U.S.S. Estes AGC/LCC-12 Crew Search
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George "Joe" Joseph AG-2  1955-1957 - - Submitted 3/24/07

I was on board the USS Estes AGC-12 from 1955 to 1957. I was a second class Aerographer's Mate. During my research in attempting to locate fellow shipmates, I came across two of them - Richard Lynch AG1 and Tony Sankus AG3. I'm trying to locate other weathermen stationed on board the ship during 1955 and 1957. In addition, the weathermen on board were very friendly with the Lithographer's and Photographer's and I would like to try and locate some of them as well.
Thank you very much for your help.
George "Joe" Joseph AG2

Moore, Howard T, RM-C -  - 1951-1959 - - Submitted 8/1/08

I am, at this point, trying to find info on the Op CASTLE 'communication' problem, possibly related to a power failure.

My father received a commendation for improvising and resolving it to complete the operation. Having hard time finding any related info to that incident.

Thank you.
Victoria
art4you@gate.net

Moore, Howard T, RM-C -  - 1951-1959 - - Submitted 7/7/08

I am in the procees of generating a small site with the info I have gathered on the USS Estes (51-59).

I am seeking information as to how to locate the document listed below.
I see my fathers last name listed on a report:
DOE
History of Operation Ivy,
Document Number 59438, on frame 22 of 43.
Left column, last paragraph.
Title: HISTORY OF OPERATION IVY (PARTIAL)
Author(s): MOORE; BECHANAN

Not sure if this is my father or not, but would like to rule in or out.
Please adise if you know how/where (online) to view this document.

With regards,
Victoria Moore
Daughter:
Howard T. Moore "Rip" RMC, USN
USS ESTES 1951-1959

Ciao,
Victoria
art4you@gate.net

John C. Lewis 1943-1945 - RM-2 - Submitted 5/17/08

I am John C. Lewis and live in Cape Coral Florida. I am now 94 years old and hope to be around a bit longer. I served on the Estes from 43-45 and was a 2nd class radio operator at Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa attached to air support. My son in law obtained and sent me the information enabling me to contact you. I may be the only living survivor of the radio gang. I do remember very few names of the crew. Do you know of any radio man still alive. Please check on my radio gang.

I could have made some of the reunions but not now sorry to say. I also am ham radio operator and get on radio 20 meter 198.50 every morning but only for rest of month.

John C. Lewis
e-mail: n4has@aol.com

Ed - - - Submitted 08/04/14

G'Day,

My name is Ed. I have found your website by accident. I was on board USS Estes (AGC-12) several times as part of flag command COMPHIBGRU-3, which used ESTES as flagship between 1957-1960. I'm looking for anyone who was on board Estes (or in COMPHIBGRU-3) during that period.

I currently live in Brisbane, Australia. I still have a memory book of the Far East/Pacific tour of 1958/9, including phib landings at Jesselton North Borneo (historic names).

Cheers
Ed
e-mail: edinoz66@bigpond.com

Wayne Wright - 1^st - 1965-1969 - Submitted 08/04/14

My best friend on Estes was L.J. Breeden

Please call or write me.

Thank you very much
Wayne Wright
PO Box 85
Hammond OR 97121
(503) 298-7030

Ray Burlingham - - - Submitted 08/03/06

I was a crew member of the USS Eldorado AGC 11 in 1961 and 1962. I had a good friend Robert Murphy that was on the USS Estes during the same period. He was from Washington State either Tacoma or Spokane. He was a YM3. Do you have any info on him? Been trying to locate him for years with no luck.

My name is Ray Burlingham and my address is 700 Sandusky Street, Conneaut,Ohio 44030. My E-mail is: rlmlburl@suite224.net.

Thanks for any help in locating Robert ( Myrf ) as I always called him.

Yours, Ray Burlingham

Yvonne Beard - - - Submitted 08/02/21

I would like some information of Quinton Lee Cryer, Jr. He served on the U.S.S. Estes sometime between 1944-46. If you have any information on him please contact me at penniehendrick@gmail.com.

Thank you,
Sincerely,
Yvonne Beard

James (Jim) Kemper, QM-SN - N Division - 1966-1968 - Submitted 08/02/20

I am looking for any information on any libertys in Vietnam from Oct. 1966 to July 1968? I need the dates that we went ashore. I would appreciate your help on this.

Thanks
James Kemper
e-mail: jlkemp@mchsi.com

Robert Hastings  - - Submitted 08/02/12

Hi,

I want to ask the members who were aboard the Estes during either Operation Ivy or Castle if they remember a mysterious power failure aboard the U.S.S. Estes during Operation Ivy, just before the Mike shot? A declassified reference to it may be found at: DOE History of Operation Ivy, Document Number 59438, on frame 22 of 43. Left column, last paragraph. Title: HISTORY OF OPERATION IVY (PARTIAL) Author(s): MOORE, F.E. (UNITED STATES ARMY) ; BECHANAN, H.G.

I am attempting to learn the reason for the power failure on the Estes just before the Mike shot.

Also, for those who were aboard the Estes for Castle, I'm wondering if anyone can remember a radio blackout just before the Bravo shot. Some time ago, Mike Kerrigan told me this:

"I was an ET3 at that time on board the Estes and we suffered a total radio blackout during the mission. We chalked it up to sunspots at the time but we were totally blacked out from communications for about, I am guessing now, three hours. All we heard was white noise on the receivers and if you know the Estes, we were a floating radio transmitter/receiver flagship. Over 150 receivers of all frequency ranges and another guess since it was so long ago, 20 different transmitters maybe more. We went down on all of them at the same time. I do remember we were not underway but bobbing in the lagoon. It was not during a shot but just before it, if I remember the event correctly."

"Even though it was a long time ago I still remember that blackout because it was the only one I experienced in my four years on the Estes. We had a 500 watt transmitter and could not contact a ship about 3 to 4 hundred yards off our bow. We had to use light. The signalmen were busy for that period of time. The Estes had such high power transmitters that we stood our watch with the fluorescent desk light just laying on the desk and not plugged in and it still glowed."

"We were getting ready for Bravo when we had the radio blackout. It took a while to get over Bravo so I remember that period of time. We used to sleep on deck to get cool breezes and sometimes a rain squall before Bravo. This was at a time when we only had AC for the equipment not people. The heat and humidity at Eniwetok was excessive. After Bravo the deck was so radioactively hot that we were not allowed to sleep on deck for a long period of time."

So, I would be interested in hearing from anyone who can remember either the power failure just before the Mike shot during Ivy, or the radio blackout just before the Bravo shot during Castle. I'm especially interested to know whether any definite cause was ever established for either of them.

I am doing research about the testing in the Pacific and am curious about the power failure and radio blackout mentioned previously and hope to learn more about them.

Thanks for you assistance,
Robert Hastings
e-mail: hastings444@worldnet.att.net

James (Jim) Kemper, QM-SN - N Division - 1966-1968 - Submitted 08/01/28

My name is James Kemper (Jim). I served on the Estes 1966-67 WestPac Cruise 1st. Division and 1967-68 WestPac Cruise QM-SN N Division. I lost my seabag with my cruise books in it. Does anyone have a 1968 Cruise Book with my picture in it?

Also does anyone have pictures of when we loaded are car's and wife's on board the Ship In San Diego and headed to Bremerton, Washington?

Thank You
Jim Kemper e-mail: jlkemp@mchsi.com

Robert A. Burns, RD-3 - OI Division - 1964-1966 - Submitted 08/01/01

Looking for Coleman Mays RD2 1965

e-mail: bburns@3bservices.com

David Gilson,  -  - 1968-1969 - Submitted 07/11/18

My name is David Gilson.  I served on the Estes from '68-'69, and was in Viet Nam in 1968. I have Type 2 Diabetes. 

Does anyone else have problems with Diabetes?
Does anyone remember being on the beach in Vaung Tau in 1968? 

Does anyone have any log copies of 1968 about being at the Vung Tau Peninsula, about going on liberty ashore, that you would be willing to share with me?  I have Diabetes II and need information.

Please email.

Thank you,
David Gilson
e-mail: fxglv@earthlink.net

John Thompson, RM-2 - OR - 1965-1968 - Submitted 0711/8

I'm John Thompson. I served aboard Estes from 1965 thru 1968 in OR Division. I received a notice from Noah Joyner dated 12 Jan 2007 Re: to a correction to an OP-NAV order. It was for eligibility for the RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Award for dates of 17-23 Aug 1965 at which time I was aboard the Estes and serving in RVN.

Do you have anymore information on this OP-NAV order?
Thank you.

John Thompson
coldnmn315@msn.com

The following websites show some related information:

Donald A Karr, SF-3 - - 1967-1968 - Submitted 10/16/07

Has anyone any information about Agent Orange.
I have all the simtums ,diabetes 11 and skin cancers. I am signed up in group 6 with V.A.
DONALD A KARR
DKarr10095@aol.com

Joel Canfield  - - Submitted 8/28/07

Hello,

While scanning albums of family pictures I came across the attached letter that was in the photo album from Gold Beach, Oregon. Sometime between June 1965 and June 1967 my mother found a letter in a bottle while beach-combing for Japanese glass floats. The letter states that the note and bottle were from the Estes, and asks the finder to contact EPDOCONUS.

On a whim, I decided to do an internet search and was amazed to discover that the USS Estes is the name of a real ship. The second search indicated that EPDOCONUS is short for "Enlisted Personnel Distribution Office, Continental United States".

Although I have memories of my parents being quite pleased at finding the fun note in the bottle, I do not remember what the bottle looked like. I thought I would scan the note and send it to you, on the slight chance that someone at the next reunion might recognize the handwriting on the note.

Thank you,
Joel

If anyone can add further information about this note: Who put it over the side? When? Where?

Send an e-mail to Dick Draves

Joseph (Joe) Mendiola,  RM-2 -  OR - 1964-1966 - Submitted 9/14/07

09/14/07...By sheer curiosity I "goggled" the USS Estes AGC-12, and got your website. Still curious I got your Email and would like to introduce myself:

Joseph (Joe) Mendiola RM2. Was on board 64-66 under the OR Division.

I remembered Louie Hookland, RM3 and Robert (Bob) Parkhurst (RM1). Went on liberty at Qui Non twice, Vietnam south of Danang.

We pulled the first amphibious landing in Nam in the Vung Tau Peninsula. I think we did so later also at Chu Lai. Still have my "Tour" Book with all its pictures.

Would like to correspond with anyone and compare notes. Might hook up with others. Sure would be real great to do so. Can't remember everyones names right off.

I am from Guam (U.S. Territory, Southernmost of the Marinas Island). Any of you guys who is a WWII war buff would know where that is right away.

So, let me know if you want to chat. OK?
My Email is tandabot@yahoo.com,
PH: (671) 632-9235,
Address: PO Box 21465,
Barrigada, Guam 96921

Charles McGlothin,   -   -  - Submitted 8/31/07

I am the daughter of Charles McGlothin that was a Cryptographer on the USS Estes during the bravo nuclear testing in the Atol Islands. I am looking for anyone that might have known him or might have some information...please let me know if you may be able to help ...thank you for your time.

Ruby Olson
mail4ruby@adelphia.net

William F. Banfield III,   -   -  - Submitted 8/18/07

I am William F. Banfield III and a San Antonio, Texas Police Officer. My father, William F. Banfield Jr. served on the U.S.S. Estes as a radar operator during World War II, 1944 to 45 and was involved in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. I do not know his rank as I am not familiar with U.S. Naval rank. I do have pictures of him in uniform and his shoulder patches. I would love to get a roster from that time showing my father’s name. I also understand that the “History Channel” on cable or dish has run a piece on the history of the U.S.S. Estes, which I would love to get. Any help in these areas would be appreciated.
My e-mail address is williambanfieldiii@yahoo.com. Home phone (830) 885 5424.

Sinicerely,
William "Bill" Banfield III

Don Adlam,  LTJG -  N - 1962-1964 - Submitted 8/8/07

For those of you who had the privilege to serve under CAPT. Willard DeVenter, I have been in contact with his family, and I regret to tell you he passed away in circa 2000. He was without a doubt the finest naval officer I met.

Don Adlam
LTJG USNR

Robert Majchrzak - Submitted 7/29/07

Trying to locate Ray__Scott CS1 -Commissary First Class- on the Estes in the years 56-57-58 Please forward any info to:
Robert (Ski) Majchrzak
majorjake@cableone.net

Willian E. McGary,  SM-3 -  CS - 1964-1967 - Submitted 7/23/07

Wondering the where abouts of Robert Gordon Jr. Gunners Mate second class. He and I played guitar together. I have lost track of him. Last time I saw him was in Baytown, Texas.

William E. McGary SM3 1964-1967
phone: 409-935-7336
email: Billvetam@aol.com

John S. Miracle,  -  - 1952-1954 - Submitted 7/19/07

My father, John S. Miracle, served aboard the USS Estes from 1952-1954 (I think those were the years). Dad passed away in 1995, but was proud of his time in the Navy and told me many stories about this time. More specifically, he told me many stories of the atomic testing.

Any photos and/or stories would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and God bless.
John C. Miracle
Cincinnati, Ohio
lnoyes@cinci.rr.com

Kermit O'Neil, YN-3 -  - 1946-1947 - Submitted 7/10/07
My Father Yeoman 3rd Class Kermit O'Neil served aboard the USS Estes from 9-17-46 to 3-7-47.
He was from a small town (Aitkin) in Minnesota and served in China. Dad passed away in 1993, but was very proud of his Navy Heritage and is something that he passed along to me (son, Kevin) as I served in the Navy as well in the '70's.
I know he was on the ship a relatively short time, but if anyone would remember him or more likely have some shipboard photos to share it would help us understand a little of that time of life for my father.
Thanks so much for your work on keeping the memory of the Estes alive.

Kevin M. O'Neil
kmoneil_7@msn.com
320-232-8140

Ronald D. Lehn, BM-SN - 2nd Div  - 1960-1962 - Submitted 6/02/07
I served aboard from 1960 - 1962 I would like to know if any one has any info on LTjg Martin deck force who served about the same time.He was a great officer and friend who pulled my BUTT out of a couple messes, I would like to know what happened to him.

R.D. Lehn BMSN second Div at fourwinds1@cox.net

Thanks.

Robert Hastings - Submitted 5/31/07
Mr. Draves,

I am doing historical research relating to Operation Ivy and was wondering if any members of your association had participated in the operation? If so, I would like to contact them. Would that be possible?

Thank you,
Robert Hastings

To Crew Members:
If you participated in Operation IVY, and wish to contact Mr. Hastings, his contact info is:

hastings444@worldnet.att.net

Robert A. Doerring, Sgt - USMC  - 1957-1959 - Submitted 4/24/07
Sgt Robert A. Doerring USMC. I served on the USS Estes AGC-12 from Jan-57 to Jan-59.

I was a member of the USMC Communications Detachment.

I am curious as to anyone who might have been on board in August of 1958 when we made the trip to Vancouver for the Centenial celebration of the Province of Britich Columbia.

bobd@netins.net

James Dempsey - 1960-1964 - Submitted 3/29/07

Looking for my father, James Dempsey 1st Division ,1960-1964

Michael Dempsey
mdempsey2@hotmail.com

Kenneth W. Tatman MM-2 - 1961-1963 - Submitted 3/289/07

I wonder if anyone could tell me how to buy a shoulder patch with the ship's name on it?

Thank you,
Kenneth W. Tatman
torcmom@zianet.com

George "Joe" Joseph AG-2 - 1955-1957 - Submitted 3/23/07

I was on board the USS Estes AGC-12 from 1955 to 1957. I was a second class Aerographer's Mate. During my research in attempting to locate fellow shipmates, I came across two of them - Richard Lynch AG1 and Tony Sankus AG3. I'm trying to locate other weathermen stationed on board the ship during 1955 and 1957.

In addition, the weathermen on board were very friendly with the Lithographer's and Photographer's and I would like to try and locate some of them as well.

Thank you very much for your help.
George "Joe" Joseph AG2
g.bj@verizon.net

Robert L. Stulich - - Submitted 3/19/07

What ever happened to CAPT Willard W. De Venter, USN, Captain of the Estes from 1962 to 1964?
R. L. Stulich
QM 3
rstulich@arvig.net

Donald Bradner Curtis 1965 - 1966 - - Submitted 2/26/07

I am looking for information on Donald Bradner Curtis on USS Estes between 1965 and 1966

Peggy Rice
jrice@allegiance.tv

Thomas L. Buchman 1945 - - Submitted 2/11/07

Hi! This is Richard L Buchman. My Father Thomas L. Buchman served on board the U.S.S Rocky Mount and the U.S.S. ESTES. I was told he was an Admiral's orderly.I believe this was Kinkaid.
Any info would be appreciated.

Richard L.Buchman
P.S. Dad pasted away Dec.31 2006
Bookermttaohr@aol.com

Richard G. Lynch 1956 - - Submitted 2/5/07

I'm writing an article about personal experiences during Operation Redwing. I am interested in learning about the experiences crew members of the Estes had related to the nuclear weapons tests and about any memories they have about their time at Bikini/Eniwetok. Any and all info will be greatly appreciated.

I served on the Estes during 1956 as an AG1 in the Meterology Unit of the Aviation Division.

Richard G. Lynch
Solon, Iowa
rglynch@southslope.net

Pat Burns SN 1964-1966 - - Submitted 12/29/06

I was on the Estes "64" - "66". 1st Division Seaman. Went to my 1st reunion this year, I learned more about the Estes there then all the time I spent on her. I suggest any one reading this come to the 2007 reunion in Kentucky.

email address
pacaburns@aol.com

Robert Datwyler SN 1952-1953 - - Submitted 11/17/06

Is there a list of names, addresses or e-mail of the members of the 1st Division during my time aboard the Estes? I would appreciate that information if it is available.

Thank you for the web site.

Bob Datwyler

Richard B. Hogan RM-3 1959-1962 - - Submitted 10/16/06

Attempting to make contact with LTJG N J BROWN, last Div Officer

316-461-1900
1020 N WALNUT ST
NEWTON, KS 67114

Joe Sullivan RD-3  1964-1967 - - Submitted 9/12/06

J.P. Sullivan RD/4 Deck Division would like to hear from some of my old Steam'in Buddies like:

Joe Sires and Chico Bustillos

joenshorty@valornet.com

George Brown CS2  1952-1958 - - Submitted 4/25/06

My father was on the U.S.S. Estes during his career with the Navy. The dates of service were: July 1952 thru June 1958 He has a certificate in with his records showing he participated in Operation Castle in the winter of 1954. His name was George L. Brown , CS2, USN I would like to know if anyone remembers him. He passed away in June of 1977, and I am curious about that mission, with no one to ask. Thank you in advance for your time.

Carol Gentes

carol.gentes@verizon.net

James T. (Tom) Shannon QM-3  1953 - - Submitted 3/12/06

My name is James T. Shannon (Tom) QMS-3. I need some information and verification of an incident which occurred while the Estes was on a supply mission to Alaska. While underway off the coast of Alaska, the ship collided with a small iceberg causing some hull damage on the port bow.  Immediately inside the damaged area the hull was pushed in causing the asbestos  insulation to split open and the asbestos fibers were released into the air of the forward sleeping quarters and clothing lockers were torn off their mounts. I was a member of the flag allowance, ComPhibGru 3 which was embarked on the Estes at that time. I was in the immediate area of the damage and I have Asbestosis which has developed after all these years. I have submitted a claim to the veterans assn. for this disabling ailment, but they has dis-allowed my claim stating "I have not proved that I was aboard the  Estes during this trip. Any member who was aboard during the summer trip of 1953 to Alaska, and could offer any confirmation of this accident and proof that I was aboard would be sincerely appreciated. Please see attached photo for visual recognition. Please E-Mail me at my son's E-Mail address as follows. jthomasshannon@yahoo.com Please reply ASAP to assist in proving this claim. Many thanks.  James T. (Tom) Shannon Jr.

Midnight on the Estes - 1953

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