I Served onboard Forrestal for 2 years, from April 1991-March 1993.I operated ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) tactical and Supply mainframe computer systems (in O-I and S-7 divisions respectively) in support of the ship and attached air wing.

I was onboard for Forrestal's last operational deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the 6 months of training carrier duty the ship and crew performed in Pensacola. I sailed on Forrestal in the late summer of 1992 to "Philly" for her refit to a permanent training carrier, this trip around Florida and up the Delaware River was the last under her own power. In march of 1993 my enlistment was up and I (and my family) left the Forrestal and the Navy after serving proudly for 6 years. Since then I have held positions as a computer operator, as well as an Information Engineer (IE is a catch all title for someone who has different areas of expertise in technology). I also maintain this web site that I designed and created so that whether or not the ship is saved as a museum, the memories of some of those who served on her, and that her place in our nations history are.

Some of those memories for me include the watches I stood while onboard. One such watch was bag security on the fantail while in a liberty port overseas. That was one boring yet entertaining watch to have. The routine entailed checking sailors bags for contraband material brought onboard from liberty (e.g., ivory, alcohol, drugs, etc.). The best part of the watch was to see sailors coming off the liberty boats. I saw one step off a boat, just then a cleat broke loose from the liberty barge that the boat was tied to and hit him square in the clams, he went down like a bag of flour, ouch! I remember seeing a guy so drunk that he stepped off the ferry, missed the barge completely, and went straight into the water.When he resurfaced he shot up like a cork and two guys hauled him in like a tuna. Yet another time someone threw up while attempting to get back onto the ship. Needless to say the OOD (Officer of the Deck) told him to get a bucket and "wash down that mess before boarding his ship". Yet another unlucky soul got his foot run over by the moving gangway and went down for the count until the ship rolled back the other way, he probably got a couple of broken toes from that one. Another watch I had both stateside and on deployment was that of the duty driver. On one occasion I recall having to drive about 8 FID and Saratoga sailors back to their ships after leaving the sports club on base. These guys were so loaded that some of them had to be helped into the van by myself and others present. When I got them back to the ships I saw an amazing thing, these guys walked "straight" up the gangways and gave the OOD a salute a marine would have been proud of. They then proceeded to turn on their "rack" radar and go directly to bed, Amazing!

I now live in the Washington D.C. metro area with my wife and two sons (and cat). I work for a local Information Technology firm and continue to take classes related to my field. We are looking to sell our current house which has become too small (actually we are getting bigger I guess) and move into a larger one with a yard so that our kids can finally have a dog (to chase the cat). If you are ever going to be passing through the area drop me an email and maybe we can get together. (My email address is: routts@erols.com)

I was on board for the ride up to philly and worked as Snap supervisor, I was also the treasurer of the First Class Mess. I was hospitalized missed saying goodbyeto most of my "shipmates"

I was onboard the mighty FID from 90-93, in which I served mostly as the Disbursing Officer.

Staioned onboard the FID from January 1991 until August 1993. I worked the entire time in Medical. I was onboard for the last Med Cruise, transfer to AVT in Pensacola and for the DECOM in Philly. I am still in the Navy as an Advanced X-Ray Tech stationed at NCBC Gulfport, Mississippi.

Served onboard during Final Operational Deployment MED 3-91 inOED division as Display Tech for AN/SYA-4 Display and as divisionalDCPO.I left just before the ship pulled out of Pensacola for Philly.

I reported onboard the warship Forrestal in April 91 prior to her last Med deployment as an AG1 working in OA division (weather office). I was selected as Sailor of the Year in January 1992 and did all the homeport shifts beforeleaving the ship in June 93. I currently serve at NAVLANTMETOC DET Kings Bay and will transfer to USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN71 October 97. The proudest moments of my Navy career were onboard the Forrestal.

On the FID again.....Served with the VFA-132 Privateers deployed onboard for spring and summer of 1991 in support of Operation Provide Comfort flying theworlds greatest aircraft, the F/A 18 Hornet.

I'm glad to see the home page, it looks great....Bill

I reported aboard the Forrestal in Jan 92, when she was still CV-59. Shortly we left Jacksonville and arrived in Pensacola as AVT-59, the Navy's new Training Carrier. I witnessed many changes during the transition. The most memorable change was to see women come aboard as members of the crew.After months of being the Navy's trainer of new pilots we were on our way to Philladelphia for a major overhall. We were in dry dock for about eight months when the decesion was made to decommison her. Not long after that I received orders for the Saratoga. Five months after reporting to the Saratoga I drove back to Philladelphia where I saw the Forrestal for the last time, all boarded up.

I was on the Forrestal for it's final two deployment's. I was attached toVAW-122 (whom also has decomissoned). The Forrestal gave me those goodmemories in life that you never forget. Thanks for the website and time forreflection. And remember We are family, We are Forrestal.

I reported to the Forrestal in October 1989. I worked in the MedicalDepartment (Aviation Medicine, Emergency Room, Flight Deck BDS, MedivacCorpsman, Medical Supply and 3M). Made '89-90 cruise where we hostedPresident G. Bush in Malta as well as her final deployment where 700+crew members came down with a viral illness, boy did we start alot ofIVs and give alot of shots. I was released from the Navy in 1995 for medical reasons. I am currently attending college at Southwest Texas State University inHealth Administration.

I have many fond and not so fond memories of the FID. Great site, we must keep this site alive for ALL of the memories.

Paul S. Crews
pscrews@mail.com

I served on the Mighty FID from October 1990 to October 1993, We were asked to make her water born safe, How sad that day was. I was the very last Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW)and ordered to pull fires in the last boiler, not sure which one was the lastone on line. Great site, keep up the outstandingwork. e-mail: BridgeCk@aol.com

I served on the FID as an ET3 in OER Division. I was a tech on the SPS-64 and SPS-67 radars. I reported aboard just prior to the final Med cruise and stayed with her all the way till the decommissioning. I thought they were going to put her to scrap. I'm happy to find out I was wrong. Currently, I am closing another chapter in Navy history, the decommissioning of Naval Support Force Antarctica. This will be the 42nd and Final Winter-over Detachment. The Navy began US operations down here with Admiral Byrd. Operations are now being turned over to civilian contractors. Aircraft operations are being taken over by the Air Force. Thus ending 42 years of service.

I served on the Forrestal in R-DIV AFFF-SHOP from December 20, 1990 to September 18, 1992 when I was puton LIMDUTIE at NLSO NAS Pensacola, FL. I'm living in Tulsa, Oklahoma and going to college.My brother, PO2 William A. Mitchell also served onboard in the AFFF-SHOPfrom January, 1988 to October, 1992, he is now a semi-truck driver in Gautier, MS.

I was in the OED and OES divisions in the OPS department onboard theForrestal from 1992 until it was decommed. I worked on the SNAP/UYK-65system and in the 3M Coordinator office. I often see people that Iserved with and we have many stories that we remember together. I amcurrently off of active duty and a member of the Navy reserves. On oneof my Active Duty tours for the reserves I was sent back toPhiladelphia. I decided to see if the Forrestal was still there. Shewas still tied to the same pier that we left her at. Many memoriesthere...

I proudly served on the USS FORRESTAL from Aug 89 until Sep 93. Today I'm assigned to Mobile Environmental Team in Jax, after serving a tour at the National Security Agency. During my tour I was assigned as OA Division (Weather) LPO, where I was fortunate to make many lasting friendships and gain a wealth of experience. The final two operational deployments, three homeports and numerous port visits combined to make it the most rewarding tour of my career. I earned my ESWS onboard and an Associates Degree in the largest PACE graduation ceremony held (at least up to that time) for a Navy vessel. The best thing I remember is that there really was a certain FORRESTAL Spirit. Maybe it had something to do with the Chaplain ending every evening prayer with "...for we are FORRESTAL, we are family." but I know that it went much deeper than that.

Great Page! Keep up the great work!

Joe De Unger
"Remember the Spirit!"
jdeunger@jaxnet.com

I did Final cruise on the FID. I worked in AIMD on the S-3 radar. The Forrestal was a special kind of boat. The ship itself had a great spirit, right up to the point where she got us through the storm off of Bermuda to get home before Christmas. No other ship went through all she did and kept coming back for more. Today, I am a computer repair technician in KC, MO.

I served on the Forrestal from 11/90 until 7/93 in the ADP/S-7 shop of Supply. I filled positions as Computer Operations Shift Supervisor, Work Center Supervisor for the Office Information Center and held collateral duties as DCPO and Career Counselor. I truly enjoyed my tour on the FID. She was my second carrier and it looks like my last ship. The people I met, the friends I made and the places I saw while aboard her, will always be cherished memories. The most memorable experience was at the decommissioning. I travelled back to Philadelphia to be a part of the historic event. The words that were spoken, the feelings I had and the tears that I shed gave homage to a great ship and her even greater crew!

DP1 Benjamin F. Brown, Jr.
SIMA Mayport, Fl.
DSN: 960-5126 x3024
Comm: (904) 270-5126 x3024
email: bnbpcc@juno.com

I was attached to VF-31 as AE Shop Work Center Supervisor during the final Med cruise of the FID from May-Dec 1991. E-mail me at PKFJR@aol.com

I had the honor of being the first female AG attached to the Forrestal. I served from Oct92 until Sep93. It was my first duty station in the Navy. Currently I am assigned to Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center in Monterey California. Lots of friends, and memories were made while I was on the FID. Dry dock was quite the experience. Also had the joy of serving with AGCS(AW/SW) Rick Clark and AGC(SW) Joe De Unger both memebers here on the crew register. Both were first classes at the time. Thanks for all the good times and all the things that you guys passed on to help me in my career! Just wanted to say that I had a wonderful time on the Forrestal and wish she didn't have to decommission. Keep the spirit of the FID going! This page is a great idea! Thanks to all the people who put their efforts into this homepage! Email: knalsons@fnmoc.navy.mil or niklesnitz@earthlink.net

I am currently assigned to SIMA Pascagoula. I served onboard Forrestal from Jan 26, 1991 till July 6, 1993. I remember you DJ Brown.My best memory of the Forrestal was when we converted to AVT 59 under Bunkyand was out qualifing student pilots. One of the A-4's in the landing patternwas told to WAVE-OFF. Well he thottled up and pulled back on the stick alittle too much. His hook caught on the 4-wire slamming the plane to the deckand broke the front landing gear. Whoever was in SITE TV was told to play thesequence over and over again on the Landing Channel. That was just too funny.And Mr Routt that was me who puked between the fantail and the camel coming upthat swaying Gangplank, but I do not remember having to clean up. EMAIL at SStanf3133@aol.com

I reported to FID Sep. 90 in Portsmouth, VA andDeparted in Mar 93 in Phily. I was assigned to the Supply Dept. as theAviation Support (S6) (AVDLR) Officer and ass the Quality Assurance Officerafter the conversion to AVT and offload of all aviation stock. During the 91deployment I wass aslo the Logistic (Beach Det) officer operating in supportof battle group operations from Sigonella IT and various "advanced" basedareas including Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Spain and France. To say Itraveled a little is an understatement at least the Per Diem was good. Mylasting memories is that professionalism and team work especially during thetrying times coverting to a "reserve" AVT, 30 days after deployment. Best toall.

I came aboard Forrestal in July 1992 in Pensacola, FL. It was my first shipout of nuke A-School, where I had been dropped (not a difficult thing to doconsidering the atrition rate). I came aboard and was assigned toEngineering in #3 MMR. Soon afterwards, I struck my way into NavigationDepartment where I undertook my first steps towards becoming aQuartermaster. I served on board until the decomissioning in Philadelphia,Sept 1993. Currently I am going to Penn State, and serve in the USNR as aSecond Class Quartermaster.

Served onboard from 92-93. It was an experience.

Served aboard USS Forrestal from Jan. 1991 until it's decommisioning in1993. Had many good and bad times on that ship. I saw some amazingplaces on her final Med. cruise in 1991. The best part, though, had tobe the friends that I saw those places with.I am currently a Heating & Air Conditioning Service Technician for acompany in Minnesota.

I served aboard the forrestal from May-Dec '91 for the final Med cruise. I was an Avionics Tech in VF-11 on my first cruise. At that time my onlyexperience in the Navy had been A school out of Memphis. It was probablyone of the best times I ever had in the military. Now I am a 2LT in theArmy, stationed at Ft. Rucker, AL going through flight school. I haveoften wondered what happened to the USS Forrestal, keep up the greatwork, the web site is super.

I flew aboard the FID 7 December '89 as an OSSA just after she leftNaples during the 1989 MED. After two deployments and the AVT conversion, Ileft her to transfer in 1993 while she was in the Philly yard, about fivemonths prior to her decomissioning. My last glimpse of the FID was from thewindow of the airliner bringing me back to the States from my Med cruiseaboard USS John Hancock (DD-981) back in August of 1997. She wasn't at Pier6 like she was when I walked down that after-brow for the last time, and theold gal is showing her age now. Like the other OS's, I spent my time in Combat and COPLOT, spent 3 yearson Fire Party, and took my turn Mess-cranking. I still run into a few of ourold shipmates at Mayport now that I'm Reserves aboard USS Samuel E. Morrison(FFG-13). She was my first ship, so I'll always remember her.

I served onboard the FID as an ET3 in OEC Division from Oct 90 to June 93. I was a NAVMACS, WSC-3, DAMA Technician working out of the ET Shop 2. I had alot of good times while onboard the FID, some of the best were during the Final Med Deployment, the trip to Cairo, Egypt was a blast and something I will never forget along with Palma de Mallorca, man what a great time on that island, twice!Anyway after leaving the FID I finished my 6yrs onboard USS Avenger (MCM-1), I got out of the Navy in Jan. 95. I have worked as a Switch Technician for MCI WORLDCOM since getting out of the navy.

I was on the FID on the 1990 Med deployment , I flew out on a COD around January right before we pulled into Valencia, Spain. I then did the final deployment which was a blast (e.g., Rhodes, Greece comes to mind ). I worked in the ships signals exploitation space, naval security group detachment, which was known as the spook shack. I loved every minute of life on the FID. I currently work for the U.S. Customs Service in Orlando, Fl.

I transferred to Forrestal in '90 from USS Constellation and was assigned to the Weapons Department G-1 Division. I worked in the armory doing fire sprinkler maintenance and then switched to small arms. I met people I will never forget. Today I live in my hometown and work for the county in Judicial Administration. I married the greatest woman in the world and bought a beautiful home.

Dwayne D. Hepler
arsenal@avana.net

I was aboard from June 1990-May 1993, served as LCPO in four main machinery room. Duties included engineering officer of the watch (inport and underway), we as ships engineers provided propulsion for theship, ships service utilities, electrical power, water, steam , etc. I was on station when the last boiler fires were secured and the mighty FID ended it's underway career. I retired in 1996, the FID still lives on in some of the best memories of my naval career, great ship and great people.

I am one of the few members that was on the USS FORRESTAL (CV/AVT-59) during the time it was going to be in P'COLA to take over the training carrier role from Lexington.

I served in Deck Department's 3rd division as a Seaman, and 1stDivision as a BM3, from 28 Dec 1990 to 20 Aug 93. I am currentlystationed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain.Of the 3 cruises I have made in 9 years, I had the mostfun on FID's last cruise. Everything from Rhodes, Greece toPalma, Spain. My other cruises where winter cruises, and they didnot compare to the on on FID. I tranfered to the USS Monterey(CG-61) upon decommissioning the Mighty FID. There, I earnedmy Enlisted Surface Warfare, and made BM2. What a great experiencethat was. From there, I transfered to Nuclear Power School (Staff) in Orlando, and relocated the school to SC, due to the lovely BRAC committee. I have enjoyed my tours and look forward my next. I can be reached at jukesm@khalifa.bahrain.navy.mil

I searved on the FID during Desert Storm and Provide Comfort. I was a PR1 assigned to VA-176 now decommisioned. To many fire drills for me.

While on board the Forrestal I was assigned to V-2 division (catapults andaresting gear). I served from July of 92 until Sept 93. During that timeI had many duties, I was even temporarily assigned to the fire watchdivison while in dry dock. I have many fond memories of my time on theForrestal. After my time on the Forrestal I switched rates and went to serveon the USS John F. Kennedy. Although the Kennedy was a fine ship she justwasn't the Forrestal. I am no longer on active duty and I am currently working for a securitycompany in the Dallas area. I am happy to see that the Forrestal will be remembered forever.

I am an ex-FORRESTAL crew member, having served aboard during 1991-1994. I came onboard just prior to the Med cruise and left in February 1994. I served onboard as a Damage Controlman and left as a DC3. I worked out of the Ships Fire Marshal's Office, (worked for CWO2 David Reeves, LT Scott Vermilyea and ENS Wolfe). After decomissioning the FID and turning it over to PNSY, I took a 4 month TAD to Naval Recruiting District Michigan. I transferred to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in February of 1994 and was discharged in October of that year. After my discharge I joined the Michigan Army National Guard as a firefighter from 1995-1996, in 1996 I joined the Michigan Air National Guard as a firefighter from 1996 - 1999, when I transferred to the Mississippi Air National Guard as a firefighter. I currently work for the Department of the Navy as a civilian firefighter at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi. Was onboard the ship during the Final Med Cruise, the transition to Pensacola, the liberty cruise to New Orleans and then the transition to Philadelphia. Am looking for fellow Damage Controlman and Fire Bridge members who served onboard the FID. Email address is: ANGfireman@aol.com

I served onboard mighty FID from Aug 89 to July 93. I worked in the DC and AFFF shops. Lots of great memories as well as the finest people in the navy at that time. I'll always remeber her and the great times oboard. Best time and Ship I ever was stationed on. Today I am an instructor at the Fleet Training Center San Diego in the Aviation community. Love this job as much as the FID. Great website, keep it up.

I was stationed onboard the US Forrestal from 1990 until decom 1993, I worked in the ships store. I have cross rated to MA and made second class. I am going on 10 years in the military and I am wondering where some of my shipmates have gone? I have been spending a lot of time looking for DJ Ramsey, SH3. My family has grown quite a bit since the decom. Email me at: itisme@bellatlantic.net

Worked the flight deck in V-1 until transferred to Security for the cruise. Fantastic people to work with and we had many a laugh standing watch on the fan tail watching the drunk people try and time the step from the liberty launch to the barges to get on the ship.Remember the day we pulled into Pensacola and the females walked onboard? alot of folks had to change alot of things!

I served on the FID from 10/89-04/93. I first started in the V-2 dept the waist cats then moved to the RMD where we delivered amcross, ran libary, music tapes, and services. I moved to the XO's office the latter part of my time in service. The FID had very good memories and I met alot of good people from all over the world. I currently live in Atlanta, GA and work as a Lab assistant . My email address is (jjfp29@aol.com)

I served aboard the Forrestal from July '89 to August '91. I was in AIMD, IM3 Shop 8 (VAST). I was the BB50 technician extraordinaire, haha. I was assigned to the Forrestal right out of AT "A" school in Millington, TN and left the FID at the end of my enlistment as an AT3. As much as I wanted off that "boat" at the time, I have to admit I had some great times and great friends while onboard. I got to see and do things that I'll remember for the rest of my life. Someday I hope to get the chance to visit CV-59 again someday. Today I'm married with 2 daughters and work as a Technical Analyst in Wilmington, Ohio. Email: tflanigan@dragonbbs.com

My name is James Clark and I am looking for friends of my father (ABH1 Gary Kirkland), he was on board from about Jan 1990 until his death. I'm trying to tell my sons a little about him, they were born a couple of months after he died. He worked in V1 Division as part of the Crash and Salvage Crew, he died on active duty February 19, 1991. Email me at: medipanties@aol.com

I served aboard the Forrestal from January 1989 until September 1991. I was assigned to the V-4 division. I fueled planes for about 9 months and then went to the quality assurance lab where I performed various tests on the fuel to make sure that the planes were getting the best quality fuel serviced to them. I was a petty officer 3rd class when I left the Forrestal. Joining the Navy was the best thing I could have done and I will always remember the "MIGHTY FID." I am now a police officer and have been for over 5 years now. Thank You for your efforts to preserve this fine ship.

I served on the FID from 1990-1992 in engineering MER2 as a BT2. I stood BTOW with some of the best engineers ever to run a combined plant. Forrestals' engineering plant was one of the best steam plants on the water front. It was the best ship I have ever served on.

I was on the Forrestal from November 92 till she was decommissioned. I did some machining on her (I made the recoil covers for the cat cables). Mainly I was stationed to fire watch while in dry dock in Philadelphia. I never really got to know her as well as a lot of other people, but my time onboard was full of well spent memories. If you would like to know more just ask. MR3 Scheckler (honorably discharged), Michaelemo@aol.com

Served on FID from 90-93. I was onboard for her last deployement until her final day in Philly. Worked in 4MMR with a bunch of crazy guys. I can be reached at hernandez.paul@worldnet.att.net

I assumed duties as FID Cheng in July 89 just in timeto participate in Forrestal's OPPE. My tour of duty never slowed downfrom that day forward, including our tragic fire the night before ourdeployment in Oct 89, to hosting POTUS (President of the United States) onboard inNov 89, executing most of my first deployment on only three shafts (but weanswered all bells!), and on the way home conducting a successful INSURVon only two shafts. In between deployments we had a four month drydockingavailability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and then several 'false starts'(including a visit from the First Lady, Barbara Bush, to send us off tothe Gulf War) between January and May before my second deployment in '91.I've never seen a crew stretched so thin from their loved ones and yet soresilient and dedicated to their country and mission. Although I washappy to detach in Oct 91 to continue my career, I was also very sad to leavethe majestic ship FID and more importantly the officers and crew who made herso great. Today I am Capt Sanford, still proudly serving my country and having fundoing it. I'm currently the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Puget Sound,responsible for all the Navy's private ship repair work in the PacificNorthwest. I'd love to hear from any of my FID shipmates."

Capt G. B. Sanford
CO, Supervisor of Shipbuilding
2802 Wetmore Ave., Suite 500
Everett, WA 98201-3518
425-304-5829 DSN 727
sanfordgb@supship.navy.mil

I came on board in 1990 as an OSSR and left the ship as an OS3 in 1993. Today I am a Tech. Specialist with South Western Bell Wireless. My duties while onboard covered working in Combat COPlot and I also served my time on the mess decks twice.

I reported to the Forrestal in Rhodes, Greece, at the beginning of thefinal Med cruise. I was assigned to the repair division on the HT side. Mystint on the Forrestal began in the CHT shop. We may not have been in actualcombat, but we were definitely in the "shit." I worked with a group of guyswho I will always remember as some of the most interesting and entertainingcharacters I have ever met. Looking back, I have stories upon stories totell each one funnier than the next. The only problem is there are so manycrazy and ridiculous adventures that people find them hard to believe. Iknow we all got on each others nerves from time to time but that is to beexpected under those conditions. Thanks to all of you for the memories.I left the Forrestal in January '93 during decommissioning in Pa. Igraduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelors in Geology. Inow work for the California Department of Mines and Geology making geologichazard maps.

I was aboard the Forrestal from 92-93 and I am looking for information on crewmates from V-1 division. Please e-mail me at randman@dandy.net

I served aboard the Forrestal from May of 1992 until herdecommissioning in 1993 in the Medical Department as a Medical Laboratory Technician.The Forrestal is the only ship that I served on during my 6 years in the Navy, the restof my enlistment was spent either in school, or at NSGA Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico.I got out of the Navy in September of 1996. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of Oklahoma. I have many fond memories of the Forrestal, and I made many good friends that Ihave lost touch with over the years, I sure would like to hear from them again (especially HM2 Griffith Vandusen and HM2 Paul Crews). My email address is wardog88@gateway.net Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to put up this page!

I was a AN/E3 in the V3 Department. I didn't do a whole lot other than needle gunning andpainting. But I was a member of the decom crew.

Christopher Mann
Trading Support Specialist
Robert W. Baird & Co.
414.298.7586
414.298.1771
www.rwbaird.com
csmann@rwbaird.com

I served as Forrestal's PAO from May 91 to October 92 for her lastoperational deployment and her time as a training carrier. It was aterrific job on a terrific ship. I'll never forget my tour aboard FID orthe wonderful Sailors it was my honor to serve with.

Today I am a student at the Naval War College in Newport. I drive pastForrestal everyday on the way home. Don't really need to, but I can't helpmyself. Though empty and cold, she still looks majestic.

You've got a wonderful site here. Keep up the good work.

I servered aboard the USS. Forrestal for her last deployment. I have alot of good memories from my time aboard. I was in VAW-122 and stayed with that squadron until it was decomissioned in April of 1996.

I served onboard Forrestal from May 90 thru May 93. Like everybody elseduring this timeframe, we endured 2 homeport changes within the 3 yearsonboard. I was assigned to S-7 division as a shift supervisor. I have manyfond memories of the FID and since I now call Tampa, Florida home, I ampulling for Tampa to get "my ship". I am still on active duty and amcurrently stationed at Naval Air Station, Keflavik, Iceland. I have been uphere now since July of 97 and will be rotating out in January of 2001. Willhave 22 months then until retirement. Since leaving the Forrestal, the DPrating has since merged with the "RM" rating and after much complaining onthe part of DP's, we are now know as "IT's". The DP rating insignia is nomore however, and we have now inherited the "RM" lightning bolts. Long livethe FID. joseph.riley@naskef.navy.mil

Keep up the outstanding job,
Joe

I arrived on the USS Forrestal in January1990. After spending 2 weeks in Philadelphia I finally caught up withmy new home outside Sigonella. I arrived by the mail COD and was lostfrom the get go. I was an undesignated FR, and most certainly was on myway downstairs. Upon my introduction to the Engineering Department, Iwas asked by YNC Deaton if I could type. Lucky, I had taken typing injunior high. I was saved by working in the Engineering Log room, underYNC Deaton who was working for then CDR Sanford. I met a lot of peopleand saw a lot of places. I spent the summer in Jacksonville and theearly part of the winter in Norfolk. I then chose to leave the Log Roomand enter Repair Division, Machine Shop. I was sent back to Californiato A school and upon my return, caught the boat in Rhodes, Greece. Ihad an incredible time on the second cruise. We returned aroundchristmas and then went around to Pensacola. The guys in R divisionwere sort of living on the wild side. I remember when HT3 Kark wasletting me weld on the bench up in the new HT chop, I think that he wasplaying Black Sabbath, Loud. I am now married with four kids. Igraduated from the University of South Florida with my Civil EngineeringDegree and am currently working in the state of Texas. Thanks for allthe memories Forrestal.

I served from 90 until 93 as a personnelmanwith Chief Petty Officer Nunez. I served under EN1 Shockly.

I was aboard from 1991-1993, and served as Communications LCPO.It was my pleasure to serve with some of the best communicators in theNavy. I retired in 1995 and now work for AmerInd Inc. developingComputer Based Training courses and had the pleasure to co-develop the RM/DPtraining course to help merge the RM's and DP's together. I now residein Pensacola FL, and Pensacola still wishes the FID was here and still on active duty.

I was a SH2 on the FID, I served from June 1989 to September of 1993.I am now living in Pensacola am a Deputy Sheriff at the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. My email address is coolfolk@bellsouth.net. I miss the FID, best duty in the Navy.

I served on the FID via VA-176 as an AO2(AW). I made the '89-'90 Med cruise where I served as a lowly BB stacker. I will not forget all of the excitement on the ship when George Bush came aboard, I will not forget the Secret Sevicemen jumping at the sound of the sonic boom from the Red Ripper fly by.

On the '91 cruise life was very interesting...it seems that we were ordered to the Gulf several times but were finally halted by Barbara Bush. When we finally went over, my friends & I were taking bets to see if we would really make it(I lost). On the "91 cruise, I served as CAG6 arm/de-arm crew leaser arming/de-arming all of the forward firing ordnance on the aircraft. What a rough life that was!!!

I will never forget that god-awful smell of exhaust fumes and fuel oil stench. Nor will I forget all of the ports of call we landed in on those two cruises. Rhodes, Greece was the best. Of couse, I will always remember the air boss and his morning ritual..."On the flight deck, join me on the bow for fresh air, sunshine and FOD walkdown!" She was a GREAT ship and will always be part of my most cherished memories. I got out of the Navy during the '91 cruise at Palma, Spain(16 days duty free!!). From there, I ended up going to Florida State University and graduated with degrees in history & education. I am now a history teacher in Florida and a High School wrestling coach. I will always tell my students of the great times I had on the FID. Keep in touch BROTHERS.

Brian K. Flanigan
flannole@yahoo.com

I served on the mighty Forrestal during November 1990 to December 23 of 1991. I was ship's company and assigned as an Intelligence Specialist and work in the Supplot room and the Operations department. Yes, I was part of the Spooks that nobody knew what we did (quite over rated). I was as part of the "SHOULD WE STAY OR SHOULD WE GO" CRUISE. I had very memorable experiences during my time. I experienced an unusual fungus when I did my 3 month TAD to the mess decks (pots and pans). But in turn though I enjoyed the liberty in Rhodes, Palma, Turkey, and all the other ports of call the mighty FID had visited. I want to thank all the shipmates that I served with and will never forget the time that I spent on the MIGHTY FORRESTAL.

I served on board FID in 1989-92 in the G-1 Hangar Deck Ordnace shop.I left FID as an E-3, but I was promoted shortly after. My shop was in hangar deck 3, starboard side, rightnext to the deck edge aircraft elevator. Love the website.

I was attached to VFA-137 and served on the Forrestalduring carrier qualifications and the Final Med Cruisein 1991. I had a wonderful experience on the FID thatI will never forget.

I am currently a Detective with the Bradenton PoliceDepartment in Bradenton, Florida. I am married andhave three children. I also work with another FIDshipmate, Warren Merriman, who also served during thelast cruise. If you want to reach me:

Detective John A. Negron
Bradenton Police Department
100 10th Street West
Bradenton, Florida 34205
(941) 708-6273
E-mail: Negster511@yahoo.com

Was aboard 6/90-2/92 in G3 (Weapons)

I Drove forklifts and trucks, banded pallets, checked in supplies, builtand maintained a database of off-loaded materials during decom. Things Iwon't forget: white smoke coming from a Hazmat drum, rubber matting (tonsof it), mattresses, having dirt on my teeth after driving the forklift allday, packing up storerooms, stacks and stacks of 1348's for entry into thedatabase, sleeping in K-racks, needlegunning, poop suits, firewatch, theblizzard of 1993, Ferris' voice (sounds like Marvin the martian), barrackswatch, answering a call from the Captain while on quarterdeck watch, mostof all I won't forget the friendships of my shipmates.Today I am a Programmer/Analyst for a leading Consulting firm in Columbus,Ohio. My current assignment is with Nationwide Financial Services in theirVariable Life area. I will be getting married this September and plan onsettling down here in Ohio. The Forrestal holds many memories for me. Idon't have any contact with any of my shipmates from the Forrestal and Ihope this website will help me to catch up with most of them. Contact me at: burkem8@nationwide.com

I served on board the FID as an AZ3 from 1990 to 1991 in AIMD IM-1 (IMRL / AMSU) during her last Med Cruise. I left her as an AZ2 in route to AIMD Mayport prior to her transition to P-COLA. From NAS Mayport I transferred to HC-2 Norfolk. I'm Currently at NTTC Meridian as an AZ "A" School Instructor. E-MAIL: pwrtools@hotmail.com

I served on board the Forrestal from January1991 until August 1992. I started in the deck department in 3rd divisionand then 2nd. Working for BM1 Geike in 2nd division. I then struck throughThe peb board and worked in the ship's legal office with LN1 Morales, YN3Colbert, YN3 Dayer, LN2 Thurman, LN1 Sutherland, and LNC Morrison. I am aLN1(SW) today. But, I always look back on the days that I was on board theForrestal as the best days ever on board a ship. If you would like toE-mail me, I can be reached at donaldpaulosborne@yahoo.com

I served on board the USS Forrestal for two years, from 1989 till 1991. I was a Marine with the Marine Detachment and our primary task was to maintain security of the forward and aft special weapons storage spaces. The time I spent on the FID was the best experiance of my life, I got to see alot of the world on the Med cruise of 89-90. I have alot of pictures from overseas and while on board. Take it easy.

I served on board the USS Forrestal fromMay 1991 to December 1991 during "Provide Comfort" in the AIMD VAST shop. Ihave used my education and experience in the Navy to become a QualityAssurance Manager. I am honored to be a part of the great sailors who servedaboard the USS Forrestal.