Submitted by Name: Marvin L. Marks From: Dallas,Texas E-mail: mlmlor@msn.com
Comments: I reported on board late spring or early summer of 1945 when she was in the portsmith navy yard in Norfolk Va. We went through the canal to San Diego harbor. From there we sailed to Seattle Wash.into lake Union. After a stay in Lake Union we sailed back to San Diego this was in the spring of 1946. I left the ship in late June to be discharged from the service.
Submitted by Name: Mike Mongelli From: Eagle, Idaho E-mail: retro@micron.net
Comments: Served on Askari from January 1968 to January 1969. Repair Division..Wait till I get my hands on that travel agent that booked that cruise!!!!..made great friends and won't ever forget that year of my life..It's great to see so many guys are hitting this site..after 30 years I feel like its time to look back on Viet Nam as a part of who I am..Mike..
Added: Jul 26, 2000
Submitted by Name: Gary Oliver From: Eustace, Texas (born in Dallas) E-mail: goliver44@aol.com
Comments: At 18 I joined the Navy to see the world... after all, I surely didn't want to end up in Viet Nam. My first orders directly out of boot camp were to report to the USS Askari (ARL-30) in March of 1969. I was flown to Da-Nang for some unknown reason and a week later to Saigon where I was picked up by an LCVP and delivered to the Askari. Besides a second degree sunburn, I don't remember much except long hours, hard work, and a few good friends (such as Sam Sorbello whom I named my first son after). My young life was shaped by the men, equipment, and events of Vietnam and regardless what has been said about the war... I was made better by the experiences and hardships I encountered in that distant land. For those who came home less whole or not at all... I pray God Speed and God Bless! - Gary Oliver
Added: Jul 9, 2000
Submitted by Name: Barry E. Gillespie From: Lawrenceville, GA E-mail: mebgill@mindspring.com
Comments: Came looking for the Askari. My dad, Edward L. Gillespie, served aboard her during Operation Sandstone as a diesel engine operator
Added: Jun 29, 2000
Submitted by Name: Larry F. McArthur From: Originally Kansas; now Delaware E-mail: Mc_Arthur@WebTV.net
Comments: I served aboard the ASKARI from May 1955 to March 1956. In my less than a year aboard, I recall we headed from San Diego to Japan, bt were turned around at Pearl Harbor to return to Astoria, Oregon, to go into mothballs. I was a LTjg without a specific billet, in training for various jobs. I shared a cabin with LTjg Robert Gobin, who was First Lieutenant, Deck and Gunnery Officer. While the ship was in drydock in Portland, Oregon, I got married, and we lived briefly in an apartment in Astoria. Bob Gobin was the Best Man at my wedding; I would like to contact him.
Added: Jun 18, 2000
Submitted by Name: Stephen Silva From: Newbury Park California E-mail: Cyberfshmn@aol.com
Comments: Ships company from Aug 70 to July 71. I was a BT3 on the ship. Would like to hear from other who served during that period.
Added: Jun 12, 2000
Submitted by Name: Dave McCracken From: Waterloo, Iowa E-mail: dmac1947@aol.com
Comments: Served on the Askari from Mar 70 to Mar 71. Was an RM2 in the radio room
Added: May 26, 2000
Submitted by Name: Richard A Blagrave From: Albrightsville, PA E-mail: manpab@peoplepc.com
Comments: Served on Her from '52-'53
Added: May 7, 2000
Submitted by Name: William L. Anderson From: Vincennes, IN E-mail: bilfree50@aol.com
Comments: I served aboard the Askari ARL 30, April 71 until decommissioning. I was on the decommisioning crew. At the time I was a SF3, I am currently a retired HTC and living in Vincennes, Indiana. This is really great I was just surfing along and I ran across a Navy listing and here you guys were. The decommissioning took place in Guam and the ship was to go to the Indonesian Navy to do repair work. I hope this info is helpful, I would like to join the association if possible. Thanks again, Bill.
Name: Marvin L. Marks
From: Dallas,Texas
E-mail: mlmlor@msn.com
I reported on board late spring or early summer of 1945 when she was in the portsmith navy yard in Norfolk Va. We went through the canal to San Diego harbor. From there we sailed to Seattle Wash.into lake Union. After a stay in Lake Union we sailed back to San Diego this was in the spring of 1946. I left the ship in late June to be discharged from the service.