfered to the U.S.S. Forrestal which was in drydock at Norfolk Va. I still have the USS Albemarle (AV-5) cruise book and also some 8mm movies I put on vhs. Many memories from those days I can remember just like it was yesterday. Thanks..." [12APR2004]
"...LYNN, CAPTAIN Joseph Sr...My father, CAPTAIN Joseph Lynn Sr., Retired recently died of what he called 'general breakdown'. He did so with all of his 6 children surviving, and as a recent great grandfather. After the death of his beloved wife Janet in 1995, my father remarried, and my dearly beloved step-mom Peggy is now graced with more children than she can control. I'm hoping to create a webpage in honor of one of the most impressive persons I've ever met, and I would appreciate any comments, photos or information that any of the thousands of people who've had the fortune to meet him might add. I would especially like to hear from his old squadron members (CO VP-6, CO USS Albemarle (AV-5), XO NAS Pensacola, Florida, CO NAAS Saufley Field, Pensacola, Florida, Naval War College, and then to staff NAS Norfolk, Virginia) and Dewey Ostrom, if anyone knows whether he's still around. Joe Lynn (very junior) joe@idatic.net..." [25JAN2003]
MOOREHEAD, Ernest A. emoorehead@cfl.rr.com "...Served aboard USS Albemarle (AV-5) in 1950 as seaman. Got off at Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1950. Would love to hear from anyone aboard this ship then or about Reunions that take place..." [24SEP2001]
NELSON, Burt Erickson Schloss@localnet.com "...I read the log of the USS Albemarle (AV-5) with amusement when it came to 1945. There was a big gap and I wondered if any remember that embarrassing time on Oct. 2 when, after anchoring a while in Gatun Lake, the USS Albemarle (AV-5) ran aground in the Panama Canal! Not an easy feat. I was on the boat deck at the time, one of the few of about 2000 swabbies being transported, who were sleeping in the hammocks we lugged around. All the rest of the draft were in racks in the hangar aft. Until then, we were headed for sunny Hawaii, but losing the starboard screw screwed us up. The poor ole USS Albemarle (AV-5) limped up the Baja California coast, heaving to on the way to send a Sick Bay case over to a destroyer by breeches buoy, and on to Treasure Island where we were all transferred to the USS Gen. Pope and instead of the pleasant Hawaiian Isles, we found ourselves on jungled Calicoan Island off Samar as part of a SeaBee operation. There I sat for nine months. The only Japs I saw were a handful of PWs we had in a camp, the remnant of the Leyte Gulf campaign. This fills the gap in the log a bit. To be precise, we left Norfolk September 25, 1945 at 11 a.m. and arrived off Panama at 5 a.m. on the 30th, entering Limon Bay at daybreak where we lay at anchor. We moored at Pier 3 at the Naval Base at Coco Solo and went on liberty that evening at Colon. We weighed anchor at 10 a.m. October 2 and embarked on what was not the Navy's proudest example of seamanship, seeing how many times the USS Albemarle (AV-5) had transited the canal. For me it turned out well as I wrangled the job of editing the Pope's shipboard paper, the same job I had in June of '46 heading stateside aboard the Gen. Randall and went on to a lifelong career as a newspaperman. All because a ship ran aground. Join the Navy and learn a trade!..." [02NOV2001]
"...SILLER, Arnold F...I am the daughter of Arnold Francis Siller, Ret. CPO. who served on the USS Albemarle (AV-5) as their meterologist. I've tried to find him listed in the crew book and he wasn't there. I remember celebrating my birthday along with my mother and sister on the USS Albemarle (AV-5) approximately sometime in June, I believe in 1957. I was hoping to find someone who served with my dad and remembers the birthday party. My dad, Arnold F. Siller, retired from NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey in 1960. I'm sorry to report that dad died on January 30, 1987 of Lung Cancer. Dad joined the Navy in 1940 at the age of 17 to serve in WWII and retired in 1960. Dad went on to be a meterologist with Federal Government serving at Wallops Island, VA. Then when his duty there ended in 1965, the Government transferred dad to Lexington, KY as a meterologist at Bluegrass Airport until he retired in 1978 and returned to New England, Milton, NH where he was put to rest in Milton Mills Cemetary in 1987..." Contributed by Judy Ellen Siller tinkerintink@yahoo.com [10MAR2010]
SMITH, Roy roysmithusn_mcl@msn.com "...USS Albemarle (AV-5) WWII. Reading Burt Erickson Nelson's comments RE this ship damaging a screw, while negotiating the Panama Canal surely brought back some memories. I was aboard. A young swab jockey just old enough to enlist with the consent of my parents. After boot camp, Co. 3203, 3rd Training Reg. Building 319-U, I returned from leavy and was transported via rail to a then unknown destination where I along with many others boarded the USS Albemarle (AV-5). Put to work in the Chief's quarters, I helped with kitchen duties and with obtaining the food from the main kitchen. One thing I recall about this trip was the heat. I slept on deck most of the time. I recall limping up the cost to board the General John Pope. Ended up on Samar Island, PI Navy 3142. If anyone reads this and Burt Nelson's comments, I would appreciate any information from you..." [24OCT2004]
TEBO, Kenneth M. http://www.lib.ecu.edu/SpclColl/ead/vault/frmvault/0620.body.html "...Kenneth M. Tebo was born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, in 1919. In 1936 he entered Admiral Farragut Academy (Pine Beach, New Jersey) and enlisted in the Naval Reserves in order to be able to compete for enrollment in the Naval Academy. He enrolled in the Academy in 1937 and graduated on February 7, 1941. Tebo served as an officer aboard the USS ROPER (DD147) on anti-submarine patrol along the Atlantic coast (1941-1942); attended gunnery school in Washington, D.C. (1942-1943); attended flight training in NAS Dallas, Texas, and NAS Pensacola, Florida, and received his wings; and served as Executive Officer of VP-45, which operated on anti-submarine patrols out of NAF Belem, Brazil. In 1945, he attended post-graduate school in aeronautical engineering, after which he served as Executive Officer for FASRON-117 in Hawaii, and anti-submarine warfare officer for FAW-2. During the Korean War, he served as aviation fleet readiness officer on the staff of the commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet. He then served as branch head (1953) for the Torpedo Research and Development Branch of the Bureau of Ordinance; was Commanding Officer of FASRON-101 at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island (1955-1957); and Executive Officer on the seaplane tender USS Albemarle (AV-5) (1957-1959). His final duty with the Navy was as head of the Program Evaluation Branch which analyzed the status of the Polaris nuclear submarine/missile project (1959-1961). Tebo retired from the Navy in 1961, after which he worked at General Motors (1961-1963) as director of program analysis, with the Midwest Research Institute (1963-1965) on Program Management Techniques, the Central Intelligence Agency (1965-1975) as program manager for scientific intelligence gathering, and at George Washington University in continuing engineering education (1975-1988)..." [12JUL2003]
"...TUNNICLIFF, Raymond...My grandfather, Raymond Tunnicliff, was a Shipmate aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5). If anyone knew him, please feel free to email me with stories as he passed away before I was born. Thank you!...Stacey sassytigerr@yahoo.com..." [10JUN2004]
"...WARD, CDR Edward M. Jr. Retired...My Father, Edward M. Ward Jr., passed away in 2006. Dad's records show he was commissioned an Ensign USNR (1941), PBY Instructor at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas (where I was born) (1943), arrived in theater as a PB4Y-2 Pilot (Okinawa) one day after the war was over (1945), Pilot Utility Squadron located at Johnsville, PA. (1946), Instructor GCA at NAS Moffett Field, California (1948), VXE-6 participated in Operation Ski Jump I and II (1950), Operations Officer Utility Squadron at NAS Chincoteague, Virginia (1952), attended Naval Lion's School Monterey, California (1955), VXE-6 Executive Officer (1956), VU-4 (Commanding Officer) at VU-4 at NAS Chincoteague, Virginia (1958), USS Albemarle (AV-5) (Executive Officer) (1960), NAS Minneapolis, Minnesota (Executive Officer) (1962), Naval Parachute Riggers School at NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (Commanding Officer) (1963), Naval Publishing and Supply Depot, Philadelphia, PA (1965) and retired from Active Duty (1968). Dad was "true Navy" up to the day he passed away. I used to listen in amazement to his airplane stories and wonder how he managed to do all the things he did. He was also a devout Christian and credited the Almighty with pulling him through some tight situations. I would like to hear from any of Dad's former Shipmates..." Contributed by Ed Ward Jr. downnlock@aol.com [09AUG2010]
WICKHAM, Gordon R. wickhamgin@msn.com "...I served with FASRON-102 from December 1955 to October 1957 in the metal-painting shop and the USS Albemarle (AV-5) from October 1957 to September 1959 where I worked on P2V-7 and P5M aircraft. I also worked on the USS Constellation that was on the magnetic survey and the R5D that did a survey of Antartica including overhauls on P5M's for VP-44. I would like to hear from anyone who served in this time period..." [10MAR2003]
"...WINTERS, Jack Alford...My Dad, Jack Alford Winters, served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5). I would like to hear from any of his former Shipmates or anyone that known my Dad. Jack A. Winters III jackwinters2005@hotmail.com..." [15DEC2009]
"USS Albemarle (AV-5) Summary Page"
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