U.S.S. Kawishiwi AO-146

I got into the old closet this morning and looked at my cruise books. I have a cruise book for AO-146 for the 69-70 cruise and for the 72 cruise but I do not have a 68 cruise book. Sorry.In the foggyness of my memory I think something happened with those books that we didn't get them. I believe I have some photographs of the 68 cruise around here somewhere and some 8mm movies from the 72. I'll get back to you.

I served on the Kawishiwi twice. I went back to her in 1971 and was chief engineer from August 71 to October 72 when I was released from active duty. I joined the reserves and retired in 92 as a Commander.

My wife and I are both from western Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. We have been in SC since 1974 when I took a job with Michelin Tire. I ran the steam plant at Michelin US1 in Greenville for five years. Then Bailey Controls for nine years, then Foxboro for three, then a manufacturers rep. then about four years trying to decide what I wanted to do when I grew up.

I am now a part-time local pastor with the United Methodist Church and pastor two small churches in upstate South Carolina, the Anderson area. I have really enjoyed the website and wish I could be at the reunion. The one chuch I pastor is having its 50th anniversary celebration that weekend and I need to be there.

Regina, my wife of 38 years, has just retired from teaching. We have two sons, Scott and Todd, both born while I was serving on AO-146. Scott lives nearby with his wife and we see them almost daily. Todd, our youngest, has a PhD in materials sciences and is on the research faculty of Virginia Tech.

I enjoyed looking over the names of the fellows I served with.I was filled with good memories. It has been a long time. The boys are now old men.

"Thanks for sharing that letter from Capt. Myers. I left the ship on Thanksgiving 69 and never saw that letter. I remember the Bradshaw incident well as I was standing next to him when the refueling rig pulled away. I was his division officer and was within inches of going overboard with him as were a couple of others. There were hoses, line, and span wire flying everywhere. Nobody ever bothered letting telling me or anyone in the division where he finally ended up. I do know that the guys on the bridge did a fine job in getting him recovered. We were too busy at No. 5 refueling station getting everything pulled back aboard and repaired. Treadway was a great signalman and petty officer.I have often wondered what happened to him as he was a good sailor. Does anyone know?