09 July 2014
Three days ago, 06 July 2014, I celebrated my 50th anniversary of reporting aboard the USNS Michelson T-AGS 23 at USN Supply Depot - US Army Terminal, Bayonne, New Jersey for the first of three tours, one Navy and two civilian.

Hard to believe so many years have intervened since that day.

Best wishes to all the folks that sailed these great ships. It was a unique assignment that led to a great life and careers.

Thank you US Navy... and the Draft Board for giving me the "extra incentive" to join the Navy before I found myself residing in a foxhole.

Chet

I remember Dutton being towed through the Russian fishing fleet and the CO decided to have a "repel borders" drill.

Two years on the Dutton (1975-1976) and one year on Bowditch (1978-1979). Went back to both ships a couple of times with NAVOCEANO in the 1980s.

Very interesting times on Hess

This sure brings back a lot of memories! I was aboard the Bowditch during the freakish string of incidents: the fires, DIW, and our Guanabara Bay disaster. I was the NIC Supervisor the day we got hit, and can remember being topside watching that damn freighter coming at us, turning at the last minute and ramming our port side. I was on the bridge for the starboard broadside.

With that, my time on the Bowditch are some of the best memories of my life. I will never forget all the adventures and the friendships.

I really enjoyed reading the Post dated:

Jun 15, 2011, 4:44 pm

By Dennis Cimino

Was ET-1... BRN-3 tech with training in Loran "C".
Was in Palamares for the search for the lost "H" bomb.

Hi, my dad, Victor Olson, served as an oceanorgapher with NAVOCEANO on board the BOWDITCH, MICHELSON, DUTTON and the USNY WYMAN most of my life from 1964- 1979. I am currently trying to figure out what cruises and what ships he was on every year based on the information in this website. My dad died suddenly in Feb 1980. The photos and stories on this website have been so helpful to me and give me a great appreciation for not only the work done but the life aboard a ship. I am so thankful for all the information. I especially like the photos of the activities that were done on the ship...horseshoes and target shooting. I am sure my dad participated, but can't prove it. If anyone remembers my dad I would love to hear from you.

Midnight madness on the volleyball court! The flea market in Rio - think it was called the 'hippie' market? Copacabana! Lord Jim's Pub! Hang-gliding!
A week or 2 in Curacao, I think.
A unique tour!

Currently aboard the T-AGS 62 USNS Bowditch. The brass plate that was on the AGS-21 is now mounted next to our galley. Just found this site and it's a wonderful view into how life at sea was 'back-in-the-day'.

A tip of my hat and a great and heartfelt thanks for letting us stand on your shoulders.

ET Peter Brockert