Turner Times

Vol.15, Issue 1 Website: www.ussturner.org November 2010 NEW ORLEANS Memories BY MIKE MANIA ’53-’54

Prior to my enlisting in the Navy, been added to my nostalgia through checks for a song his good friend I had been a part-time musician. I the music that thrills me so much. Hoagy Carmichael wrote. It was enti- played a snare drum in my high Not too infrequently, I‘ll hear a tled, GEORGIA ON MY MIND. school marching band, the tympani in song that places me in a certain city That great, memorable reunion was the school orchestra, a tenor drum in or state in which one of the fantastic held in Savannah. I also heard the a state championship drum and bugle TURNER reunions was held. That‘s late, great Al Joleson the other night corps, the traps in a pretty good high when the memories doubly mani- on one of his recordings sing CALI- school dance band and in an adult fest themselves by purging all FONIA HERE I COME, and I re- dance band prior to my military ser- thoughts from my mind except the membered San Diego had hosted an- vice. After my discharge, I ended my great times I had at that particular other fabulous party for former physical association with music—but reunion. The first one I remember TURNER crewmembers, their not my love of music. So, instead of was POOR LITTLE ROAD IS- spouses and guests. One of my nov- playing an instrument, I play records, LAND—Providence. Then, CHI- elty records almost had me getting cassette tapes and CD‘s. CAGO, CHICAGO, THAT TOD- ready to SHUFFLE OFF TO BUF- Many evenings, as I sit alone in DLIN‘ TOWN—need I tell you FALO for next years get-together. my living room and tire of the imbe- where that reunion was held? Or A tune I heard last night settled cilic programs and trashy movies on this one, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, me into a bit of reminiscence that TV, or if my eyes water from reading LOUIS? How about I‘M ALA- really hit home. The fourth song on a too long, I‘ll listen to an hour or two BAMI BOUND? Try Mobile. Re- CD by Harry Connick Jr. was DO of some of the old ballads and nov- member Glenn Miller‘s famous YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS elty songs that were big hits when I PENNSYVANIA 6-5000? I‘m cer- TO MISS NEW ORLEANS? Wow. was a kid. Many are ones I used to tain Philadelphia brings back many How could I not know? I had such a play with those very same arrange- fond memories to you, also. Don‘t marvelous time just several short ments. How they bring back such forget THE EYES OF TEXAS weeks ago in that fantastic town. One wonderful memories of days gone by. ARE UPON YOU. What a time we of the outstanding memories about it However, something new has had in San Antonio. For many years Johnny Mercer was getting royalty Continued on Page 3

NOTICE The TURNER Reunion Association Committee is pleased to announce that, henceforth, handicap accessible rooms have been added to our room block at the various hotels in which we will be holding our future reunions. If you are us- ing a wheel chair or some other method of mobility, be sure to notify the hotel and Armed Forces Reunions (AFR) as such when you make your reservations. Also, please be advised that the tour buses the committee hires can only accommodate regular and battery operated wheelchairs. They are the ones that can fold fairly flat. Other modes of transportation such as the larger and more so- phisticated scooters are just too cumbersome too handle and much too large to fit the space allotted in the luggage compartments of the buses. Thank you for your cooperation.

1 Turner Times FROM THE OF THE PREZ Ship’s Store GREETINGS FELLOW SHIP- Sizes M to XXL — $50. Sizes 2XL MATES to 3XL— $55.

The following items can be ordered from Carl Ackerman, 7436 Daisy ►Ship's patches: Both the Tiger and HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Double Eagle, 4" round with color Cir., Macungie, PA 18062, Ph: (610) MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND 398-0145. All items are postpaid. embroidery. Also official Navy GOOD WISHES FOR A PEACE- patch just like on the ball caps. Blue/ Please make checks payable to Carl FUL NEW YEAR. L. Ackerman. gold lettering of "USS Turner DD/ OUR ANNUAL REUNION DDR 834" around gray destroyer ►Up-to-date rosters — $5. HAS PASSED AND A GOOD profile. 3"H x 5"W. Cost is $5 per TIME WAS HAD BY ALL. THE patch. ►Turner baseball caps embroidered WEATHER IN THE NORTHERN USS Turner License Plate Frame with Turner logo — $18. CARIBBEAN (NEW ORLEANS) WAS PROBABLY THE BEST ►Mesh polo shirts embroidered with WE'VE HAD ALL SUMMER. Turner logo. Colors: Red, White or WE GIVE SPECIAL THANKS TO Navy Blue. Sizes M to XXL. All ALL THAT MADE THIS REUN- sizes come with a pocket — $45. ION MEMORABLE. THEY PUT Sizes 2XL to 3XL — $50. TOGETHER A GREAT PRO- GRAM THAT WILL BE REMEM- ►Sweat Shirts embroidered with BERED BY ALL FOR YEARS TO Turner logo. Colors: Navy Blue or COME. Gray. Sizes M to XXL — $50. Sizes 2XL to 3XL — $55. WE'RE LOOKING FOR- WARD TO THE NEXT REUNION A young man with a wild and multi- ►DVD of 1961 Med Cruise photos TO BE HELD IN BUFFALO NY. colored hairstyle sits next to an old — $10. DON'T FORGET THAT YOU WILL NEED A PASSPORT TO man on a park bench. The old man ►USS Turner Auto license plate GO INTO CANADA. stares at the young man. frame is polished chrome plating over a zinc die casting. The letters ROY TURCOTTE "What's the matter, old man?" says ―U.S. NAVY‖ are on the top of the the young man. "Never done any- thing crazy in your life?" frame and ―USS TURNER DD/DDR

834‖is on the bottom of the frame. Card holdrs, Mesh holder and cal- The old man replies: "Yeah. When I These letters are also in polished culator. 3 Interior pockets: 1 with a was in the Navy, I got really drunk chrome plate with a painted navy zipper and 1 expandable. Outside one night and had sex with a parrot. I blue background. This license plate of portfolio is zippered for security. thought you might be my son." frame is legal in all 50 states. See SEE PHOTO below. Price $20 to- photo in column 3— $20.00 tal (while supplies last)

►Auto license plate with colored picture of USS Turner… $25 (to be used indoors in your office or hung on wall).

►BONDED LEATHER 8 ½‖ X 11‖ BLACK ZIPPERED PORTFOLIO : Outside front cover silk-screened with our ship‘s logo and the printing: ―USS TURNER DD/DDR834‖. Interior Includes : 30 page 8 ½‖ X 11‖ writing pad, Elastic pen loop, ►Denim Shirts: Short sleeve, light blue with dark blue Turner Logo. Ship’s Store continued in column 2

2 Turner Times

Continued from Page 1 ties, many well cared for city parks, ole, who loves with a passion, New old oaks and a genuine streetcar sys- Orleans, her native background, is knowing everyone else at the reun- seafood, tour guiding, the New Or- tem still shuttling back and forth. ion had an equally great time! And leans Saints and everyone of the Seeing the stately charm of some of yes, I certainly do miss New Orleans. TURNER people with whom she New Orleans pre-Civil War homes But before I get into the reunion came in contact. As far as I know, brought us from one century right in depth, I want to say a few words Barbara is the only tour guide who into another when we passed by some about the outer fringes of this trip— has ever been invited to attend a of the present day dwellings inhab- no less important than the main body TURNER banquet. That, in itself, ited by an elite group of upper caste of the story, I might add. speaks volumes about this woman‘s New Orleans citizens. The weather could not have knowledge of her subject, New Or- We made a stop at one of the treated us any better. It was wonder- leans, her character and personality. cities famous above ground cemeter- ful, especially if you took one of the She accepted the invitation and had ies, and as she did through the entire many paddle wheel boat excursions a great time. It was a pleasure to tour, our wonderful guide Barbara, up and down the MIGHTY MISSIS- have her aboard. We wish her con- gave a most comprehensive disserta- SIPPI. There was always a cool tinued success. tion on the cemetery and some of its breeze blowing to fan away the warm The nineteenth annual USS famous inhabitants. rays of the ever present sunshine to TURNER DD/DDR 834 reunion, As we wove through the French make it very comfortable. I took a which was held at the Doubletree Quarter, we were subjected to the tour on the Creole Queen and got Hotel—New Orleans, began on sights of independent old French and myself a bit of sunburn--nothing September 27, with the opening of Spanish cultures, yet were witness to harmful or painful. It was gone in the hospitality room and reunion their melding together as a third or two days. registration desk at 1:00 p.m. The another separate culture while form- One of the biggest attractions to cash bar opened at 6:00 p.m. in the ing a new and modern lifestyle. New Orleans for me was the seafood. Crescent Ballroom whose windows Free time was enjoyed at the And how I did eat it. There were no afforded a beautiful overview of the Jackson Square, the heart of the daily complaints from anyone I spoke to city. It didn‘t take long before the activity and night life in the French about the quality of the food in any of room began to fill. Old friends were Quarter. Lunch was on our own in the eateries. It was fabulous. greeted, new friends were made and the Jax Brewery, an old landmark And speaking of music, as I did tired old sea tales began their de- converted into a present day labyrinth just a moment ago, I did get to hear ployment, once again, around the of shops and small eateries of all some fantastic New Orleans JAZZ in room. sorts. The Quarter also boasted of person! I was convinced I had died The Welcome Dinner Buffet in many fine restaurants. After lunch, it and gone to heaven. While I most the Ballroom started at 7:30 after a was back on the bus and a brief ride assuredly love music of all kinds, few words of greetings by Grant back to the hotel for the afternoon, jazz is my heart, my soul, my Wilcox and Roy Turcotte. evening and dinner on our own. breathe, my life. ‘Nough said. Toward the end of the buffet, Wednesday morning, at 8:45 I would be remiss if I didn‘t men- the 50-50 Drawing was held. Lucky a.m., the bus was once again boarded tion the wonderful people who live winners were Ty East and Dan Her- by our group of happy, boisterous and work in and around the city of man, each garnering $20.00, while tourists and subsequent to a brief ride New Orleans. They couldn‘t have Tom Beard wrapped his hands downtown, we entered the NA- treated the TURNER folk any better. around eighty big ones after he won TIONAL WORLD WAR II MU- Yet, I‘m certain, the way they re- the third prize. Good going, guys! SEUM. At the time of its dedication sponded to us was just normal routine The evening, in the Ballroom, in 2002, it was known as the NA- for their personalities. They are beau- ended at 8:15 p.m. TIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM. As tiful people, all. At 9:00 a.m. the next morning, soon as the government donated Without a doubt, one of the best the tour bus was boarded and under some money for its support, they be- stories to be told of this four day bash a clear, sunny sky, with a mild tem- came a partner and had the name of- concerns the finest tour guide the perature, we began a great circuit of ficially changed. This remarkable TURNER group ever had the pleas- the very eclectic Big Easy. Our city edifice and its ancillary building is an ure of listening to, learning from and sojourn began with a trip down the extraordinary tribute to the courage, absolutely enjoyed having in their historical St. Charles Avenue. This determination and sacrifice of our company. Her name is Barbara Ro- ride afforded us an opportunity to Continued on Page 4 bichaux, and she is a very proud Cre- view Tulane and Loyola Universi-

3 Turner Times Continued from Page 3 his welcoming remarks. Carl Ac- kerman then led everyone in sing- Letters to men and women during World War ing GOD BLESS AMERICA, Two and the American will to keep which was followed by the Invoca- the Editor our great country great and free. It tion and toast. The food was then was a somewhat somber and sobering promptly served to a total assembly visit. I‘ve been wanting to see it since of seventy-eight hungry former Dear Mr. Mania: its inception. My dream had finally Navy chow hounds and their beauti- been brought to fruition. ful spouses and friends and was You'll probably recall that we were in The bus arrived back at the hotel enjoyed by all. touch in connection with my research approximately 12:45 p.m. The after- After dinner, the second and on the USS TURNER explosion noon and evening were, once again, final 50-50 Drawing took place. when I was working on my book re- on our own. The first surprised winner was my calling World War II in New York. Thursday morning, the general brother, Joe Mania, who gladly ac- membership business meeting started cepted his $25.00 winnings. Joe As promised, I'm enclosing a copy of at 9:30 with the introduction of offi- Zimmerman was $25.00 happier the book. I also sent the book to John cers by President Roy Turcotte, after than my brother. He won $50.00. McDonald of New Jersey, whom I which a few words of greeting were Gene McArdle was $25.00 more interviewed. spoken by Carl Ackerman. Joe Ste- ecstatic than the two previous win- panek gave the treasurers report and ners. He pocketed a $100.00 prize. If you would be willing to mention made a strong plea for more members Four Red Ticket prizes of one the book in the TURNER TIMES and to please pay dues. A motion was free nights stay at the hotel were on the USS TURNER web site, I'd be made and passed to send $250.00 to raffled off next. Happy winners grateful. the TIN CAN SAILORS ASSOCIA- were: Kathleen Turcotte, Joe Mania TION. (where did we hear that name be- Sincerely, The following dates for the Buf- fore?), Tom Beard and Jerry Weitz. Richard Goldstein falo 2011 reunion were announced Al Gould garnered a great bot- as; Mon. Sept. 19, Tues. 20, Wed. 21, tle of wine on the next drawing The book is entitled HELLUVA Thur. 22. This reunion is to be held at while Madge Ackerman won a TOWN and is published by FREE the Adams Mark/Doubletree Down- beautiful TURNER shirt. Henry PRESS. I can truly say, the book is a town Buffalo Hotel. Litchendorf was the happy recipient good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it Colorado Springs, CO., Nash- of a carry bag and Bill McGuire and the pictures that were in ville, TN., and Jacksonville, FL. were was another winner of a bottle of it. (Mike Mania) discussed as possible cities for the wine. Ty East won a huge tub of 2012 reunion. Jacksonville was the Trick or Treat goodies after which member‘s choice, so that‘s where it Jerry Mikulski would finally learn ATTENTION will be held. Someone suggested a how to tell time by the beautiful cruise for the 2013 reunion and it did clock he won. The last drawing of ALL HANDS! receive a very favorable reaction. the night offered a bottle of wine However, there were too many things and though you may be growing about a cruise to be considered for tired of hearing the name MANIA, the moment, so the discussion was at least the first name is different. We need articles shelved until the next reunion in or- This time it was MIKE not JOE. I der to have more time to research the sensed an undercurrent of restless- for the newsletter! situation in depth. ness in the crowd. They may have Dues were then collected and had an idea ―the fix was in.‖ the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 The music enticed many cou- a.m. ples to the dance floor where it was Send your Time became our own until 5:00 quite apparent love was still king! p.m. when picture taking for the What a beautiful sight. What a per- USS Turner Memory Book began. The cash bar fect way to end a most beautiful and remembrances to opened at 6:30 and at 7:00 the ban- perfect reunion in a most beautiful quet began with some very good mu- environment—The Big Easy. the Editor sic. Seven-thirty, Roy Turcotte made ―Do I know what it means to Miss New Orleans?‖ Need you ask?

4 Turner Times 30 Ways to Simulate Being in because you dress funny and 9. Stand outside at attention at the Navy When You're at Home don't speak right. dawn and have the poorest (this is the 21-30 ways) reader you know read the 4. Use fresh milk for only two morning paper out loud. Be days after each port visit. sure to have him skip over any- 1. Smash your forehead or shins thing pertinent. with a hammer every two days 5. Keep the bedroom thermostat to simulate collision injuries at 2 degrees C and use only a 10. Every four hours, check the sustained onboard Navy ships. thin blanket for warmth. fluid level in your car's radia- tor. Check the tire pressure and 2. When making sandwiches, 6. Ensure that the water heater replace air lost from excessive leave the bread out for six is connected to a device that pressure checks. Be sure to days, or until it is hard and provides water at a flow rate place red tag on ignition stating stale. that varies from a fast drip to "DANGER: DO NOT OPER- a weak trickle, with the tem- 3. Every 10 weeks, simulate a ATE" while you perform these perature alternating rapidly checks. Inform your neighbor visit to another port. Go di- from 2 to 95 degrees C. rectly to the city slums wearing as to the results of these your best clothes. Find the 7. Use only spoons which hold a checks, have him tell you to worst looking place, and ask minimum of 1/2 cup at a repeat the checks because he for the most expensive beer time. did not see you perform them. that they carry. Drink as many Author unknown as you can in four hours. Take 8. Repaint the interior of your a cab home taking the longest home every month, whether it possible route. Tip the cabby needs it or not. after he charges you double

Submitted by Jim Jensen. This would been taken sometime between 1945-1949. I previously sent some com- munication with information about my grandfather, Fred Brune, who is in the 4th row, near the center, standing left of an African American (22nd from left if you count those in the 3rd & 4th rows together). As l try to notice details, it would appear that he’s wearing the uniform of a seaman? If so, this would be very early in his naval career, like his first assignment perhaps. He was drafted into service and became a Chief in rank as a boilerman.

5 Turner Times Our Turner Times

What we remember about our time on board

Captain Pauly come taut, and pull the chair up vio- pulled into the pier, the large tiger Remembers lently which sometimes made it was swinging back and forth looking swing. We called that "dipping and over all the families on the pier. Part Six of Six parts spin drying". But it was never funny to the person in the chair. When we were back operating with And I rode those chairs many times After a period of leave we began lo- cal operations again. I recall a time our own squadron, we were again in my years at sea. when we had two civilians come doing competitive exercises which aboard as guests of a program run by required having an officer observer Underway transfers and replenish- from the squadron staff ride us to the Secretary of the Navy. They ments were always risky because were going to ride TURNER for a observe and grade us. After comple- we had to stay between 80 and 120 tion, we were ordered to send him few days to see what destroyers did feet abreast of the other ship, which at sea. Unfortunately a hurricane was back to the flagship by underway required continual course changes. highline transfer, but the seas were headed our way and the senior officer If we got closer we were sucked present ordered all ships to get under- very rough. The squadron flagship at into a collision, and if we got too that time was a DLG which was way immediately. It was almost mid- far out the rigs would part. We also night, and the two guests had just much larger than TURNER and more had to maintain station closely in stable in heavy seas, which perhaps come aboard a few hours before ex- the fore and aft direction, which pecting a leisurely departure in the kept the Commodore from realizing involved small speed changes every it was getting so rough. As we pre- morning. We got underway at mid- few minutes. We did these events night and were in some rather rough pared to do the transfer, the staff offi- in every kind of weather and often cer came to me and said that he did seas getting away from the path of at night, with no lights showing - the hurricane. The guests said they not want to make the transfer in the even our running lights were off- a present sea conditions, and I told him enjoyed their ride with TURNER, but violation of the International Rules I think they were just being polite. not to worry because he would not be of the Road, but required to permit transferred. So he was somewhat our crew to see in the dark without perplexed as we made all prepara- losing their night vision. I recall an We were sent to visit New Orleans tions and then increased speed for our ammunition transfer underway in and have the ship open to visitors. approach to come alongside the flag- the Med on a Sunday during a hard That was a great experience. New ship. Green water came over our rainstorm. The rain was in my eyes Orleans is 120 miles up the Missis- bridge as TURNER's bow dug into so bad that I turned around and sippi so we entered the river delta at the seas. I was showing the Commo- faced aft as I kept the ship in posi- night. The first thing we saw was a dore that TURNER could make the tion alongside for over an hour, large merchant ship hard aground on approach and stay alongside in posi- transposing things in my head to the riverbank - our pilot said because tion even in those rough seas, but I give the right conning commands. of a steering problem. We made knew that the Commodore would All went well, and afterwards I au- most of the transit in darkness be- then decide that the transfer was too thorized a shot of medicinal alcohol cause we were due at the pier in the risky - which he did. It was proper for each man who got soaked by the morning. A welcoming committee for me to try hard to carry out the cold rain. That made a nasty and met us, and I was presented with a plan, and let him cancel it, as I knew tough evolution a bit more enjoy- gold key to the city, which I still have he must. Those underway personnel able for that hardworking TURNER - it is good for nothing, but was a transfers were always exciting. The crew. nice gesture. We had thousands of person to be transferred sat in a small visitors aboard, the crew really en- chair, which was suspended from a joyed New Orleans and we got a big pulley running on the line stretched Our return to Mayport after this six- write-up in the local newspaper. On between the two ships. We often month cruise was again very happy. the return downstream, we entered a joked about the two ships rolling to- This time while crossing the Atlan- narrow part of the river in the delta ward one another and slacking that tic, we made a large papier-mâché region and the pilot made a mistake line which would dip the person in tiger and mounted it on the height and gave an order, which would have the water. But then as they rolled finding radar antenna, which had a apart the line would suddenly be- sector scanning mode. When we Continued on Page 7

6 Turner Times Final Roll Call Continued from Page 6 Since our last issue we have learned that with other Captains, so the OOD forward mount as it trained abeam these shipmates have answered the call of the asked the nature of his business. with all dependents kept much fur- Supreme Commander: He said he was the Captain's ther aft, it was really quite safe. The adopted son, and the business was dependents saw the big splashes as George W. Adshead 45-46 F2 personal. To the surprise of the XO the plaster loaded shells impacted in Lester A. Garringer 45-46 SM3 and the OOD, I said "Bring him up the wake and did not realize they Wendell L. Creasey 57-60 SN to my Cabin." It was Billy Brown. were not true explosions, so that was Ralph R. Gernhart 46 MM2 We had a joyful reunion. He said a highlight of the day for them. No- Joseph R. Gimeli 45-46 PHM2 that his marriage was great, they body ever "told" on me, so I got away Foster O. Greene 47 MMC now had three children, and he had with it. Howard R. Hansell 50 SA been promoted to Boiler Technician William J. Masterson 46-48 RDM3 First Class. He was now on a de- stroyer from another homeport, It was now August of 1968, and my Donald R. Sorenson 46-48 BM3 two years in command of TURNER Norbert Stiglmeier 55-56 RM3 which had just briefly stopped in Mayport. We had coffee together were about to end. I had received Edmund J. Stronski 62-63 CDR orders to become XO on the heavy and a very nice visit. Finally he Paul L. Storms 45-46 EM2 asked if I remembered the letter I cruiser SAINT PAUL then operating Leonard F. Wallachy 65-67 TM2 had written to his wife from Guan- off Vietnam, and even got a nice wel- come letter from its Captain. I traded tanamo. He said that she still kept immediately run us aground on the that letter in her dresser drawer and the 1966 Comet Cyclone for a 1966 Dodge station wagon with air condi- riverbank - so I relieved him. It is read it regularly. I was amazed, not only pilots in foreign ports who since I could not remember what I tioning, believing I was going to make mistakes. After we got out into had written five years before, and drive across the southern US to San Diego, which was the SAINT PAUL the Gulf of Mexico, I decided that we asked him to get me a copy if he would do our annual full power run could. But I never heard from Billy homeport. But my orders suddenly were changed. It seems that BuPers around the tip of Florida and up past Brown again after that visit, even Miami. That requires that the engi- though I have tried to find him in finally realized I was junior to some neers go to General Quarters to man recent years. I sometimes joke that Department Heads on SAINT PAUL, probably because I had become a all four boilers, and all equipment is if I had a copy of that letter, I might run at maximum capacity with read- get into marriage counseling as my destroyer skipper so early. So my orders were changed to become ings taken throughout to see if every- next career. thing still operates as designed. We Commodore of Escort Squadron

gradually built up speed, then held 33 Eight in Newport. The TURNER knots for four hours, and then gradu- We did another dependents cruise officers gave me a farewell party and ally slowed. We hit our 33 knot one day but GOODRICH, the ship presented me with a beautiful maximum as we raced past Miami that was supposed to go with us "Captain's Chair" which is still in a with the Gulf Stream current pushing decided to cancel out. That meant place of honor in our guest bedroom. us, so our actual speed was close to we would have to think of some The day I was relieved was very sad 37. That was a thrill, because you things to do to replace the exercises for me. I hated to leave TURNER. run close to shore passing Miami, that required two ships. For one We went through the formal cere- which makes your fast movement such thing, I decided to fire a 5" mony with Rear Admiral Ike Kidd as very apparent. At that speed, the gun, which was forbidden on such our senior guest. I gave a speech as wake boils up high over the stern in a cruises for safety reasons. So when is customary, and we followed with a mini rooster tail effect. The crew we got out in an area with no other brief reception in the Wardroom. takes a lot of photos when that hap- ships or boats in sight, I turned 90 Then with the sideboys on the quar- pens. degrees, trained the gun mounts terdeck saluting, I was piped off for abeam, and fired plaster loaded the last time. There were tears in my One day in Mayport I was doing pa- shells into our wake. Firing into the eyes as I departed TURNER. perwork in my In Port Cabin when wake insured that nothing was in the XO came to see me. He said that the target area, because we had just "Any man who may be asked in this the OOD had called him reporting an passed through that water. Firing century what he did to make his life enlisted man from another ship was plaster loaded shells insured there worthwhile...can respond with a good on our quarterdeck asking to see the could be no accident such as an in- deal of pride and satisfaction, 'I Captain. This was unusual since nor- bore or premature shell explosion, served in the United States Navy'." mally only Captains had business and by using the forward gun of the President John Fitzgerald Kennedy

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Continued on Turner Times Submitted by Bob Kelly: common in men because their • A nipple that is inverted (facing A Story of Survival breast duct cells are less developed inward) than those of women and because • Redness or scaling of the nipple or I'm a former RM3 who served aboard their breast cells are not constantly breast skin the Turner from June of 67 until Sep exposed to the growth-promoting • Discharge from the nipple.” of 69. Attached is a recent article effects of female hormones.‖ that appeared in our local community With his wife of 44 years, Marsha, magazine in Hunter's Creek, near There are many factors that increase and his two sons, Robert and Rich- Orlando, Fl. It concerns my recent the risk of cancer in males: age ard, alongside him, he underwent a fight with male breast cancer. I'm (between 60 and 70), abusing alco- mastectomy on May 3. He said, hoping that publication of this kind of hol, having a liver disease, using ―Incredible as it might seem, they information might help spread the estrogen-related drugs, having sent me home that afternoon.‖ They word that men can get breast cancer Klinefelter‘s Syndrome (men born told him, ―If you can stand up and too. Awareness is the key. Early de- with an extra X chromosome), and pee, you can go home today,‖ so he tection saved me. It might do the being exposed to radiation. The went home with a tube and drain same for other ex Turner sailors out news was especially troubling be- imbedded in his chest. Then came the there. Thanks. //Bob Kelley cause aside from his age, 63, Bob good news: the cancer has not spread wasn‘t a high risk candidate for get- to his lymph nodes. Now he is wait- (The following is reprinted with per- ting cancer. ―I am not overweight, I ing for a test to see what the actual mission from Hunter‘s Creek Com- do NOT smoke, and I have no chances of recurrence are. munity Association, the August of significant family history of can- Life at Hunter‘s Creek) cer,‖ he said. For these reasons, he Throughout the ordeal, he says it was wasn‘t concerned when he noticed a important to stay in touch with family His Side of the Story: Breast Can- lump behind his right nipple in and friends. ―The more people that cer January. He was convinced that it know about your condition, the more By Felipe Medina-Marquez. “You was a cyst, so he ignored it. contact you'll receive ... and that's gain strength, courage and confi- what helps you get through it.‖ He dence by every experience in which Two months later, the lump wasn‘t said going to his grandson Noah‘s you really stop to look fear in the gone. Bob hadn‘t seen a doctor in little league games helped to keep his face.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt the 34 years since leaving the Navy, mind off the illness. ―My advice but he was still concerned. So reluc- to anyone just diagnosed: Keep a On April 22, Bob Kelley came face tantly, he made an appointment positive outlook and try to keep your to face with fear. After waiting with a doctor his friend recom- family and friends close,‖ Bob said. six sleepless days for the result of a mended. One mammogram and one biopsy, the results were in. He biopsy later, Bob learned that he Bob is making a full recovery and he was diagnosed with breast cancer. had Stage 1 Breast Cancer. intends to start working again soon enough. Having gone through the Bob was in disbelief. ―I was vaguely ―Once that information got out to ordeal, he wants to create awareness aware that men could get breast can- my friends and co-workers,‖ for this issue with men of all ages, cer, but I thought it was extremely Bob said, ―I was told a group of but specifically those men who have rare.‖ He was half right. Breast can- them simultaneously lifted the a higher risk of developing the dis- cer in men is rare, but not extremely shirts and started feeling their ease. He emphasizes that detection rare. ―For men, the lifetime risk of breasts for lumps. And that‘s what and prevention are key. ―I think getting breast cancer is about 1 in it takes to stop the disease – early about how many other men might 1000,‖ the American Cancer Society detection.‖ Bob says men should have a different prognosis because reports. check themselves regularly. But they either don't notice a lump or what symptoms should they look they simply dismiss it and wait far Men account for only 1% of all for? The website for National too long before having it checked,‖ breast cancer cases (women are Breast Cancer Awareness Month Bob said. 100 times more likely to develop the writes: ―It is important to see a doc- disease). This disparity stems from tor if any of the following changes Do you know what the Coast anatomical differences in the way to the breasts is noticed: Guard and Marines have in com- pubescent males and • A lump or swelling in the chest mon? females develop, according the ACS. area ―Breast cancer is less • Dimpled or puckered skin Navy wifes

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I remember by Gerald All this was taking place as the and the reduction gears had taken communists and nationalists were at damage from the heat. From here on (Jerry) Newton war in China. Our navy was taking our cruise would be completed on Part 1 the nationalists to Formosa. We got one screw. Our first stop on the east word that the communists had taken coast would be the navy yard in Bos- I went aboard the Turner towards over all of China - so we would not ton's Charlestown. the end of 1948. There we were, four be going there - too late to help. of us fresh from E.M. school. It was Shortly thereafter we received or- The rest of the cruise was un- an exciting time - all kinds of new ders that we were to proceed to eventful going through the locks in experiences for an 18 year old, who Newport R.I. to become part of the panama I thought it very interesting. had never been out of the state of 7th fleet in the Atlantic Ocean. After our repairs in Charlestown we California. The Turner was anchored Those that wanted to remain on the proceeded to Newport our new home in San Diego bay, and would go on west coast could transfer off the short cruises off the coast for train- ship and remain in San Diego. I My memory of the rest of my ing. joined the navy to see the world and navy time seems hard to keep stayed aboard! straight. I guess because the routine There were some crewmen kept repeating itself. As a radar aboard who had been in World War We soon left San Diego and picket destroyer, the only one on the II. They told about the Japanese sui- proceeded to Panama where we east coast, we became part of the dew cide planes (Kamikazes) in the Sea of could pass through the Panama Ca- line this was an early warning system Japan, and the different sea battles. nal. Two very unusual things hap- to detect incoming soviet missiles. They also told about the typhoon in pened as we cruised off Mexico and We spent a lot of time in the north Japan in 1945. There were some de- the coast of South America. The Atlantic. The seas were very inhospi- stroyers lost I'm not sure if the Turner weather became very hot and hu- table to a small man of war. was in Japan at the time - having just mid. We were always in sight of the been commissioned in 1945 at Bath, coast and after arid Mexico we soon With summer and Cape Cod Maine. observed the jungles as we got fur- nearby many of us would spend our ther south. One Sunday afternoon off-duty weekends there. We found On one of out short training exer- the captain decided to stop the ship nice sandy beaches. Falmouth, Mass. cises out of San Diego - on rising in and give anyone a chance to cool was a great place; problem was it the morning I discovered a rash on off with a nice swim in the ocean. rained almost every weekend. And my chest. I also did not feel well. I Netting had been placed over the the water was much colder than we went to sickbay and found out that I side to climb down to enter the wa- were used to in San Diego. had the chicken pox. I was required ter. As a precaution Gunner's mates to stay in sick bay as the ship hastily with bar's were in whale boats and An addendum to my Turner ex- took off and returned to port. I was also up on the bridge. I decided not periences. I am now eighty years old dropped off on a pier in the rain to to join my frolicking friends in the and in bad health mostly caused by await an ambulance to take me to water. It wasn't very long before asbestos. This was cause by my ex- Balboa Naval Hospital. It seemed lookouts on the bridge spotted posure while aboard the Turner. As- like hours before the ambulance ar- sharks, the alarm was sounded and I bestos covered all steam lines, fresh rived. I was in bad shape by the time believe some Olympic swimming water etc. We did not know the as- I got to the hospital. In addition to records were broken as our men bestos would destroy our lungs. I am chicken pox I developed acute tonsil- raced back to the ship. We could now on oxygen 24 hours a day I litis; I spent the next month at Bal- soon see several tiger sharks about would like to hear from anyone who boa. I believe I contracted the ten to twelve feet long. has the same problem chicken pox on one of my journeys to Tijajuana. The next event was almost a My address: Gerald (Jerry) New- tragedy. During mid-watch the gen- ton 3935 Donrich Ave. Pocatello, ID Back on the Turner awaiting our erator in the aft engine room 83204 Ph: 208-233-4694 cruise to China, a popular song at the shorted out and caught fire. The time played "I'd like to get you on a engine room was immediately filled What do you get when you stand slow boat to China." I thought of my with hot smoke. Luckily all on three Navy Ensigns shoulder to girlfriend going to college in Pasa- watch managed to escape. The shoulder? dena who I would be leaving behind. hatches were closed and the fire put out. But not before the generator A. A wind tunnel!

9 Turner Times

Roster Update The U. S .S. Turner Reunion Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to locating and keeping us in contact with our former shipmates. The Association Officers are:

President Roy Turcotte (‗65-‘67) Secretary Grant Wilcox ('62-'63) As of this mailing, 1st Vice President Henry Turner (‗57-‘60) Membership Dave Bodendorf ('57-'59) 2nd Vice President Ernie Loos (‗55-‘57) Treasurer Joe Stepanek ('57-'60) the Turner Webmaster Bill Schaepe ('58-'60) Chaplain Carl Ackerman ('51-'55)

Association roster The Turner Times is published periodically, by the dedicated staff members shown below, to help communicate Association news and facilitate the sharing of memories. Suggestions and totals 1,707 items of interest can be submitted to either of us. Originals will be returned, if requested. Editor/Publisher Staff Coordinator located shipmates Bill Schaepe ('59-'60) Mike Mania (53-54) 9 Christopher St, #6 10401 N 108th Ave and associate New York, NY 10014 Sun City, AZ 85351 Phone: (212) 242-2244 Phone: (623) 977-0429 members. E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Each mailing we have several pieces returned because shipmates do not let us know they have moved. For our last mailing, a number of shipmates did not inform us of their new addresses. This creates unnecessary expenses for our organization during a period of time when our active membership is gradually declining as well as the per- centage of dues paying shipmates. If you are moving or have recently moved, PLEASE drop us a line, call or email us with your new information so we don't lose you again!!

...... Get ready for our next Reunion at the Adams Mark/Doubletree Downtown Buffalo Hotel,

Buffalo, New York September 19 - September 22, 2011

flected on the label) label) the on flected

(Dues paid after October 18, 2010 are not re- not are 2010 18, October after paid (Dues year. calendar a NOT and reunions between "year" the cover dues annual

Please remember that that remember Please 21042. MD City, Ellicott Ct, Duff 9372 Stepanek, Joe Treasurer, our to Association Reunion Turner

payable to the USS USS the to payable check, $20 a send them, pay to want you and not, If paid. are dues your name, your by appears Paid"

Although dues are voluntary, we could use your help. Look at your mailing label. If "Dues "Dues If label. mailing your at Look help. your use could we voluntary, are dues Although — DUES ASSOCIATION

you! lose to want don't We touch!! in Stay [email protected] email:

or 2428, - 452 (845) Phone: 6139, - 12603 NY Poughkeepsie, Drive, Hill Birch 49 at Bodendorf Dave contact please status,

change of of change any have or address mail - e number, telephone your changed so, do to plan moved, have you If — ???? MOVED

Requested Service Address MAIL CLASS FIRST

http://www.ussturner834.org Website

17408 PA York,

Street Salisbury 2130

Association Reunion Turner U.S.S.

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