10/01/06:

In reference to Andy carters question about the award received for operations relating to the Challenger accident. I was STGSN Terry King. I was stationed on the Koelsch during this time. The correct award was the COAST GUARD MERRITORRIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION. One of two we received while I was on board.

Just found this website, Wow all the names that I had forgotten. Brings back lots of fond memories. Would like to hear from old shipmates.

From: Dan Keith on 4/14/01

I have a cruise book of the Koelsch from 1976 that I was going to put on ebay for sale. It is full of pictures as you can imagine. Do you have things like this?

From: Alan Roby on 03/31/2001

I cam aboard in the middle of a med cruise. met alot of great people and would like to find some of them and see what they are doing now.

From:  Kevin Weaver on 03/17/2001

Website:  http:/communities.msn.com./gimpsrevenge

I was on the ship from '81 to '83 when it was in drydock,Brooklyn NY, only made one cruse with, but I liked the ship,then lost all contact with everyone when i had bad bike reck in brooklyn. then was sent to Phili. navy hosp. where I received my honorable discharge.what else would you like to know? and is there any way you have other records of men on board when I was ???

From:  Don Crouse on 02/23/2001

Website:  http://www.bv.net/~dpnd 

I served aboard the Koelsch from 1980 to 1984. Was an IC2 in the E Div. Group. Worked with Steve Raters, Randy Dameron, Phil Hamby, Council,  Freyburg, Chief O'Neil, Callomini, etc. Would like to hear from fellow crew  members.

SUBJECT: Garcia Class Frigates
Date: 17 Feb 2001 8:32 AM
From: Michael Powers

I am a plankholder, having been assigned to Koelsch in March 1967 as one of approx. 50 or so reservists assigned to her original crew. We were all sent to Newport for pre commissioning training ("A" schools, line handling etc.) and then joined Koelsch in Boston when she commissioned. We made the operational readiness voyage to "GITMO" and, finally, in the late summer and fall of 1968 we made a North Atlantic and Med deployment. The reservists were all released from active duty on 24 Dec 1968 due to a Navy manpower reduction. I only know where two of the guys ended up right after their service - Saccavine (QM3) and Murdoch became police officers in New Haven, CT and were the two officers who survived a mob attack during racial unrest in the early 70's. I spoke to Ed Saccavino briefly, and was impressed with what "cool heads" they were in that attack (instead of drawing their guns, the burried them in the seats of their squad car so the mob wouldn't have them - it kept the whole thing "non lethal"). The officers that I most remember are the original commanding officer, Captain (rank Commander) Buck, a real sailor and captain; our first Communications Divisision head, Lt.jg. Bill Feeney (the kind of officer you would take orders from because you knew he knew what he was doing, just like the old man). I was trying to remember the names of the QM gang. Melvin Delzer (QM3) was the guy I was a "striker" under. Mel taught me a lot about the job, the Navy, and about an attitude toward life. I'd really like to know where he ended up. The "boss" was QM1 Young (I think his first name was Bill, but to us it was always "Young"). He was a good teacher as well - and he knew how to look out for his people. Besides Ed S., there was another guy - I can see his face as clear as thirty years ago, but the name won't come back. I probably have some pictures, and may even still have the commissioning book and first cruise book, if those are ever of value to you. Anyhow, I'm glad someone is putting together a web site. There were some tough times on board Koelsch in the early years, but there were some great shipmates - that makes the memories great.

SUBJECT:Garcia Class Frigates
Date: 19 Jan 2001 
From: Bert Holmes 

I served on USS KOELSCH from 1968 to 1971. I was EM3 . I am interested in any information on reunions. Would like to be put on your list of shipmates for USS KOELSCH. Thank you . Bert Holmes

Subject: USS Koelsch Plankowner
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999
From: Robert D. Schlehr

Robert Schlehr, ETC, USNR, (Ret)

I was a member of the USS Koelsch (DE-1049) commisioning crew and onboard from APR 67-69. I worked in OE01 division as an ETN2 maintaining the ECM gear. The work was hard but she was the cleanest ship for living aboard. We had a great North Atlantic & Med cruise in 1968. We visited many countries and had a blast. I returned to Active Duty aboard USS Steinaker (DD-863) till OCT 1975. I finished my Naval career as a Selected Reservist and Electronics Maintenance Chief at our Mobsite, NRRF, Sabana Seca, PR. I have worked with the finest group of professionals in the world. I am honored to call them my shipmates and friends.

Email: Aspenmail@prodigy.net

Subject: USS KOELSCH
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 1999
From: Joe Harmon

Mr. Stark,

My name is Joe Harmon, and I was a QM2 aboard the USS Koelsch DE-1049 from late 1967 to April 1969. At that time the Koelsch was a state of the art ship with computers, and a new navigational system. We were one of the first ships to test such systems, which was done on our first cruise to the north sea and mediteranian. We really had a lot of kinks to work out. We had a bent drive shaft, which caused vibrations at high speeds. This kept us in Southhampton England for an extended time, while the ship-builders determined what to do. It really turned out to be a great cruise. We went to places that I'll probably never see again in my lifetime. I have so many great memories and stories about the guys in OI, OE, and OC divisions. Brooksie if your out there, lets get a game of pinnacle going again. You can e-mail me at JHarmon@ecr.net I'd enjoy talking to any of my old shipmates. Smooth sailing.

Subject: USS Koelsch
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 1999
From: Joe Harmon

Mr. Stark,

My name is Don Harmon, nickname Joe. I was transferred from the Joseph K. Taussig De-1030 to the Koelsch in 1968 shortly after the Koelsch was commissioned. I wasn't lucky enough to be a plank owner, but the operations officer gave me a watch as a momento. I was a Qm2 with exceptional knowledge in navigation, the result of which the XO put to the test many times. The XO's name was A.A. Moore and he was quite interested in the new navigation systems of the Koelsch, which at the time was state of the art. As you may know, the Koelsch was jammed full of computer technology. The Koelsch went to the north sea, and Mediteranian in 1968. We took numerous sun lines and star fixes, plus the Loran readings and constantly compared them to the new system, which to both of our disbelief and astonishment, was very accurate, or at the least, proved to the XO that I knew what I was doing. Qm3 Delzer was a big help, and seemed to be the only other person interested in navigation by the stars. I've got a ton of memories about my two ships, and it sure was nice to see the Koelsch on this site. Boy, the liberties that we had on that 1968 cruise was better than any vacation that I've had since. I'd like to hear from any old shipmate from back then, especially from the operations and communications divisions, yes even the officers. I can be reached at JHarmon@ecr.net Glad I was there

Subject: Former Koelsch Crew member.
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999
From: Andy Carter

Mr. Stark,

My name is Andy Carter, I was an MM2,A ganger on the ship. I boarded in Naples in '84. I am now in the Navy reserves and have a question for other sailors who were on- board when we were dispatched to retrieve parts from the Challenger space shuttle accident. The question is did we receive a ribbon for that operation? I was informed by another A ganger that we had,- the ribbon was awarded after I discharged. Before I wear the ribbon I need to know the correct title. I hope some former shipmates can help me out.

Thank you,

Andy W. Carter GSE3/USNR

IACarters@aol.com

Subject: Former crew member 1971-1975
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999
From: Thomas W. Williams

I was a member of the US Koelsch when her hull number was DE-1049.I boarded her while her home port was Newport, R.I. When that port was closed, we transffered to Mayport, Fla. I was priviledged to serve aboard her for 3+ years until my discharge in Feb. 1975, while she was in drydock in Charleston, S.C. We made several Atlantic ocean cruises. The most memorable was a Persian Gulf cruise where we were all initiated into the Shellback, as well as, Golden Shellback realm.

I look forward to returning to this page often.

Thank you.

Thomas W. Williams, FTG-3
dtwill11264@uswest.net

Subject: Former USS Koelsch Crew Member
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998
From: Kevin (Bubba) Wright

Dear Mr. Stark,

I was very surprised and happy to have come across your site paying tribute to the USS Koelsch. I reported aboard FF-1049 in August 74 while she sat in dry-dock at the US Naval shipyard, Charleston, S.C. After a shakedown cruise to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba we reported back to Mayport, Fl.

I was an MS during my 4 years onboard being discharged in March of 78. While serving, we made numerous short cruises to the Caribbean and completed 2 tours in the Med. The first of which, in 75 (if I remember correctly) we assisted in the rescue of American from Beirut, Lebanon.

Many of my memories of places we went and the things we did have long since found a place deep in my brain and it was nice to have some of these memories rekindled by your website. Keep up the good work and I look forward to returning to your page often.

Sincerely,
Kevin (Bubba) Wright
USS Koelsch FF-1049
Aug 74 - Mar 78
E-Mail: LbnVlySpwy@aol.com

Subject: Koelsch memories
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 1998
From: Earnie Burton

Caught Koelsch in Naples, Italy during '84-85' Med cruise. Was fitted with ASW sensor "TASS" (Towed Array Surveillance System). Was part of "OT Division." Divisional crew during deployment was OTMC Bob Cookson, OTM1 John Guillory, OTA1 Tom Burke, myself (OTA1 Earnie Burton), OTA2 George Brock, OTA2 Mike Berstler, OTM2 Greg Davis, OTA3 Kelley Hubbs-that's all I remember right now. We and the STG's combined our ASW expertise, earning Koelsch the 6th Fleet ASW "Hookem" award before returning to our homeport of Mayport, Florida. Also served aboard TASS-outfitted USS Garcia ('80-82'), and Comte De Grasse ('87). Retired OTA1 at NETSCPAC, San Diego in '92. Keep pluggin' with the "Koelsch" home page!!

Earnie Burton "Yabuddy453"@aol.com sends

Subject: USS KOELSCH CREW
Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998
From: Tom Hofmann

I was a membehe crew from 1980 to 1981 My name is Tom Hofmann and I was a Bt2.

My adress is: montycristo@hotmail.com

Subject: USS KOELSCH
Date: Sat, 8 Aug 1998
From: Richard J. Tate

I was a BT3 onboard the KOELSCH 1967-1968, and I am a PLANK OWNER. Our first cruise was to Cuba for a Skake Down Cruise. We then left for a North Atlantic- Med Cruise in August. Hope to hear from other shipmates.

Richard J. Tate

Subject: USS Koelsch
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998
From: Dave Hicks

I was an EW on the USS Koelsch from September 1979 until September 1983. I have three of those "cruise books" full of pictures if anyone is interested.

Dave Hicks

Subject: Koelsch Crew member
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998
From: Martin Hansen

I was a member of the Koelsch crew from 1980 - 1982. I was assigned to "A" gang as a machinery repairmen. I am interested in hearing from other members of the crew.

Martin Hansen