USS Askari ARL-30 Guestbook

Submitted by
Name: Bob Beaman
From: San Jose,Ca
E-mail: Bob.Beaman@HMX.Honeywell.com

Comments:
Message to DAVID A. JONES: I remember seeing St.Clair Co. Nice hole you put in ship! I was engineer ("snipe"

on LCVP from Askari to shuttle back & forth to Westchester Co after mining incident. I think I might have old photos that may show St. Clair Co. in background. I'll look & let you know at this site if I do.

Added: Feb 16, 1998

Submitted by
Name: Bob Beaman
From: San Jose,Ca
E-mail: Bob.Beaman@HMX.Honeywell.com

Comments:
Never thought I'd have fond memories of serving on the Askari. Served in "A"Div ('68-'69) -spent many hours on watch in Engineroom, Evaporator flat & goofing off in aft steering. Spent some time as engineer on boats, too.

Added: Feb 16, 1998

Submitted by
Name: Eugene H. Boner
From: Dunkirk New York
E-mail: kboner@netsync.net

Comments:
I spend a lot of time on the computer searching out WWII stories I was on the LST 508 during the invasion of Normandy and made 40+ trips across the english channel taking supplies over and German prisoners back. I enjoyed my visit to your site.

Added: Feb 10, 1998

Submitted by
Name: Stephen Coan
From: Beaverton, Oregon
E-mail: stephenc@teleport.com

Comments:
In the 60's picture, the "A" frame must be there. I served from 7/70 through 7/71 and it was there at that time. I can't imagine that being removed and replaced at a later time. Especially if you look at the ships history. I was an ETR-2 when I came on board, and left as an ET-1. Also signed my two year extension and got the re-up tax free. Used it to buy a Honda 750 which I still have and use.

Added: Feb 9, 1998

Submitted by
Name: David A. Jones GMG2
From: Orig. Beaumont, TX- now in Louisville, KY
E-mail: dajnyl@aol.com

Comments:
Have been looking for info on St. Clair County for a long time. Shipmates, about the ship, anything. Tried all I knew, just not going to give up. Just moved here with job, and my wife was organizing some old albums of my NAVY days and came across a picture of the ASKARI. So I jumped on the computer and went to yahoo, and here I am. Anyone on the ASKARI in 68 , up the Delta should remember the St. Clair County, we were pulling aside the Askari and tore a whole in her side with our anchor big enough to walk through. We were also one of the LSTs with the Weschester County when she got mined. The Kemper County was with us also.I think she was 954, not sure. Well if any of you can help me out or remember the St. Clair Conunty, please respond. You have a great web page, I wish I could find some of my old gang. Just reading your info made me feel close again. Thanks, I'll call again if you don't mind. David A. Jones, signing your guestbook!!!!!

Added: Feb 9, 1998

Submitted by
Name: Jim StCLaire (Perkey)
From: San Diego, California
E-mail: stclaire@webtv.net

Comments:
I was aboard the USS Sphinx from Aug.,70 to Jul.,71. I would appreciate any info about the Sphinx after she was decommissioned in 1971.

Added: Feb 4, 1998

Submitted by
Name: CDR Stephen R. von Hitritz
From: Quinton, VA near Richmond
E-mail: svonhitrit@DSCR.DLA.MIL

Comments:
Great site. I saw the Amycus on your LST conversion page. My father served on the Amycus in WWII. Could you point me in the right direction to other Amycus crew members, photos or histories?

Added: Jan 28, 1998

Submitted by
Name: J. Berton Fisher
From: Tulsa, Oklahoma
E-mail: fisbe@gardere.com

Comments:
My father served aboard the U.S.S. Agenor (ARL-3) which was originanlly projected as LST-490 but redesignated ARL-3 and named Agenor on 13 January 1943. From December 1943 through June 1944 the Agenor provided repair services to landing craft operating in the Solomon, Russell and Marshall Islands. On June 9, 1944 Agenor for the invasion of the Marshall Islands. When I was a boy, my father related the story of Japanese air attacks on the Agenor and its convoy on the way to Saipan. These included seeing an enemy torpedo passing beneath the ship (because of its shallow draft) and dodging Japanese strafing attacks. I have been searching for some time for authentic photographs and drawings of an ARL (particularly the ARL-3) so that I can redesignate an LST model as the ARL-3 in memory of my father, Berton C. Fisher, M.Mo.2nd. I am therefore grateful for your website. If any of you could direct me to sources of information concerning the Agenor, I would be grateful. The Agenor, by the way was transfered to the French Government in 1951. The Agenor won three battle stars for her service in WWII.

Added: Dec 29, 1997

Submitted by
Name: Ray F. Longaker Jr
From: Washington State
E-mail: longaker@kendaco.telebyte.com

Comments:
I was Boat Captain of the ATC Tango 14 ("Irma La Douche"

,one of two ATC's outfitted with a water cannon system in addition to the regular armament. Had repairs done by the Askari crew and their work was always top notch. On one ocassion one of the chiefs invited my crew and I onboard for hot showers with real fresh water. First we'd had in several months. Appreciate all that the crew did for us "River Rats". Belated Thank You. Best Regards. Ray

Added: Nov 12, 1997

Submitted by
Name: Ron Dale
From: nc/ms
E-mail: ardale@olemiss.edu

Comments:
I was on the Askari from 04/69 - 04/70. I was a radioman 3rd class. I have no fond memories of that time.

Added: Oct 7, 1997