Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2000
From: Ronald Walden
Rank: EN3
Reported: 1984
Departed: 1985

GREAT SITE !! Keep up the good work.....

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000 From: Mike Podoliak
Rank: EN3
Reported: 1981
Departed: 1984

It's great to see that somebody out there still cares about the old girl.

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: 2 May 2000
From: Greg Lange
Rank: FC2
Reported: 1987
Departed: 1989

I was on the Hart for 3 years and made many friends. One of the best was Tom Powell (EW3).

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000
From: Tim Woodcock
Rank: OS3
Reported: 1985
Departed: 1988

I served aboard her for three years, am presently looking for other crew members from that time to possibly arrange a reunion...I do have one of very few lithigraphs of her underway.

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2000
From: John Maynard
Rank: MR2
Reported: 1977
Departed: 1980

I was on board the hart from 1977-1980 and was wondering if any one was interested in a ship reunion of some kind

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000
From: Dale Routh
Rank: RM3
Reported: 1981
Departed: 1984

I have been informed by an ex Hart officer Van Sullivan that Tim Hayden, also an ex-Hart officer was killed two years ago in a car accident. He left behind two children and a wife.

Mr Hayden was the Comms officer in the early 80s. He was still serving in the Navy prior to his death and held the rank of LCDR.

Subject: USS THOMAS C HART
Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2000
From: JEFFREY RECOB

MY NAME IS JEFFREY RECOB. I WAS A 2ND CLASS GMG ABOARD THE HART FROM APRIL1980 UNTIL FEBUARY 1983. I WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE USS MONONGAHELA WHERE I REMAINED UNTIL MY DISCHARGE 1-29-84.

I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR THE HART HAD BEEN DECOMMISSIONED AND SOLD TO TURKEY. SHE WAS A GOOD SHIP AND I HAVE A LOT OF GOOD MEMORIES OF HER, ESPECIALLY OUR CRUISE TO KIEL GERMANY IN 82, WHAT A CRUISE. WE WENT TO KIEL AND ALLBORG DENMARK AND MARCEILLE, FRANCE, IT WAS QUITE A CRUISE.

MY E-MAIL IS RECOBP@AOL.COM LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOME CREW MEMBERS WHO WERE ON BOARD DURING MY STINT.

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999
From: Gregory McElroy

Hey all,

I was onboard Tommy Chuck from 77-80 - one of the "Roughriders". Stumbled across this site while doing some research for work. Had a lot of memories come flying back, lot of familiar names. Hey Bear! Mark Truitt, remember the Ft Lauderdale trip ('79 I think).

I've got a couple of cruise books I'll try and dig out.

A partial list of the Radar gang follows:

OSC R.L. Jones: 75 -78
OSC R.C.. Moore: 78 - 81
OS1 Elmer Alderson 77-81
OS1 Bruce Passer 78-8?
OS1 Bill (Wild Bill) Elliot 74-77
OS1 ? Knight 74-77
OS2 Terry Ledford 74-78
OS2 Bruce ? 74- 78
OS2 Jack Navvarro 74-78
OS2 Bill Snead 76-79
OS2 Lenny Grossman 78-81
OS2 Rick Valen??? (help here Mark)
OS2 Dave Glock
OSSN (then) Mark Truitt - you've got
OSSN Monty Numendal
OS2 Kenny Moore

Alot of others, that only nicknames come to mind, so I'll have to look at the cruise books for.

Fair Winds and Following Seas to all!

Greg McElroy
OSC(Ret)

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 1999
From: Jim Maddox
Rank: CMC
Reported: 1989
Departed: 1992

The Hart was a great ship with a GREAT CREW. A special "Hi" to all the MIF boarders!

If anyone knows how I can contact the family of LT. Brennen (now deceased), please let me know. I have a video I would like them to have.

Jim Maddox
OSCM (SW) USN Ret.

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Sat, 11 Sep 1999
From: Michael Slattery

Message: Got a partial list of fox div for '79

LT BLOUNT
LTJG HUNGERFORD
STGC AL PEIRCE
STG1 SMITH
STG1 MALLOW
STG1 SEATS
STG2 CHUCK GENZEL
STG2 MIKE BELCHER
STG2 TOM RHODES
STG2 DAVID ST JOHN
STG3 TOM GREEN
STG2 MIKE SCHMITT
STG3 DALE RATHBUN
STGSN JOE BEYOR
STG3 STEVE MATTHEWS
STG2 RON HAGUE
STG1 DWAYNE BOSS
STG1 DAVE WILLIAMS
STG1 RICHARDSON
TM2 ORLANDO
TM2 PALUMO
TMSN BISHOP
STG2 TOM MEYERS
GMT MORNINGSTAR
GMTSN GARRETT
STGSN MIKE SLATTERY

Subject: Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999
From: Darin Domer
Rank: OS2
Reported: 1984
Departed: 1987

Mark,I served as an "OS" onboard the Hart from 83-87 and do look forward to hearing from the crew that served during those years.

Subject: Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999
From: Michael Slattery
Rank STGSN
Reported: 1977
Departed: 1980

Still at sea, New England commercial fisherman, Engineer on 80' steel trawler F/V Charlotte G.

Subject: Entry for USS Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Tue, 18 May 1999
From: Rich Brewer

I served aboard the USS Hart from 80 to 84, I was an ET and worked in the "radio room."

How about those Mars calls to "home over?"

I Have so many memories (and pictures to prove it) of the things "WE" got into on the "Tommy Chuck" I was there the tail end on the first IO deployment . Then all the little trips untill we returned again for the "fun" in the sun part two. And yes Tom Lennon, the stop in DJibouti was and still is the HOTEST I have ever felt.

So many things we could all write about.

How about in the IO when we could not use fresh water for something like 3 days? I remember Brushing My Teeth with juice, and when that water Barge pulled up next to us ... 250 Sailors on the fantail taking an outside shower (and we needed it).

The Kiel Germany time with the Swedish "sister" ship and all that bratwurst and beer. The stay in Denmark and the John Wayne Bar. Anyone remember the Soccor team we had? All the places and games we traveled to and played? How about the trips in Italy to the Zoo, when we took over the bus.and visited the Wine tasting places? (Still have the picture of ten or so of us lined up "watering" the grass.) And anyone that took the tour of ROME that was offered, I don't remember How many of us did, but that was great.

The "Shell Back" going to Mombasa...... that was fun! Us "wogs" had a good time the days before wearing those t-shirts "wogs rule" till that morning. Whose Belly button was that cherry in anyway.... I only remember being cover with "stuff" could hardly see anything, But I could Smell. Remember the "SHOW THE SHIP"? We met tons of people doing that.

Ok here is one for the memories, "The Battle with the Biddle?" Anyone remember that? And state side we had a blast also. Going to Florida... during "spring break."

The list of memories will last a lifetime. I had a great time on the Hart, No regrets. I met others that I will always remember. And went to so many places.

I hope to reconnect with others that served at the same time.

ET Rich Brewer

Subject: USS TC Hart
Date: Sun, 16 May 1999
From: Mike Schmitt
Organization: MailCity

Mark

I am a former crew member of the TC Hart. I served from 79 till Oct 83.

I joined the ship while in the yards at Philly. I remember the first "reftra" in Gitmo after Philly and a number of exercises in the Bahamas. I have some photos on my web site taken during the storm mentioned in Pat Burke's email (I remember the 50 degree roll). Some pictures in port in Nassau are there as well: http://www.angelfire.com/co/mschmitt/navydays.html

I was a Sonar Tech in Fox div. I went through 2 Persian Gulf cruises, and other shorter deployments. I have been in touch with a number of former crew members via this site, including Lee Edwardsen and Ronnie Alexander. From this site I learned one of the 2 sailors who left the Hart while in port in Mombasa, Kenya, was Ronnie Alexander.

I remember the ship was called away from the port visit early and they gave us a choice to go with the ship, or get off in Mombasa and fend for ourselves until our flights back.

I have many fond memories from my days on the Hart (Some not so fond as well). I would like to hear from anyone who served during the time I did.

If you ever need any help with the site, let me know.

Mike Schmitt
Former STG1
Fox Div

Subject: FF1092
Date: Sunday, February 28, 1999
From: Pat Burke

Hello Brad,

I'm ETN3 Pat Burke and I served on the Hart from 7/78 to 8/80 having swapped from San Diego after spending 3yrs on the Fort Fisher [LSD-40]. I was in OE div. and have been in recent contact with some old shipmates.

Back then we were called "Big Reds Rough Riders" and this was proved on 3/3/80 when in a hurricane off of the east coast we took a 50' roll and I was on the bridge taking pictures when it happened.

Like Tom Lennon, I remember how hot it was in the Persian Gulf, they even painted the ships decks white to try and reflect the heat. Now I spend time volunteering on the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a WW2 Liberty Ship here in SF, I even went back to sea in 94 when she did the 50th anniversary of D-Day.

Once a sailor always a sailor. Thanks for keeping the memories alive.

Pat Burke

Subject: Re: FF1092
Date: Monday, March 01, 1999
From: Pat Burke

Hello Brad,

In reguards to your question, I served aboard the USS Fort Fisher LSD-40 from Sept-1975 to June-1978. She's still in commission and when she was here in SF for fleet week in '97, I went aboard for a tour; USS Thomas C. Hart FF1092 from July-1978 to Aug-1980; and the USS Arkansas CGN-41 from May-1986 to Oct-1987.

Since I visted the Hart site I have been in touch with 7 old shipmates and am looking for more as time permits. When I was speaking to Mike Ray [EW3] we remembered the story of the heart patch welded to the fwd bulkhead of the ET shop. Seems as Mike was removing an angle iron for the shipyard in Philly [78-79] he knocked a hole in the bulkhead so this shipyard welder brought over some pieces of aluminum plate to cover the hole. One of the pieces was shaped like a heart, so we all thought this was cool and when he was done we painted it red. So that's how the Hart got a "heart."

Mike went to the decom in 93' and the red painted heart was still there!

Any how I hope this clears up your questions and feel free to use the heart story.

I also have a bumber sticker from "FF1092-BIG REDS ROUGH RIDERS" and my welcome aboard flyer with the explanation of the Hart shield and motto "SECURITAS,PAX,VICTORIA -security,peace,victory.

Take it easy,

Pat Burke
[ETN3 FF1092]

Subject: USS Thomas C Hart
Date: Thu, 06 May 1999
From: Joe Roberts

Mark

I was Stationed onboard T.C. Hart from Jan-83 to Mar-86 and again from Jan-90 to Aug-93 just days prior to Decommissioning. Some of the best and the wildest times of my life were had onboard Hart!

I miss the MK 68 Fire Control and of course the sound of the jets flying over since the Combat gang could never send a good desig to us! ... Just Kidding, ....Don't fill my e-mail with nasty grams!

I hated to see it go to the Turks but it's being well taken care of and at sea where it was made to be rather than sitting silent in some backwater river hidden out of sight.

Any body know what ever became of Admiral Harts granddaughter?????

FCC(SW) Joe Roberts
USS BARRY DDG-52
FPO AE 09565-1270

Subject: Hi
Date: Wed, 5 May 1999
From: MARK SCHOFIELD

Mark,

I served onboard as an OS on USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092) from January 1985 - December, 1992. I loved that class of ship. I was wondering what class were you in in Great Lakes for A School?

I do have plenty of pitchures of her including CIC If you are interested.

Mark Schofield

Subject: FF-1092 Thomas C. Hart
Date: Sun, 25 Apr 1999
From: Stephen Spencer

Mark,

My name is Steve Spencer, I was on the Thomas C. Hart from 1992 to Aug. 30 1993.

I was on the decomissioning crew and part of the crew that trained the Turkish sailors (Boy, do I have some stories to tell about that!).

I was an FC3(SW) and worked on the 53 foxtrot fire control radar. The Hart was the best duty I had while I was in the Navy. I have lots of pictures of her in her last days, I just have to find them. It was really nice to find some information about her, I often wonder what the Tommy Chuck is doing now.

Steve Spencer

Subject: USS Thomas C Hart
Date: Sat, 24 Apr 1999
From: Robert Giles

I served on the Thomsa C Hart from Jun 75 to Jun 78 as 1ST LT, Guns and Navigator.

For those of you who were on her then I was the big beared officer everyone called The Bear.

We had a lot of great times on deployment, showing the flag in Portsmouth, England and Stavanger, Norway on our way to the Med for the first time. We out-shot all the others on Unitas XVII including the Chileans big 15 gun Cruiser. We also ahad our somber moments such as fighting the fires and taking survivors off the Belknap after she collied with the Kennedy. But, in all respects it was a great tour.

On correction for Mr. Lewis' history, Admiral Hart was CnC of the Asiatic Fleet not the Atlantic.

Robert T Giles
The Bear

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1999
From: Cary J. Coleman

I served aboard the USS Thomas C. Hart from June of 1984 to July , 1988. I was a member of the Weapons Department "FOX" Division as a Sonarman "Acoustic Analyst." I have photos from throughout my tour there and can scan and e-mail them should you desire to have them.

Sincerely,

Cary J. Coleman

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart
Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998
From: Mark Cameron

I was part of the pre-commissioning and commission crew (plank owner) on the Thomas C. Hart....was in "OC" division , an RMSN, later promoted to RM3. We had a total of I believe 10-11 radiomen, and two had been at sea before. I was at Guantanamo Bay before duty onboard the Hart so it was really beneficial to "reftra", shakedown cruise, etc....

I was attached from may 1973 through may 1975....was the best tour I had in the Navy, the whole crew being new, and the commissioning crew all clicked.

Would be glad to hear from as many prior shipmetes from that time as possible.
E-mail address is mcamero@uswest.com

Thanks,

Mark Cameron

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998
From: Garry Collins

Mark, enjoying your site.

I was "SUPPO" in T.C. Hart, 1986-89. I will search my photos for some suitable for the site. I loved that tour. My best by far. Have this site marked as a favorite.

Will be in touch.

Keep up the good work. BZ!

Garry Collins,
LCDR, USN (ret).

Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1998
From: TOM LENNON

DEAR MARK,

I WAS STATIONED ABOARD THE HART 79-80 AND ITS WAS A BUSY YEAR. NOT LONG AFTER COMING ABOARD WE LEFT FOR GITMO.

IT WAS QUITE A YEAR, FIRST GITMO THEN A SENIC TRIP TO THE PERSIAN GULF. A WOONDERFUL STOP IN DIJBOUTI(?) MUST HAVE BEEN 120 DEGREES WITHOUT THE AC.

JUST LOVELY.

DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER MR PILCHER [OPS BOSS]? HOW BOUT THE PICNIC WITH BEER AND THE BOXING MATCHES????

LET ME KNOW, TAKE CARE.

TOM LENNON
RM2 RET.

Subject: Info on the USS Thomas C. Hart
Date: Sun, 2 Aug 1998
From: John Lewis

Dear Mark:

My name is John Lewis. I was a Quartermaster aboard the Hart from Sep 85 - Feb, 88. As you can see from my e-mail address I am quite fond of her despite her fate. The following is a small sample of the data I've compiled on the USS Thomas C. Hart:

I hope this information is useful to update your site at DOL and I have an abundance of Med Cruise photos of her crew and on her transition and identity in the Turkish Navy.

GOTTA HAVE HART!

Fair winds and following seas!

John Lewis
QM2, USN ('82-'92)

Subject: U.S.S Thomas C. Hart (FF1092)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998
From: Ronnie Alexander

Dear Mark,

I was stationed onboard the Hart from 1980 to 1983 along with Mark Truitt, Lee Edwardsen and Dale Routh. I was a Radioman and spent alot of time behind closed doors as well as keeping the passageway outside of the radio room nice and clean. I enjoyed our Med cruises and various port calls to the Carribbean. I left the Hart in 1983 while visiting Mombasa, Kenya.

I am in contact with at least three Hart sailors and would be interested in finding more.

Subject: FF 1092
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 1998
From: Dale Routh

Hi, my name is Dale Routh and I was stationed on the Hart from July 81 to April 84. I started out as an undesignated seaman in 1st div (deck ape) and then found my way into the radio room as a radioman. I did a lot of growing up on the Hart. Went on a Med cruise and a Persian gulf cruise. I am saddened to see she is no longer in the U.S. Navy. I have lots of pictures so if you or anyone else wants some JPGs just message me. The attachment below is a good picture.

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart FF 1092
Date: Mon, 04 May 1998
From: John Maynard

Hi,

My name is John Maynard I was onboard the Thomas C .Hart from 1977 to 1980. I worked in the HT shop with a fellow named Charlie Eye whom we called Mr. Big. I have many pictures of the Hart that I will get scanned and send to you or anyone else.

Also Where is the Hart located now I know she was decomissioned . Is she mothballed somewhere?

Subject: USS T.C. Hart
Date: Wed, 29 Apr 1998
From: Tom Sexton

Mark,

I served on the "Tommy Chart" from July 75 until Feb.80 I was a Boiler Tech. and worked in the Fireroom. I first arrived on board, she had just pulled in to Rota Spain from England en-route to the Med. I made 2 Med cruises, A Unitas cruise around South America, an overhaul in Philadelphia Shipyard, and A Gitmo training before getting out of Navy. She was getting ready to get underway for the Mid-East just after I was discharged.

She sure did stay out to sea alot.

My liberty ended at 2 am many times to light off the boilers to get underway.

Tom Sexton

Subject: Thomas C. Hart
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998
From: Mark Truitt

Dear Mark,

I served on the Hart for five years, 1980-1985, along with Lee Edwardsen. I have been trying to find information on her for some time now. It was sad to learn of her fate. I have attached a postcard of the ship to this message, hope you can use it. I have many stories and photos of the Hart if you can use any. I would welcome e-mail from anyone who served on her. I served as an Operation Specialist onboard the Hart and have many good memories of her and her crew.

Mark Truitt

Subject: Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998
From: Chuck Genzel

Mark,

I was deeply saddened that the Thomas C. Hart FF-1092 (Tommy Chuck) was decommissioned in 1993.

Anyway I was stationed aboard the HART from Sept. 76 - Aug. 79. Like Lee Ewardsen, I also was a Sonar Tech in Fox Division. If you have any more news of the ship please E-mail me and let me know.

Bye the way the picture of you, appears that you are sitting in Sonar Control in front of the 23 type sonar. Am I close? Let me know.

Thanks for your time,

Chuck Genzel

Subject: USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092)
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 1997
From: Lee Edwardsen

Dear Mark,

I was stationed aboard HART from April '81 until March '86 when I left the service. I enlisted for six years under the AEF program and was a "pushbutton" E-4 (STG) assigned to FOX division (3rd on most other frigates). I was pipelined through my service schools and reported aboard HART on April 6,1981.

The ship made a visit to Kiel, Germany in June of '82 for "KIELER WOCHE" as the US representative for their annual ten-day international festival of naval surface combatants. It was here I met my wife-to-be and her family. We'll be together fifteen years next April.

I did read the ship was decommissoned and transfered to Turkey in 1993. It would also appear there are no longer any KNOX class frigates as part of the US fleet. That's probably a good idea. There wasn't much to them and I don't think they would have fared well in a true combat situation.

I have a variety of information and artifacts about HART that I acquired while a crewmember including:

1.postcards,buttons and pictures
2.patches
3.the ship crest
4.a cruise book from the 1982 Mediterranean/North Atlantic
deployment
5.and some other things

I am also in contact with another crewmember who was there during the same time period.

I would like to see some biographical data of FF-1092 posted on your website and would be happy to provide you with any information required to do so. Please let me know what you think and thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Lee D. Edwardsen

Subject: Thomas C. Hart
Date: Mon, 03 Nov 1997
From: Vincent C. Pascucci

I noticed this site and that you were building a site specifically for the Hart. I was on the Hart as one of those nuisance midshipman in May of 1977. I was Messenger of the Watch on the evening that a severe storm hit at Norfolk. The cruiser California, which was tied to the same pier, (21 I believe) broke her lines and drifted towards us causing a stern to stern collision. Damage to the Hart, at that point, was minimal as being lower, the impact to the Hart was at the main deck, while the impact to the California was about half way up the stern, thus causing significant hull buckling. The collision did result in our stern lines snapping and power lines being broken. A tug was sent to push us back toward the pier. The storm was still very active and the tug captain misjudged his approach. He rammed our starboard side, and the collision was more severe than the initial hit we took from the California. This caused buckling of the hull, framing, and decks.

My month tour ended a few days later, so I don't know what repairs were eventually performed. In any event, if the ship's log from late May, 1977 is around somewhere, within it will be entries by Midshipman 3rd Class, Vincent C. Pascucci, documenting the sequence of events.