I reported to the Dutton in June 1969, newly married and right out of OCS. It was a great 13 months. We inported in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Trondhiem Norway, and several ports in England. We dry docked in NJ in January 70, then headed back to the North Atlantic. I left the shipped in July 1970, and took an early release from active duty. I have been able to maintain limited contact with only three people from my tour. LT Bob Zang, Lee (the baker_) Everette, and Peter Labyak, the CO when I left. Would love to hear from anyone.

During the late 1980's my daughter purchased a number of photographs of old and new hardhat diving taken by a navy photographer. Included in the items was a brass dolphin structure (like on the submarines emblem) with a divers helmet in lieu of the submarine conning tower. This looks like something that would have been mounted over the hatch for the "Diving Locker" I have a hat patch with the words "Oceanographic Unit One" . I wore this for many years and purchased from the sub school a Chief Masters Diver pin which I have placed on the middle of the patch. If this hat patch came from the same source as the photographs and the brass emblem, then they would all be related. Anyone interested in learning more about these items please send me an email. Happy New Year Larry Beaver, Gresham, OR

MSC daughter of George Keller

My father George Keller served on both the Dutton and the Michelson as cook and cook steward. I am trying to get any pictures or reminiscences from those who served with him. Dad passed away February 6 2007, and I just want to get a clearer sense of his life when he was away from his family. Your website is amazingly detailed, but so far I haven't seen anything with his name on it. I can't recall the years he was on the ships, but may have that info soon. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. Lisa

Outstanding site...I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying looking around and reminiscing! I served as the XO starting in Southampton in May 74 and ending in a shipyard in Newark in Jun 75 (after the cargo hold fire in St John's). Tremendous memories ... both at sea and in port! It's 35 years later and I'm still telling stories of my experiences on the Bowditch...in fact, it's what lead me to find this site. I've got many pictures that I'll review and submit when I get a chance. Thank you for making this available!

What a great tour of duty. I served in the sonar shack with both Ray and Chet Headley and remember them both very well. Visiting Chet's site, I even saw my pictures "manning the motor-lifeboat on way to Iwo Jima. Also remember "great" poker games in the rope locker and playing volleyball in the hold of the ship. Great days,..great people. I also have some pics that I will scan and post very soon. Take care all TAGS 23 "Survivors".

I served aboard Bowditch in the early 1980's. Arrived during the overhaul at Metro Machine and left in the summer of '84. I still have some photos and memoriabilia (such as old spittoon's from our time). Had some great times!!

Served for 1 year, good tour. PN-1 Slavy 1st woman on board the Bowditch. (Edited: admin)

Good Crew, nice travel even if long days between ports.

I had 3 great years on board all three TAGS. It was really hard to get used to the real Navy after the Michelson and Dutton. Definitely saw a lot of both oceans during those three years. A lot of good ports, also.

The longest year of my life...the first week on board we were in an Atlantic storm, only time in my 22 year Navy career that I was ever sea sick...