Cape Esperence 1958-1959

Comments: Carried service men, vehicles and mail between the West Coast and places like Japan, Okinawa, Bikini Atoll, Phillipines and Hawaii. Started in mess cooking then transfered to Supply because of my knowledge of electronic coding. Started under Charles Ward later replacing him in the General Stores area as he was promoted to the office. The ship rode out a hurricane for three days just this side of Luzon and sustained heavy damage. We lost everything on the flight deck, lost our life boats and as I recall we had 30 some cracks in the hanger deck. Served under Admrils Sylvester and Yeager at COMPHIBPAC after leaving the Cape. Left the Navy in Jan of 1961 as SK2. Was called back in the Reserves for a short time that summer. Would like to hear from anyone who might have served then I can't remember but a few names like Ward, Paul Plunkett, Yogi (nickname), Bob Schultz, etc.

Keywords: Went aboard the TCVU88 in Feb of 1958 and served until Jan of 1959 just before she was decomissioned.

Korean War

Comments: I was assigned to the re-commissioning crew of the Sitko Bay CVE 86 at Takoma Wa. in July 1950 and shortly before commissioning I was transferred to the Cape Esperance CVE 88 for commissioning, We left Takoma for Bremerton WA for painting etc and then to Alameda to pick up some planes and cargo for Japan (Yokosuka) After several trips to the orient and a trip to Bikini for the A bomb test we were again in Japan Sasabo on the China Sea when the Inchon invasion took place in Sept. We then proceeded to Manila in the Phillapines Caviti City and then to Subic Bay for more cargo for the states back to SanDiego and SanFransisco for planes headed to Bangkok Thialand for the MDAP, we were the first US warship to visit Bangkok since the war, and they gave us quite a welcome, visits to the Emerald Buddah and other historic sites, back to the states and discharge in Aug. 1951 at Treasure Island. I was assigned to the foward storeroom 3 decks down and responsible for all ship maintenence cargo, like steel plating , lumber, stored under the foward elevator etc. We passed time at sea playing volley ball with a net set up on the aft elevator. and had quite a team, besting all passengers , (air force, UDT team, Officers, and all others. I was previously assigned to the USS Sutton DE771 in 1946 and 1947 out of Norfolk VA. and discharged back to civilian life until the Korean War broke out and was re-called to active duty aboard the Cap Esperance.

Keywords: Tom

Comments: WW 11

Keywords: Cape Esperance CVE 88WW

Cape Esperance 1953-1955

Comments: I was on board from 1953 to May 1955. Was Chaplain's Yoeman. Would like to hear from anyone who remembers me.

Keywords: Cape Esperance CVE 88---Korea

Roger King (1952-53 on CVE-88)

Comments: Im posting this on behalf of my dad, Roger King, who served on the Cape Esperance for several years. Wed love to hear from anyone who remembers him: I was in Boot Camp in San Diego and left on February 6, 1952. At the beginning of April 1952 I was transferred to Treasure Island, where I joined CVE 88 Cape Esperance, which was docked in the estuary on the Oakland side at the time. We went through some renovations and updates before being sent to Alameda Naval Air Station, which was our homeport. In July or August of 1952 we left to transfer troops and equipment to Yokosuka, Japan, and then went on to Guam. On one of our trips to Japan the Captain was under secret orders to direct the ship to Hong Kong, where we picked up some transport planes along with some fighter planes; these were taken to Long Beach, California and was I believe reported in the papers there at the time of our arrival. When I went aboard Cape Esperance I was assigned to the Deck Force, but was later transferred to the Engineering Department as a Fireman Apprentice, where I remained until my discharge in September 1953. If anyone remembers me please be in touch. Roger King.

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Thanks for the ride!

Comments: It was late October 1951 and about 200 USAF men were on oders to the Far East. We boarded the Esperance at San Francisco's Bay. It seemed like I could reach up and touch the Bay Bridge as we went out to sea below it. I guess I was a little disrespectful to my Navy crew that I was bunked with; due to a mix up in bunk assignments. I on several occassions called the ship a boat. You see, I'm from New London, CT. and the word boats was always used in reference to the submarine force across the river in Groton. But the Navy men I bunked with showed me respect and didn't pull any hanky panky. I found out later that I was put on the bottom sack because they weren't sure if I would up chuck or not, not having been on a sea worthy ship. I never did; but came close to it several times. This was when we hit a storm. All passengers and non active crew were ordered below and to their quarters. One of the crew came in off his shift where he had been up on the bridge or look out station. He was asked how bad it was and stated that he could see the props at times. We were also pitching at ?? degrees and a few more the ship could topple over. Another mate stated that it had just gotten out of dry dock where the expantion seams were repaired, as it had split into. I don't recall being too concerned as I always had the faith and belief that when my time was to come; it would come. The storm was so bad it was mentioned that the ship was battened down and all port holes and doors etc. were closed and the ship was faced straight into the storm. They said after we findly got out of it that the storm had put us a whole day behind our schedule. Another event aboard the Esperance was being a polly wogg. That was a fun evening for all for the first time crossed the international date line. If I recall, the chow was pretty good also. Anyone who was on board may recall the flight deck and the hanger deck were stock full of F-86's with folded up wings. Their pilots had to every day take a bucket and brush and cover any bare spots of the perservative they have covered the planes with. I might point out that the planes didn't take off or land on the Esperance. They were placed on board. When we pulled into Toyko Harbor the Japannese longshoremen had some of the largest cranes known lifting them off the ship and putting them on flat bed truck. Then they'd take off down the road. good thing the trucks had horns; cause they sure were reckless and worked hard for us. It must have been an hour before we got mustered off the ship and into 6 by's and taken to our casual base about an hour away.

So that's my story being under the comand of the U.S. Navy for eleven days. I thank you for the memoriable experience.

Ken Wade USAF Teletype/Crypto Tech. 15th RSM

Keywords: I was assigned to the 15th Radio Squardon Mobil unit on the southand island of Kiyusu, Japan where we monitored the air waves of the North Koreans and sent their messages to our crypto annalisis in the states to determine what the North Koreans were up to.

My expierance aboard the

Comments: I loved that old ship. Home port from Alameda, Cailfornia, where we travel to Hawwii, stayed three days to load, travel to Yokuska, Japan stayed there three days to unload and load damage planes and bring back officer cars back to the States in the hanger deck. Off to Naha, Okinawa, then the Philippines (Manila, Subic Bay), To Hong Kong, Bankok, Thidland whish I understood to be the frist Carrier to visit that place, because we even had the King borad our ship Many good merories until, 1959 when a major Thyphoon almost distroyed it and it had to be dicommisioned.

Keywords: My friends were mostly hispanics during my term 1957-59' Juan Castro from Brownsville,Tx, Raul Reyna from Cystal City,Tx Edward Porras from El Paso

William L Morris (alias Bill)

Comments: This notice is for anyone that may have stories about my father. I know that he was on the Cape Esperance in the mid-1950s. He is not much for talking about the war. The only story that we have heard is about the paint room fire.

Keywords: Cape Esperance in mid 1950's. William Morris. Electronics.

cape esperance korean crew member

Comments: Made many trips to Yokosuka, Eneiwetok, Phillipines and many other ports including two to Bankock, Thailand. I was aboard during the terrible typhon we encountered on a return trip from Japan that almost sunk us. I have an article dated Jan 12 from Alameda newsspaper when Captain Sanders said "worst trip ever"with waves that towered over the bridge 65 feet.The article also mentioned that the freighter Pennsylvania was lost at that time. I entered the Korean action from Wilkes Barre, Pa. I would like to hear from shipmates. I have some names.

Keywords: Aboard Cape Esperance from Sept 1950 to Feb 1952

I WAS A PLANK OWNER AT COMMISIONING

Comments: I am still in good health age 83 come April 8th. Was aboard when ship was commisioned. Went through the Halsey Typhoon in 1944. Have many memory's how wild the ocean can get. I was 19 years old. Thought for sure ship would capsize as had a load of replacement planes. I am now retired. Was a public accountant in civilian life. I stayed in Navy for 8 years. When I left CVE 88 I was transferred to CVE55 Marcus Island Around the world twice on USS Valley Forge CV45 and also USS Tarawa CV-40, both Essex carriers. I was a RADAR 3rd Class.

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1952-1955 CREW MEMBERS

Comments: TRYING TO FIND CREWM MEMBERS: I WAS ON THE CAPE ESPERANCE JANUARY 1952-FEBRUARY 1955. WENT IN AS A GUNNERMATE DIVISION,DECK FORCE.MESS COOK,THEN S2, "JACKT OF THE DUST"-TENDING THE REEFERS, FREEZERS, VEGETABEL LOCKERS,DRY FOOD LOCKER, AND MEAT LOCKER.

TRYING TO FIND SOME OF THE CREWMWMBERS I KNEW. MY DAUGHTER KATE KEETS IS HELPING ME IN THIS SEARCH. HAVE ALOT OF GREAT MEMORIES AND ALOT OF STORIES.

WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE THAT I HAD CONTACT WITH. LOOKING FOR: DAVE PEEBLES-KENTUCKY-HE RAN THE MOVIE PROJECTORS.,OAKES-OHIO, H.L.SMITH-OHIO. POLLOCK-SEWICKLY,PA. PAPAS. MIKE MULE-IOWA. MARVIN POTTS-CALIF. JACK HAZELWONDER-OREGON. WILLYJOE HOUSE-HAZARD COUNTY KENTUCKY. DAVE LUNDY-FLORIDA (LUNDRY BAKERIES). PAT HUGHES-TEXAS (COOK). J.C. HARMAN-CALIF. FROM GEORGIA, BUT LIVED IN CALIF. IN THE MOUNTAINES, HE WAS CHIEF.LAWSON FROM KENTUCKY. GLENN-WAS A COOK. MATTEGE/MATTEGE-COOK. JOHN PAUL GIDEON JONES, JR-TN. BOB BREWER.

Keywords: DAVE PEEBLES.H.L.SMITH.OAKES.POLLOCK.MIKE MULE.MARVIN POTTS.PAPAS,JACK HAZELWONDER.WILLYJOE HOUSE.DAVE LUNDY.PAT HUGHES.J.C. HARMAN.LAWSON

1951-1955 USS CAPE ESPERANCE CREW

Comments: I'M TRYING TO LOCATE SOME OF MY FATHER'S SHIPMATES ON THE USS CAPE ESPERANCE CV88 AIRCRAFT CARRIER, 1951-1955 LOOKING FOR DAVE PEOPLES(FLORENCE, KENTUCKY) H.L. SMITH(CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO) POLLOCK(SEWICKLY, PA) MIKE MULE (IOWA) MARVIN POTTS (TULARE, CALIF. PAPAS- JACK HAZELWOOD (ORGEON) WILLY JOE HOUSE (HAZARD COUNTY, KENTUCKY OAKES-WASHINGTON COURT, OHIO)

I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON A SCRAPEBOOK FOR MY FATHER AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OF THE WHERE ABOUTS OF SOME OF THE CREW MEMBERS HE HAS TALKED ABOUT OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE LOTS OF PHOTOS. IF YOU KNOW THE WHERE ABOUTS OF ANY OF THE ABOVE NAMED PLEASE LET ME KNOW AT THE ABOVE COMMUNICATIONS, IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

THANKS, KATE KEETS

Keywords: 1951-1955 USS CAPE ESPERANCE CV88 AIRCRAFT CARRIER CREW MEMBERS, WHERE ARE THEY TODAY?????

1951-1953

Comments: Served on the Uss Cape Esperance CVE 88. Like to hear from anyone who served in the after fireroom. 5/51-8/53

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help please...dad soon to be 80

Comments: hello friends ! my dad turning 80 in a few days... I would love to give the old fart some memiors back.,..please help... of5jeff@myway.com

Keywords: leroy lewis, LEWIS, lroy, leroy, cve-88, uss cape esperance, plank crew

shipmates of George Enck BT3

Comments:

Keywords: My Friends, Les Diemler, Bob Butterfield,and twin,also Warren Cardwell, I served on the Cape Esperance in 1950-1954 in the boiler room. Love to hear from anyone who served or relatives of someone who served on our ship

USS Cape Esperance 1952-1956

Comments: Looking for former shipmates from 52-56 on the USS Cape Esperance. Shipmates names as follows:

James A.Lacy, William B. Carroll, Les Deimler Arnold D. Lemoine

All others who I can't think of your name at the moment contact me if you are interested. Looking forward to hearing from you. I was also known as "Jack" and worked in the engine and machine shop division "A." It's been a long, long, time since our Navy days.

Keywords: Unit Engineering Division M

Comments: looking for shipmates/friends of my brother who is deceased, served on the uss cape esperance during the korean war.

Keywords: Robert Byrd Benefield

Comments: looking for shipmates/friends of my brother who is deceased, served on the uss cape esperance during the korean war.

Keywords: Robert Byrd Benefield

Looking for my father's Korean War Buddies

Comments: My father is searching for Korean War buddies, I would appreciate any help I can get. He does not care to use computers and I would love to find something for him. His 75th Birthday is coming in November and would love to give him something like a buddies address or even a friend at his party.

Buddies names: Dan Malotich (sp?) Paul Gallagher (lived in Sacremento, CA at the time)

Ray Holtz

Thank you for any help you may be able to give me.

Keywords: Unit CHBII 1950-1954 Transported on The Esperanso 1952? From Japan to US My father's nickname is "Jiggs"

Looking for Billy Mac Holiway

Comments: Last seen in Opam Japan,He stay while left in Oct.1953 on board the USS New Jersey BB62

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Father, Jim Wagner Served on the Cape

Comments: My father Jim Wagner served on the Cape Esperance. I am not certain of the years but would guess that it would have been in the early 50's. He died many years ago. In addition to serving on this ship I remember him talking about being stationed in California. Jim was a skinny guy who grew up in Detroit. I know for at least part of his time he job involved assisting the dentist. He had a bunch of brothers, most of whom were also serving in the Navy at the same time he was. It would be great to hear from any of you old salts that may have known him.

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TCVE-88 from May 1954 - April 1955

Comments: Made many trips from on TCVE-88 hauling planes and military personnel from San Francisco to Yokosuka, Japan and return, sometimes via Hawaii. Also one trip to Sattahip (Bankok) Thailand; Sasebo, Japan; Long Beach; San Diego.

Keywords: Ensign Hal Rouse; communications; TCVE-88 in MSTS. May 1954 to April 1955.

USS Cape Esperance 1954

Comments: I was part of a USAF contingent that sailed from California to Japan aboard the USS Cape Esperance in March, 1954.

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Comments

Comments: My name is Bob Carver. Came across your message in the Bloody cape llisting. I was the Aerographer's Mate (AG-3) on board from early 51 to early 52. I came from Adak in the Aleutian Islands. We had two typhoons in that period and did almost capsize in one of them We went way past the maximum heel allowed and darned near caught the next wave before we came back up. I was part of the radar group ( they didn't know where else to put me) and if we had turned over, it would have been some fifty feet back to the surface and I was a lousy swimmer. Some of those Marines we brought back would stand on the hangar deck and watch the crack in the starboard side of the hull open and close as we pitched in those seas. It was about half way up the ladder. My work and sleeping spaces were on the port side under the flight dack with the catapult cable return tube running through my work space. My sleepping space was completely over water and the outer door opened inward and was never water tight. I finally drilled some holes in the deck and put big stoppers in them so I could get rid of the water when things smoothed out. But I enjoyed it including the trip to Hong Kong. I guess I even did a fair job on my forecasts as Captain Watson never refused them. Ah, memories. I wish I had heard about the re-union earlier, but such is life.

Keywords: USS Cape Esperance TCVE-88