USS Archerfish Decklog
 

Welcome aboard!
Thank you for visiting our website.

 

 

I enjoy this excellent website.  I also read the book biographical book Gallant Lady. I noticed a friend of mine listed under Eternal Patrol, and was hoping one of his former shipmates who knew him well could correspond with me sometime. His name was David A. Stevens, MM2, and was on Archerfish from 60-62. He was later transferred to USS Darter (ss576) where I was onboard at the time as an ET. We ran together for 2 years before I was finally discharged. I have often wondered where he wound up. He was career Navy at the time, and I just assumed he stayed for 20.  Anyway, if you know anyone on the boat during the 1960-62 period I would appreciate you passing this on if possible. Thanks
Steve Beverlin, USS Darter-SS575, 1962-64
USA - Jul 20, 2010 06:20:05 PDST


Greetings from Karl Waterman STS1(SS) SSBN 598, SSBN 600, SSBN 636, SSN 583
Karl Waterman, HHP; CNHP; EFT-ADV
USA - Mar 21, 2010 @ 13:11:19 PDST


My name is Jeffrey Crawford and my father is CDR William H. Crawford Jr.(Ret.) who served on the USS Archerfish during its construction and first four patrols. My father recently celebrated his 91st birthday and sends his best wishes to all who served aboard.
Jeffrey Crawford
USA - Feb 22, 2010 @ 10:11:50 PST


My father served as an officer on the USS Archerfish in WWII.
Mary Anne Thornton
USA - Feb 4, 2010 @ 19:50:40 PST


I was just looking up information on my father Kenneth Fanning. Thank you for the interesting site.
Tom Fanning
Atlanta, GA - Jan 15, 2010 @ 19:11:48 PST

(Webmaster Note: Tom, check your e-mail for reply.)


I served on Archerfish from 1 Aug. 57 to 16 July 58 when I transfered to the Balao. I wanted to set the record straight. I am not on eternal,YET. I live in the mountains in NE Pennsylvania on a small 54 acre farm.
William Everly (no e-mail address given)
Pennsylvania, Nov 11, 2009 @ 08:15:43 PST

(Webmaster Note: Welcome back to Archerfish William. We had you listed as "missing" but did not have you listed on the Eternal Patrol List. I have corrected our records to show you as "found". If you would like to reconnect with the Archerfish Crew, receive our Newsletter and be kept up to date on Archerfish Crew info, send an e-mail to decklog@ussarcherfish.com. Please include your e-mail address and we will get you all set up to receive the Newsletter and a copy of the Archerfish Crew list.)


Read Gallant Lady over the summer. I am trying to locate LCDR Ken Woods -- he was my Navy JROTC in high school. Big influence on me -- attending VMI and making a career out of the Army.
Robert Cody
Stamford, CT - Oct 24, 2009 @ 07:37:49 PDST


Hi shipmates! I hope everyone is enjoying the reunion and remembers our shipmates that aren't with us anymore. good luck and smooth sailing. Your pal and ship-mate "Shades" EMC(SS)USN ret. (65-67)
John Schinnell
Lacey, Washington - Oct 7, 2009 @ 20:26:34 PDST


Just finished "Gallant Lady". The wife couldn't figure out why I was laughing so much.. Can't believe I was in PH during that timeframe (61-63) and didn't know about this. Guess I spent too much time in my favorite watering hole, the Hukilau. I would have loved the "splice the mainbrace" with this group.
Rob D Jacobsen
Yakima, Washington - Sept 29, 2009 @ 13:15:05 PDST

(Webmaster Note: Rob, Very glad you enjoyed "Gallant Lady". It was a fun Crew and a great Boat. Thank you for reading our story and taking the time to post in our Decklog.)


My THANKS to all the crew of this fine submarine (USS Archerfish)...Well done and best wishes to any remaining members.
Mark Evdemon
Irwin, Pennsylvania - Sept 28, 2009 @ 07:55:30 PDST


73 to a Fine Boat & crew. Ray Terry SO3C USS Epperson DDE 719, KF6QJP
Arthur "Ray" Terry
Victorville/Apple Valley, California - Aug 22, 2009 @ 16:43:53 PDST


Gallant Lady is a super book which I enjoyed (listened to audiobook). My thanks to the brave people who served aboard the Archerfish during and after WW2. These people helped to secure our freedom and stabilise world peace after WW2. Many thanks to you all.
Carl Grimsley
Leicester, UK - August 8, 2009 @ 13:02:48 PDST

(Webmaster Note: Carl, Very glad you enjoyed our story. Thank you for your kind words.)


What was the maximum depth that a Japanese depth charge could be set to explode at in WW2?
Geoffrey Winston
Beachwood, Ohio - August 7, 2009 @ 19:11:59 PDST

(Webmaster Note: Geoff, try "Googling" the following: "Japanese depth charges maximum depth". You will find some relevant information.)


Served with many of your ships company in other boats.
Tom Dukes
Newport, Oregon - August 5, 2009 @ 14:27:54 PDST

(Webmaster Note: Tom, Your messages will appear in our Archerfish Newsletter. Some Shipmates you know may see your posting and contact you.)


I qualified on the USS Bream [AGSS 243] in 1967. Am a member of USSVI [USS Snook Base in northwest Arkansas.] One of our Base members loaned me "Gallant Lady" which I just started to read. I remember several of my shipmates applying for duty on the Archerfish in the 1966-67 timeframe. Don't know if they made it or not. DBF
Pete Rathmell
Garfield, Arkansas - July 25, 2009 @ 14:05:11 PDST


BM3 DD 784
JOHN B.F.SMITH
San Francisco, California - July 14, 2009 @ 00:31:43 PDST


Although I served aboard the USS Thornback (TAD) & the USS Sennett, the Archerfish was the submarine I qualified on & I'm proud to be a Archerfish Sailor. This site is a wonderful tribute to the Grand Ole' Boat & all of it's crews over the 25 years of service to our beloved country. God bless all of you !
Dr. Doug Stanaland
Ash, North Carolina - July 3, 2009 @ 02:36:33 PDST


After over 50 years I found Archerfish web site and was suprised to have my name on the roster with a red mark next to it. I remember some of the crew members.
John Kump GM3(SS)
Lake Grove, New York - June 28, 2009 @ 15:21:16 PDST

(Webmaster Note: Welcome Home John. The red diamond next to your name on the Sailing List means we had not found you yet. Very glad you found us. Check your e-mail for further info on Archerfish and Crew.)


(remembering) John D. Moore, FN (SS) worked in the battery shop Subbase Pearl. He was a great sailor and had the good forutne to become an Archerfish crew member. I worked in the instrument shop (color blind). I believe John was from Macon, GA. When he told me he was going to the Archerfish his smile was even bigger than his perpetual smile.
Robert Vancil
Gilbert, Arizona - May 28, 2009 @ 20:34:15 PDST


Remembering our Missing Shipmates on this Memorial Day, 2009 - We honor their memory and thank them for their service.
Webmaster - May 23, 2009 @ 15:50:00 PDST


Been a while, lost my first wife of almost 50 years, met a fantastic lady simular situation at a yard sale. WE DON'T DO YARD SALES , but we do breakfast !!! I asked her she said YES. WE DID.
Dave Davidson
Dover/Hillsborough, Florida - April 30, 2009 @ 10:28:56 PDST

(Webmaster Note: Dave - Glad to hear from you. Sorry to hear you lost your wife. When you say you met a fantastic lady and she said "yes", does that mean your hitched again? Congratulations! I have sent this update to Pig for the Blast.)


Sorry to hear of the passing of Lloyd W. Maxwell EMC (SS). Lloyd had been on recuiting duty sometime before coming to Archerfish and went to recuiting duty when he left. I remember that he always looked like he had just stepped off of a recuiting poster. I took some poleroids of his Chiefs initiation and he asked me to give him copies. I finially sent them just a few years ago. Larry
Larry D. Meyer
Waverly, Missouri - April 21, 2009 @ 09:10:39 PDST


I was a Shipmate with John Reilly on Scamp (SSN-588). We have lost contact with him and are concerned about him. If anyone knows how to contact him or if he is on Eternal Patrol, we would certainly like to know. I have read the Gallant Lady and found it to be a great book about a Great Boat and a Great Crew. Thank you, Lew
Lew Ross
Salt Lake City, Utah - April 17, 2009 @ 16:32:52 PDST

(Webmaster Note: Unfortunately, John Reilly has dropped out of sight. We do not have any new contact info available.)


To my best knowledge, my father, Warren T. Hedrick F1c was on the Archerfish late 1944 to Sep. 2nd 1945. He just turned 87 years old and does not remember like he used to. I recorded video's of the Pompanito's at Fisherman's Wharf in S.F. which was supposed to be a sister sub. He seemed to recognize all of the interior shots. If anyone can give me more information on crew members still alive or with any information, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you, Tim Hedrick
Timothy T. Hedrick
Fenton, Missouri - April 13, 2009 @ 08:09:27 PDST


Just discovered web site and will be returning.
Clarence (Sam) Patten
Hixson, Tennessee - April 9, 2009 @ 19:08:18 PDST


My father served on the Archerfish when he was stationed in Key West.
Sammye Banker
Lilburn, Georgia - April 9, 2009 @ 17:09:20 PDST


Just finished reading "Galant Lady". A great read!!!!
Stephen A. Kinter MMC(SS)
(location unknown) - April 6, 2009 @ 12:56:51 PDST


Thank You for your service..
Richard R. Murtagh
New Market, Maryland - April 3, 2009 @ 07:43:32 PDST


I'm trying to find the story of the "goat and the chicken" which happened in New London,either in '60 or '61. I was stationed on Nautilus at the time but from 65-67, I was stationed on Archerfish. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Shipmate "shades"
John A. Schinnell EMC(SS)USN RET
Lacey, Washington - April 3, 2009 @ 17:32:41 PDST

(Webmaster Note: Our copywrited story is posted on the main page of our Archerfish Website and listed as the "Goat Story" under the Operation Sea Scan banner. Here is the direct link.: http://www.ussarcherfish.com/afishpic/goat.htm. I have added your address to our Archerfish E-Mail List and will send you a copy of the list.


My father, Robert W. Ibach, was a member of the Archefish. He is on his deathbed as I write this, suffering from cancer. I am his proud son, Bob, and I want to thank all who have made this website a tribute to the great men of this submarine unit. My dad was especially proud of his service during WWII and some of the stories he told over the years showed just how proud he was to have been a member. He lived a good life, taught others so much, and he was my best friend and mentor. I will miss him greatly, but thanks to this website I know a part of him will live on. Thank you.
Bob Ibach
Sarasota, Florida - March 27, 2009 @ 22:34:31 PDST

(Webmaster Note: UPDATE 4/8/09 - Shipmate Ibach passed on 4/7/09. Sailor, Rest Your Oar........ )


My grandfather, LTJG James (Jim) M. Thornton, served on the Archer-Fish during WWII. Knowing the mortality rate on subs, he still chose to serve on a submarine because the outcome of battle, for submariners, is either victory and health, or death ... no returning home mamed or paralized. He once told me one of his jobs was ordering supplies ... and he accidentally ordered a zillion cans of peppered beef soup ... and the crew was so tired of eating that stuff by the end of the tour. (Sorry, gentlemen!) But somehow later, like Radar O'Reilley, he was able to obtain an ice cream machine. (You're welcome, gentlemen!) Another story tells of how grandad and some of the crew wandered the streets of Tokyo immediatly after the surrender ... a foolish and dangerous move ... but there was no trouble and he was treated with respect. After the war, the men working at his factory respected my grandfather as a war hero. His uniform still hangs in the closet and photos of the Archer-Fish are still on his bedroom wall. He died 9/4/96, just days after my birthday ... he had leukemia and was in no shape to buy a present ... for which he felt badly. I remember he took my hand and told me I was "a good kid." He was saying goodbye. This was before I was old enough to understand and appreciate his service to our country. I would have been proud to serve with him. I wish I could tell him that now. James A. Thornton
James Thornton
Louisville, Kentucky - March 21, 2009 @ 16:31:20 PDST


God bless all of you.
Kenneth A. Martinek
Norwalk, Connecticut - February 17, 2009 @ 09:30:20 PST


A friend of Ltjg, Joseph Jasper Bosza. I worked for Joe at the City of Palo Alto, CA, Electrical department, for 32 years. He never spoke of the sinking of the carrier until years later. The last I saw of Joe, he lived in Mt. View, California.
George Briggs
Fremont, California - February 15, 2009 @ 17:43:41 PST


In The Galant Lady there was a story about tatoos, well I have one to share. My dad Don Denning MM1. Had many tatoos from blue birds on his chest pulling a heart apart to Indian maidens and Japanese gayshaes on his arms, the sub an dolphins too, but my favorite one I didn't see until I was 13 or so . We were in a locker room changing, he got up to walk to the show and on his left cheek their was a silver bath tub chain with a yellow cork attached to the end of it. going right up to,well you know. By far the most original tatoos I've ever seen but for the crew of the Archerfish just another tatoo. He had a lot of fun with the nurses at the vets hospital, with that tatoo. Today was his birthday, happy birthday dad I miss you. Ron Denning
Ron Denning
Eagle, Colorado - February 12, 2009 @ 21:52:57 PST

(Webmaster Note: Great story Ron! Happy Birthtday to your Dad. We miss DR too.)


My dad was one of the members, of the all bachelor crew during operation Sea scan. It was the high light of his 20 yr. service. He was a submariner for 6 yrs and very proud of his time on the Archerfish. He also served on the Ramora. He passed away in Sept. 2008. I miss him but his duty will keep him alive forever as will the duty of all that have served our great country. The country he loved so much. His name Donald R. Denning. Thanks for keeping their memories alive with this web site. Ron Denning
Ron Denning
Eagle, Colorado - February 9, 2009 @ 21:15:07 PST


USS CUSK SS 348, 1962-1966
Allan M Kilpatrick
Cathedral City, California - February 2, 2009 @ 19:00:27 PST


I wish to make a correction to the 2nd Commission Sailing list. It states that I was recieved for duty from the Bluegill and then went to the Guitarro. What it should state that I was rec fr duty from the Guitarro and the pulled a swap with Walter Knowles to go to the Catfish SS339. If you look at Knowles' bio you will see he came from the Catfish. I spent three years on the Catfish before leaving the Navy to go to college. I still wear an Archerfish cap along with one from the Uss Cusk (SSG348), the Bluegill (SS242), the Guitarro (SS363), and the Catfish (SS339), all boats that I proudly served on. Thanks for your great web page on such a great SUB. Jack Dunaway
Jack H Dunaway
Hurley, New Mexico - January 30, 2009 @ 07:50:54 PST

(Webmaster Note: The information we have posted is taken from the official Personnel Diaries for Archerfish, on microfilm file, at the National Archives. If swaps occurred as stated, and we have no doubt they probably did, the Yeoman did not correct the record. As far as the history of Archerfish is concerned, and that is what we are maintaining, we leave the records as they stand. They are the only official Naval records  for Archerfish that are available.)


Served on A Fish 311 10/ 58- 1/60. Qualified. Very much a special BOAT to me. First of five (5) smoke boats. All Sqd. 12 - Seperated Marlin T2 - 1967. If you were on A FISH at that time PLEASE PLEASE contact me. EMAIL or 813 659 0877. Leave msg, W/phone # and best time to call. I WILL CALL ASAP. Thank you and STAY SAFE. Dave
John ( DAVE) Davidson
Dover, Florida - January 25, 2009 @ 20:17:58 PST

(Webmaster Note: Dave - I tried to e-mail you and got a "bounce" on your address. Please send me an e-mail to Archerfish Webmaster so I can send you some A-Fish related info.)


Magnificent story! I am searching for more info regarding Lt David Bunting...and possible relationship...anyone out there know?
Dr. Daniel L. Bunting PhD
Cloverdale, California - January 24, 2009 @ 10:49:07 PST


Glad to see the Uncle I'm named for James D. Coulson listed here. He was an ET3 who transfered to the 1st crew of the Nautilus in Feb 54. I followed Jim and my dad Gerald into the Navy but in aviation. I went on to serve 30 yrs in the US Navy. Retired as a Captain in 2007. Thanks for keeping the information on this site!
James D. Coulson
Hudson, Wisconsin - January 18, 2009 @ 17:33:56 PST


Listening to an audiobook about the exploits of the Archerfish, and thought I would take a look at the web site. Youngest son was on a Boomer for a time, so I have an interest in Submarines.
James W. Somervell
Canton, Michigan - January 12, 2009 @ 22:09:09 PST


Archerfish Decklog Archive - 2007/2008

Archerfish Decklog Archive - 2006

Archerfish Decklog Archive - 2005

Archerfish Decklog Archive - 2004

Archerfish Decklog Archive - 2003

Archerfish Decklog Archive - 2002

Archerfish Decklog Archive - 2000/2001