Turner Times

Vol.13, Issue 2 Website: www.ussturner.org APRIL, 2009

Update on website address: You can now use either www.ussturner.org or www.ussturner834.org to get to the turner website.

“. . . Georgia on my Mind”

By Mike Mania ’53-’54 The remainder of the afternoon and dinary gift and retail shops, choice evening will be your free time. restaurants, and the ART Center, a “. . . Still in peaceful dreams I see, true community of working artists. “Georgia, Georgia, the whole day the road leads back to you. . .” And Once again, you are free to spend the through. . .” That song has implanted you will want to take the road back afternoon and evening as you choose. itself in the forefront of my mind to Savannah, Georgia in the future Thursday, the last day of the reun- lately, keeping me focused on the after you take the second TURNER ion, will feature the business meeting state of Georgia, with Savannah be- tour through the city and surround- in the a.m. followed by free time un- ing the focal point of my thoughts. ing areas. til 5:30 p.m. when at such time, pic- Why? Because that is the city hosting This tour consists of a guided trol- ture taking for the TURNER Memory the EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL ley bus ride through one of the larg- Book will begin. At 6:00 p.m., the TURNER REUNION! And what a est National Historic Landmark cash bar will open, (walk please, no reunion it will be. Without a doubt, it Districts in the United States. It running, shoving or kicking) fol- will be as great as any proceeding boasts of a living assemblage of lowed at 7:30 by the banquet and en- reunions put together by our fantastic eighteen and nineteen century his- tertainment. reunion committee. So sit back, relax toric quaint cottages, magnificent The next day will be given over to and read about the fun time you are mansions and beautiful ornate iron- melancholic farewells and an un- going to experience this year in a city work done by long time departed wanted exodus away from old friends replete with copious amounts of talented journeymen ironsmiths. and new friendships just recently some of the finest historic homes, You will see charming squares and made. However, the positive side is museums and historic sites in the ancient cobblestone streets which that we will be taking home so many Southeast. are representative of more than two more wonderful reunion memories to To start, the committee has ar- hundred and fifty years of proud add to the ones we already have ranged a wonderful tour to the history. stored in our memory banks. They MIGHTY EIGHTH AIR FORCE When you arrive on the scenic will never be forgotten. HERITAGE MUSEUM. This hal- waterfront, you will soon find your- As you may have noticed, those of us lowed World War Two repository self on the cobblestone Factors who will be attending this reunion houses classic assorted aircraft, arti- Walk and River Street. Here you will be experiencing an unusually facts and amazing harrowing stories will see shops, taverns, restaurants large mount of free time in compari- of men flying dangerous missions to and museums which have been con- son to other reunions. This is due in preserve the freedoms we now enjoy. verted from old cotton warehouses. large part to the sagging economy There are also countless photos to A tour through either a museum or forcing a rapid and stunning rise in prove the validity of the narrations one of the historic homes is part of the cost of many of the tours. How- you will hear. It will be special and the agenda for this tour. ever, there is an upside to this. something not soon forgotten. Re- There will be a break for lunch on member, this is not only a part of the your own and shopping at the City MIGHTY EIGHTH AIR FORCE’S Market, which is a four block resto- heritage, but yours and mine as well. ration area and consists of extraor- Continued on Page 3

1 Turner Times Ship’s FROM THE OF THE PREZ Store Hello Shipmates, Navy Chief

The old crusty Chief Petty Officer Turn Around. Turn Around. You The following items can be ordered noticed a new lookout one day and probably remember that old saying from Carl Ackerman, 7436 Daisy barked at him to get over here. meaning where has the time gone? Cir., Macungie, PA 18062, Ph: (610) It seems to me that I have just left 398-0145. All items are postpaid. 'What's your name?' was the first our Reunion in St. Louis, Missouri, I Please make checks payable to Carl thing the Chief asked the new guy. turned around and here I am, writing L. Ackerman. to you about our next Turner Reun- 'John', the new guy replied. ►Up-to-date rosters — $5. ion in Savannah, Georgia!

This will be our second reunion in The Chief scowled, 'Look, I don't ►Turner baseball caps embroidered Savannah. Many of you will remem- know what kind of bleeding-heart, with Turner logo — $18. ber the first one which was held on liberal, pansy-ass stuff they're teach- September 12-16, 2001. Of course, ing Sailors in boot camp today, but I ►Mesh polo shirts embroidered with that was one day after the tragic ter- don't call anyone by their first name. Turner logo. Colors: Red, White or rorist attacks on NYC and Washing- Navy Blue. Sizes M to XXL. All It breeds familiarity and that leads to ton, DC. In sorrow we came to- sizes come with a pocket — $45. a breakdown in authority. I refer to gether. We had 142 shipmates and Sizes 2XL to 3XL — $50. my Sailors by their last name only- one guest pre-registered for the reun- Smith, Jones, Baker-that's all. I am to ion. All air traffic was grounded and ►Sweat Shirts embroidered with be referred to only as Chief. Do I those who were able drove to Savan- Turner logo. Colors: Navy Blue or make myself clear?' nah to be with their Military Family. Gray. Sizes M to XXL — $50. Sizes 2XL to 3XL — $55. We had a total of 111 shipmates and 'Aye, aye, Chief!' guests attending. Remarkable!

►DVD of 1961 Med Cruise photos It is my hope that we can surpass 'Good! Now that we got that straight, — $10. that number this year. So, let’s all what is your last name?' try. The schedule has changed

►Diaries/appointment book (year– slightly. Hopefully, this will be an The new guy sighed and said, 2009)— $4 encouragement to some. We will 'Darling. My name is John Darling, begin with our Buffet Dinner on ►Denim Shirts: Short sleeve, light Chief!' Monday, September 14, 2009. On blue with dark blue Turner Logo. Tuesday we will visit the Mighty Sizes M to XXL — $50. Sizes 2XL 'Okay...... John, here's what I want Eighth Air Force Museum. On to 3XL—$55. you to do...' Wednesday we will enjoy a city tour ►Ship's patches: Both the Tiger and of Savannah and on Thursday, Sep- From: [email protected] Double Eagle, 4" round with color tember 17 we will once again enjoy Subject: William Barnwell embroidery. Also official Navy an evening together at our Banquet. Looking for William Barnwell patch just like on the ball caps. Blue/ Friday, September 18 will be fare- MM2 who I served with on the gold lettering of "USS Turner DD/ well again. Turner from 1964-1966. If you DDR 834" around gray Once again, I thank all my fellow know, please email me! profile. 3"H x 5"W. Cost is $5 per officers who keep things running all patch. year. As you know, my term as your President will be ending and I will be Desk Clock a great gift ! ►USS Turner History Plaques— turning the Presidency over to Roy wood and plastic - 8”x10” — $30 Turcotte for the next two years. I ►Turner Desk Clock- Mahogany have appreciated the honor of serv- simulated wood finish 4.5"X ing as your President and will con- 5.5". Quartz clock movement. Laser tinue to help in any way I can. etched brass plate w/ USS Turner history opposite clock I am hoping to see you all in Sa- face. Gold USS Turner name im- vannah, September 14-18, 2009. printed below clock. See clock Bernie Sciarpelletti photo bottom of column 3. — $55 2 Turner Times teries and to get the names and loca- Continued from Page 1 Hirohito of Japan. I told him that I “...Georgia on my Mind” tions of the forts, historic houses and museums, I suggest you call up this was Executive Officer of the USS With very little effort, you can put Savannah link on your computer: LANG (DD-399) which had sunk together your own package of mini http://www.savanah.com. Then click three of his in the night tours very easily once you arrive in on any of the appropriate links. It’s action of Vella Gulf in August 1943. the city. Savannah and the surround- so easy. Just do it. Let’s make this I was now coming back in a new Ra- ing area is a tourist’s sightseeing Savannah reunion one of the very dar Picket Destroyer to sink more of paradise. It offers a broad range of best despite the shape of the econ- his ships, shoot down his planes, and sightseeing options including some omy. We can do it. Remember, “. . . assist in the bombardment and land- of the finest historic homes, muse- just an old sweet song keeps Georgia ing on the shores of Japan. If he was ums, historic sites in the Southeast on my mind.” And yours, too, I hope. plus Civil War forts and English Re- I’ll see you in Georgia in September. real smart and carefully analyzed the gency house museums. future of Japan, he would immedi- If you are interested in the ARTS, ately surrender to the United States there are six different centers for art, of America. culture and design. Do you have an And do you know what happened? eye for historic homes? You came to As the MYLES C. FOX was steaming the right city. There are many located to Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean throughout Savannah that proudly as part of a large carrier task force, boasts of historical prominence. One en route to the invasion of Japan, such home is the birthplace of Juli- Hirohito surrendered. It wasn’t the A ette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl scouts. Another is the Mercer- -Bomb--he had received my letter. Williams House which is one of Sa- (Tongue in cheek?? [M. M.]). vannah’s most historic mansions. This was the former home of Jim Continued from Page 7 Williams, the antique dealer immor- Captain P. Southard Passes Away talized in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” And while you are Captain Southard was the recipi- about it, stop by the Green-Meldrim Continued from Page 4 ent of the following military The Seabag Mansion. This was General awards: Silver Star, Meritorious Sherman’s Civil War headquarters. Service Medal, American Defense Sometimes I look at all the crap There is a list of historic sites and Service Medal, American Cam- stacked in my garage, close my eyes forts almost as long as your right arm paign Medal, European-African- and smile, remembering a time when and a list of museums equal to the everything I owned could be Middle Eastern Campaign, Asiatic- length of your left arm, all certainly crammed into a Canvas Bag. worth the effort to visit and enjoy. Pacific Campaign W/5 Stars, World And, while you’re in an historic War II Victory Medal, China Ser- Maturity is Hell mood, don’t forget to stop by some vice Medal, Navy Occupation of the local historic cemeteries! Yes, Medal, and National Defense Ser- I said cemeteries. Even if the sur- vice Medal W/Star. roundings in such a place give you the shivers and a body full of goose bumps, you will be glad your visita- *** tion allowed you to experience a bit of Savannah’s unique history first- hand. Each cemetery serves as a final The Real Story of How World resting place for many of Savannah’s War II Ended most fascinating former citizens and residents. Each one is situated amid After the commissioning of the incredibly scenic surroundings. USS MYLES C. FOX (DDR-829) in To find out the names of some of March 1945 at Boston Naval Ship- the famous people who sleep in peaceful, silent repose in these ceme- yard, I wrote a letter to Emperor

3 Turner Times

Our Turner Times What we remember about our time on board You got rid of a lot of issue gear There was a four-hundred mile gap The Seabag when you went to the SHIP..Did between the images on recruiting There was a time when everything you ever know a tin-can sailor who posters and the actual appearance of you owned had to fit in your seabag. had a raincoat? A flat hat? One of sailors at sea. It was not without justi- Remember those nasty rascals? Fully those nut hugger knit swimsuits? fiable reason that we were called the packed, one of the suckers weighed How bout those roll your own neck- Gator Navy. We operated on the more than the poor devil hauling it. erchiefs... The ones the girls in a premise that if 'Cleanliness was next The damn things weighed a ton and good Naval tailor shop would cut to Godliness', we must be next to the some idiot with an off-center sense of down and sew into a 'greasy snake' other end of that spectrum. humor sewed a carry handle on it to for two bucks. Within six months, We looked like our clothing had help you haul it Hell, you could bolt every fleet sailor was down to one been pressed with a waffle iron and a handle on a Greyhound bus but it set of dress blues, port and star- packed by a bulldozer.But what in wouldn't make the damn thing port- board undress blues and whites, a the hell did they expect from a bunch able. couple of whitehats, boots, of jerks that lived in the crews hole of The Army, Marines and Air Force shoes, assorted skivvies a peacoat a "Tramp Steamer". got footlockers and we got a big ole' and three sets of bleached out dun- After a while you got used to it. canvas bag. After you warped your garees. The rest of your original You got used to everything you spine jackassing the goofy thing issue was either in the pea coat owned picking up and retraining that through a bus or train station, sat on locker, lucky bag or had been re- distinctive aroma. You got used to it waiting for connecting transporta- duced to wipe down rags in the en- old ladies on busses taking a couple tion and made folks mad because it gine room. Underway ships were of wrinkled nose sniffs of your pea- was too damn big to fit in any over- not ships that allowed vast accumu- coat then getting up and finding an- head rack on any bus, train and air- lation of private gear. Hobos who other seat. Do they still issue sea- plane ever made, the contents looked lived in discarded refrigerator crates bags? like hell. All your gear appeared to could amass greater loads of pack Can you still make five bucks sit- have come from bums who slept on rat crap than fleet sailors. ting up half the night drawing a ships park benches. Traveling with a sea- The confines of a canvas back picture on the side of one of the damn bag was something left over from the rack, side locker and a couple of things with black and white marking "Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum" sail- bunk bags did not allow one to live pens that drive old master-at-arms ing ship days. Sailors used to sleep in a Donald Trump existence. Space into a "rig for heart attack" frenzy? hammocks. So you stowed your issue and the going pay scale combined Make their faces red, the veins on in a big canvas bag and lashed your to make us envy the lifestyle of a their neck bulge out and yell,"Jeezus hammock to it, hoisted it on your mud hut Ethiopian. We were the H. Christ! What in god's name is that shoulder and in effect moved your global equivalents of nomadic all over your seabag?" "Artwork, entire home and complete inventory Monguls without ponies to haul our Chief... It's like the work of Michel- of earthly possessions from ship to stuff. angelo. My ship...Great huh?" ship. And after the rigid routine of boot "Looks like some damn comic book." I wouldn't say you traveled light camp we learned the skill of ran- Here was a man with cobras tattooed because with one strap it was a dom compression packing known on his arms and a skull with a dagger one-shoulder load that could torque by mother's world-wide as through one eye and a ribbon reading your skeletal frame and bust your 'cramming'. It is amazing what you 'DEATH BEFORE SHORE DUTY' ankles. It was like hauling a dead can jam into a space no bigger than on his shoulder, crossed anchors with linebacker. They wasted a lot of time a breadbox if you pull a watch cap 'Subic Bay 1945' on the other shoul- inboot camp telling you how to pack over a boot and push it in with your der with an eagle on his chest and a one of the suckers. There was an offi- foot. Of course it looks kinda weird full blown Chinese dragon peeking cially sanctioned method of organiza- when you pull it out but they never out between the cheeks of his butt. If tion that you forgot after ten minutes hold fashion shows at sea and wrin- anyone was an authority on stuff that on the other side of the gate at Great kles added character to a salty ap- looked like a comic book, it had to be Lakes or . pearance. this E-7 sucker.

Continued on Page 3

4 Turner Times Captain Pauly overhaul item in particular concerned REAL CHIEFS Remembers the main generators. Instead of the shipyard overhauling both, we now REAL CHIEFS: Don't eat quiche, Part 3 of five parts had to do one. That proved so diffi- they can't even spell it: they don't The following is a multi-part series cult, that it was the last item to be have any civilian clothes; but they from something that Captain Pauly completed. The day we were to get do have CPO Association Cards wrote for his 11 year-old grandson underway for our sea trials it was still from their last 5 commands. who wanted to have stories of his not ready, but the crew assured me it

life in the Navy. These are the would be momentarily. So we set the REAL CHIEFS: Have a coffee pot memories of Captain Pauly's days Special Sea Detail. Then came the next to their desks with a tube run- on the Turner; he was CO from report that the work was done, and ning from it to their arm; they don't September, 1966 through August steam was being admitted to the tur- write in script, except for payroll 1968. bine for the first time. We singled up checks; they all have 4 sets of khaki TURNER was due for a regular all lines. Then they reported that the uniforms in the closet in hopes they shipyard overhaul, and we went generator was rolling, up to speed, come back, and their favorite food is through the planning for that. We and being cut in to take the electrical shipboard SOS for breakfast. were allowed a fixed amount of load. We started taking in lines.

money for the overhaul to be done When they reported that the electrical REAL CHIEFS: Call each other in Charleston and based the mix of load was safely split between the two "CHIEF" and their greatest fear is shipyard work and ship' s force generators, we took in the last line signing property book items. work on that sum. As we were and backed both engines. We were

bringing the ship up the Cooper underway for sea trials on time, and REAL CHIEFS: Get tears in their River to the shipyard, we received a once again TURNER had met its eyes when the Chief dies in the message from the stating commitment. The sea trials went movie, "Operation Pacific" . that because of Navy budget prob- very well and we returned to the While they call their wives WIFE- lems the funds for the overhaul had shipyard later that day for some final LAND OR CINCFAM they can find been cut in half. That was a disas- items of work. their way to the CPO club at 15 dif- ter, which necessitated a complete ferent naval bases. A few days later we again got un- change in plans. Now the ship's derway in order to go out to sea to crew would have to do much more REAL CHIEFS: Have pictures of spend several hours compensating the work than ever envisioned, and their last ships in their wallets, magnetic compass, which is always only the shipyard could do the most rather than of the wife and kids and done after an overhaul, and to do crucial jobs. I did not realize it at are always at sea when their kids are some electronic radiation pattern test- the time, but that also was an indi- born. ing. My family was then visiting the cation that TURNER might not be Harveys in Charleston, so it was an kept in commission as far into the REAL CHIEFS: Don't own a pen ideal day to take son Steve to sea future as we expected. I talked to that doesn't say "Property of U.S. with me, and we also took along his my crew and told them it was going Gov't" on it. However, they think a friend Eddie Wilson. I let each boy to be a rough time for us all. I de- 7 course meal is a baked potato and steer the ship for a while and they cided on very long workdays in or- a 6 pack and really believe that ex- had a good time learning about life der to permit weekend liberty so cess modesty is their only fault. on a destroyer underway. they could make it home to May- They DO NOT make coffee! But toward the end of the day we port to be with their families. I got a message from the Shipyard eliminated all things, which inter- REAL CHIEFS: Are hated by Sup- Commander, which said we must be fered with work, including all train- ply Officers, who finds it necessary back at the shipyard by a certain ing and the Navy's then mandatory to hold inventory after the chief pays time, or several other necessary ship physical fitness program. We all a social call. movements within the yard would be worked very hard for months. Dur- impossible. ing this time Herb Smetheram was relieved as Executive Officer by Vince McDonough, and TURNER Continued on page 6 was fortunate to have these two fine officers who each later got their own destroyer commands. One

5 Turner Times He had not given us enough time to cause they are each independent of one boiler, 17 knots. When the sec- return at normal speeds, so I brought one another. Now knowing we had ond boiler was ready I increased the ship up to maximum speed on one good boiler, I ordered that the speed to 27. We quickly found the two boilers and we headed in the plants be cross-connected on the vessel in distress. It was a Haitian channel. As we steamed up the Coo- good boiler, and we would make motor vessel with about a dozen peo- per River we were doing 25 knots another entry into the channel. The ple on board. They were drifting due through all those twists and turns, tug came out, so I had him follow to engine trouble and had run out of using binoculars to watch both shores us in. We made it in and lied up food and water. We sent our best because this high speed could cause safely, but I was careful with engine repairmen over with supplies. They wake damage and get the Navy and orders because I knew my crew was fixed the engine. We sent over a me in big trouble. I slowed a few not trained in operating on only one chart with their position marked and limes to prevent damage, and man- boiler. I never took any discipli- gave them the correct course to their aged to get to the shipyard exactly at nary action against anyone for those destination, and then TURNER es- the time required. I still have never mistakes because I realized that I corted them for four hours to be sure heard of any other destroyer going up took just such a risk by not allowing they were OK. that river so fast, and it was possible any time for training during the One day as we were returning to only because I knew Charleston har- shipyard period. That had been a the harbor entrance, we saw one of bor so well. Steve and Eddie got a close call. the Navy's new underway replenish- wild ride that day. We got underway for training at ment ships approaching to enter port. When we finally departed Charles- Guantanamo Bay Cuba. The famil- It was the ship that got two of the ton to return to Mayport, it had been iar routine began and we were do- four engines from the uncompleted a very tough time for all hands for ing very well. One day we got in battleship Kentucky, and was unusu- many months and we were all happy early enough that most of the offi- ally fast. Since TURNER'S assigned to be getting home at last. As we cers went to the Base Officers Club berth was much further inside than entered the St. John's River to go up- for dinner instead of eating on his assigned berth, I flashed a mes- stream to Mayport, we suddenly lost board. We had just finished and sage to this very senior Captain re- all power. We were between the rock were waiting for dessert when I got questing permission to enter ahead of jetties going against a swift current. I a phone call from the OOD on the him. He responded, "I'll race you", told the foc'sle to stand by the anchor, ship. There was a vessel in distress and I said, "You're on". I brought but then let the ship coast to a stop out in Windward Passage, and the TURNER up to 27 knots and we just and slowly be pushed back out to sea destroyer anchored out with the barely beat him to the entrance. As by the current. As long as we stayed "Ready Duty" which was supposed we did, we hoisted our big tiger flag in the channel there was no need to to handle such situations, for some and slid in ahead of him. As he rode anchor. Our emergency diesel gen- reason could not get underway. behind us in our wake he sent "You erators had started so I radioed the RADM John D. Bulkeley, who win but now I one barrel of TSR Base for a tug, now we began to find commanded the Base, then ordered from you." I sent "What is TSR". He out what had happened. We had a TURNER to go to the rescue and replied "Tiger shit remover". He had malfunction of a feed pump in one asked how soon we could get un- a good sense of humor for an older fireroom, which caused a low water derway. I told the OOD to tell the senior officer. casualty in that boiler. The men on Admiral we would get underway watch properly secured that boiler to immediately, to set the Special Sea prevent boiler damage. But because Detail, have the engineers cross we had not had any training during connect the plant on the one steam- the overhaul, the men on watch made ing boiler, single up all mooring a mistake and someone said on the lines, and that we would get under- phone that it was a high water casu- way on one boiler as soon as I got alty in the other boiler. The en- to the ship. We did it, and amazed gineroom watch hearing that properly everyone with our speed in getting secured the engine receiving steam underway. It takes two hours to get from the supposed high water boiler a second boiler on the line, and to prevent turbine damage. That most ships would have delayed un- caused both engineering plants to derway rather than risk going on shut down at the same time - some- one boiler. But I had great confi- thing that should never happen be- dence in the TURNER crew, and we went out at maximum speed on

6 Turner Times history to the Naval Academy Final Roll Call Next I was C.O. of the USS GRAND sometime back, and it was placed in Since our last issue we have learned that CANYON (9AD-28) Newport, Rhode these shipmates have answered the call of the Navy Log Memories. The Island, from August 1964 to October the Supreme Commander: TURNER TIMES was graciously 1966. I then became Chief Staff Offi- granted permission by the Captain’s John J. Alcott 55-59 SN cer Fleet Training Group Guan- son, Joseph P. Southard, to use the Donald A. Fogg 56-59 BTC narrative. Here in large part are the tanamo Bay, Cuba. After that I spent Donald J. Karl Sr 53-58 CSSN Captain’s words as he wrote them. two years on the staff of the Com- Grover D. Kinsley 55 R3 *** mandant First Naval District Boston Dennis L. Nestor 60-64 CS3 I graduated from the U.S. Naval as Deputy Chief of Staff for Naval Robert A. Schmidt 60-63 MM3 Academy on 7 February 1941 and Reserve and completed active duty Pemberton Southard 52-55 CO was commissioned an ensign. A after three years as C.O. Fleet Train- Scott S. Turner 51 XO “Destroyer man”, my first duty was ing Center, Newport, Rhode Island at John C. Weaver 59-60 SN on the USS LANG (DD-399), which I was awarded the Meritorious Edward L. Willever ENS March 1941 to June 1944, Service Medal. Joseph A. Wright 48-51 MM2 “George” to Executive Officer. As one who went to the east coast Victor K. Young 45-46 S2 Officer in Charge Destroyer Fire from Pearl Harbor during fleet ma- Control School, Norfolk, Virginia neuvers in the spring of 1941 to pa- for six months, then to commission trol out of during President the USS MYLES C.FOX (DDR- Roosevelt’s undeclared war, I made 829), one of the first radar picket two trips to the Mediterranean via Captain P. ships, as Executive Officer in Scapa Flow and Gibraltar, escorting Southard March 1945, and to the Pacific for the carrier USS WASP in the spring the invasion of Japan. Fortunately, of 1942 for Spitfire plane reinforce-

Passes Away WWII ended and I took command ment of Malta. of the USS DORAN (DMS-41) and In July 1942 USS LANG made its On Friday, October 24, 2008, Cap- assisted in mine clearing duties for way to the South Pacific to assist the tain Pemberton Southard, USN Kobe, Japan. Next to the USS VER- invasion. I was awarded (Ret.), sixth commanding officer of MILION (AKA-107) as Exec, in the Silver Star for the Vella Gulf ac- the USS TURNER, DD/DDR 834, March 1947 and finally to shore tion as Exec of the Lang in August passed away in Columbia, South duty at the Bureau of Naval Person- 1943. “Riding on Luck--the saga of Carolina at the age of 90. Graveside nel in August 1948. A stint at the the USS LANG (DD-399)” by Rex services with full military honors Naval War College in the Com- Knight, and “South Pacific De- were held on mand and Staff Course class of stroyer” by Rusty Crenshaw Jr. well October 29, 1951 followed. I spent two years as describe a “Destroyerman’s” exciting 2008, at the Plans Officer the Commander Am- and varied life. With 15 years of Beaufort Na- phibious Group TWO and in July shore duty and 15 years of sea duty, I tional Cemetery 1953 assumed command of USS traversed about 200,000 miles of in Beaufort, TURNER (DDR-834) home ported ocean with about 17,000 underway South Carolina. in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1955 I hours. He was prede- was assigned to the Naval War Col- I made 17 moves in thirty years of ceased by his lege staff and went back to sea in service with the last one, 1971 retire- wife, Jane, and April 1958 as Commander of Escort ment with wife Jane, to Lady’s Is- his brother, Frank E. Southard Jr. 18, the Atlantic Barrier DER’s. Af- land, Beaufort, South Carolina and I can think of no better way of relat- ter a year as Exec of the Naval Sta- have resided there since. . . . ing the story of the Captain’s long tion, Key West, Florida, I reported and honorable military career than to as C.O. and Professor of Naval Sci- Continued on Page 3 have the Captain posthumously nar- ence of the N.R.O.T.C. unit at rate it himself though the written Princeton University, New Jersey in word. He wrote and sent his military August 1960.

7 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 Bernie Sciarpelletti ('60-'62) Secretary Dick Shanaberger ('51-'55) As of this mailing, 1st Vice President Roy Turcotte (‘65-’67) Membership Dave Bodendorf ('57-'59) 2nd Vice President Henry Turner (‘57-’60) 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 1,695 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. The Postal Ser- vice charges us $.70 for each "Moved Notification" we receive from them. Add to that the cost of printing and postage we lost sending it to a bad address. Then we have to begin the search again to find our "lost" shipmate, which takes more time and money. Right now our roster lists 50 "Lost" ship- mates who cannot be found!! Please do us a favor, especially you "snowbirds!" 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 in Savannah, Georgia September 14-17, 2009

flected on the label) label) the on flected

(Dues paid after March 30, 2009 are not re- not are 2009 30, March after paid (Dues year. calendar a NOT and reunions between "year" the cover dues annual

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

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

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

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

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

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Address Service Requested Requested Service Address FIRST CLASS MAIL MAIL CLASS FIRST

Website http://www.ussturner834.org http://www.ussturner834.org Website

York, PA 17408 17408 PA York,

2130 Salisbury Street Street Salisbury 2130 U.S.S. Turner Reunion Association Association Reunion Turner U.S.S.

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