We are seeking information on the USS Stickell and her crews. Files and photos may be E-mailed to us and we will incorporate them into these pages.

11/28/06:

John Paul Bobo served on the Stickell from 1953-1956 as BT1. I now live in Quilcene WA. I hear that a reunion is being planned for Portland Oregon. I would like to attend. I would love to hear from my shipmates.

Thank you,

John Bobo

To: DestroyersOnline.com
Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006
Subject: Ship Name: USS Stickell, photos of rescue of downed pilot

Mark,

I've enjoyed browsing the website and learning more about the DDD888, USS Stickell. I recently obtained a photo album from my mother that my father, William F (Bill) Keller (deceased) put together following his service on the Stickell (between 1948-1952). Pictures and a newspaper article relating to a rescue of a downed pilot are attached. The pictures are numbered in sequence in my father's album as follows: (1) Throwing Life ring (not attached as it is not very clear); 2) Captain Gay Prepares to Go After him; (3) Jess's Dive, Line Came Off; (4) Jesse towing him back; and (5) the newspaper article describing the rescue.

Sincerely,

Kristy Keller Knapp
knappsack@otelco.net

Subject: USS Stickell (DD 888)
Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2006
From: Mrs. Carrol Clason

Dear Mark,

I am married to Carrol Clason, who served aboard the Stickell DD888 from 1948-1952. He has asked me to identify the picture you have of him with Williams and Linscholtin, and to change his name from Glason to Clason. That would be real easy to make a mistake on. Both of us were excited to see his picture on your website, and are glad you are working on this. Carrol would be happy to get a response from you on my computer address, as he doesn't do much of that himself.

Our son, Robert, first found this site and he has forwarded every thing to me. We have enjoyed the memories as we looked through the pictures. We were married in Sept. 1950, just before he left for Korea. I was 16 and he was 20. His income as a Seaman was $85.00. How crazy are kids in love! Even 'tho I was only aboard the ship once, I feel like I was involved with the Korean War also. I have every letter we wrote to each other. By the time he got out of the service we had one baby and another on the way. My first one was born while he was riding out a terrible storm off the coast of Formosa. We ended up with 8 children, 20 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Carrol has asked me to send you this picture. Yes, he does have a lot of pictures taken aboard the Stickell, but they are not handy to get at now. If we dig them out he will probably find a few to send you later. Carrol says thanks again, and he hopes to hear from you.

Well, I guess if there is any thing better than one photo, it's two I some how got two of the same pictures scanned here, and I don't know how to get one off. I am quite new to computers also.

Mrs. Carrol Clason

Subject: Photo's of Stickell & Williams
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004
From: George Mckinney

Mark, here are the first 2 pictures. One picture show's the Stickell on a "fire mission" off the Korean coast. Another is of Richard F. "Dick" Williams sitting in one of the gun turrets. Another is one of the flyer's rescued off Korean Coast during assignment with TF 77, between 11-50 & 4-51. I think that's the right dates?? I know his ship rescued 3 flyer's between July 1950 & Oct. 1951.

The bottom is taken on the deck of the Stickell tied along side the Prairie in San Deigo. The picture is dated 12-04-49 and is from lf. to rt.: Williams, Glason, Lindichoten ( not sure on the spelling of the last one, hard to read Dicky's writting!! ) I hope the Chief Bosin didn't catch em looking like that!!

Will send more next week.

Subject: Re: USS Stickell
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 1999
From: "WMField83@aol.com"
To: Destroyers Online

ROBERT,

THANKS FOR THE INFO, AND FOR THE GREAT SITES. I'M SURE IT'S A LOT OF WORK, AND TIME. I'D LIKE TO POST MY E-MAIL ADDRESS ON THE STICKELL SITE, AND HOPEFULLY HEAR FROM SOME ' OLD MATES'. I WAS ABOARD 888 FROM '65 TO '67 AS AN ATN-3 WORKING ON THE "DASH" HELICOPTERS. THANKS AGAIN, WENDELL

E-mail from John Saffle

I just found your website for the Stickel. I served on her from 1953-1955 as a Gunners Mate 3rd class. I reported to her while she was undergoing a retrofit from DDD to DDR in Long Beach, CA. While on board the ship made a world cruise in 1954. The cruise commenced while on a 6 or 7 month cruise with Task Force 77. Prior to our departure from San Diego we joined up with the Destroyers Solee, Barton and Strong. All 4 ships departed for the Far East. Although home ported in Yokosuka, we spent more time underway. Several stops in Sasebo and a quick trip to Kobe. Also, several trips to Hong Kong while doing the Formosa Patrol less than a mile off the China coast. Some time we would be so close to Chinese radar installations we could wave to the men stationed at the site. Anyway, the 4 ships left Hong Kong and sailed westward to Singapore, Colombo, Ceylon, Mombassa, Kenya, Port Ste. Elizabeth South Africa, Durban, South Africa around the Horn to Capetown. Then leaving Africa, headed westward across the South Atlantic to Rio De Jinero, north to Port of Spain, Trinidad. From there on to Norfolk, VA.

I would like to say hello to Don Castleman with whom I served all the time abord the Stickel.

I can be reached via e-mail address;
John Saffle

6/15/06:

I am a navy veteran, having served on USS Midway as a helicopter crewman and rescue swimmer. I am also an avid collector of Naval Aviation film footage and slides. I recently obtained several slides of USS Franklin D Roosevelt (CVA-42) that were taken in 1958 during a Med Cruise. Amongst the shots of FDR were these slides, taken from FDR, of DD-888. I think the shots are great, and thought you might like them for your USS Stickell page, and/or Gearing destroyers in general.

Regards,

Gary Schreffler

1958 Med Cruise: Alongside USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42)