Served aboard the USS Mississinewa AO144.
1974-1976

Jan.14,2003
Ahoy! I am so happy to receive info about a reunion with the crew of the Missi. When I was reasigned to BMU 2 at Little Creek Amphib. Base in VA.. My name is already on the roster. My biggest regret is that I did not keep any records, except for a few pictures , of my life on board the Missi.. I look at the pictures on the site and it brings back so many memories. I would do it all over again if I had the chance. When I first boarded that bucket of bolts, I was not sure what I was getting myself into, it was a very strange world. But after spending more than two years aboard that floating gas station, (the only one open on Sundays), I would not trade that time in my life for anything. I learned a hell of a lot about myself, other people, life at sea, the world , and the Navy. Is she still floating in mothballs, or is she a pack of razor blades now? My most vivid memory was in 1975,(I think), when we were leaving Mayport, FA. after a short visit , and we were schedualed to meet with the USS Saratoga for refueling, somewhere off the coast of FA. During the refueling process the SARA lost power, and steering, and consequently collided with the Missi.. There was extensive damage to both ships, including a giant hole in the Missi's port side bow . It made the news back home , and we were very fortunate that there were no casualties or serious injuries. We steamed back to Norfolk , where she underwent repaires. I am a member of the Air National Guard and I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting a man who was serving aboard the USS Saratoga during that time , and he also remembers that accident. I thought that was so weird.

  Another memory is fishing off the fantail.That was a lot off fun and very interesting, because of some of the sea life that was caught and brought on board. I could go on with memories but I just don't have the time right now. It is great to look back and think about it. Keep in touch. I think I'll go on liberty now. Take care. Daron

Following is a list of names of crew members who served at the same time I did. I'm not sure of the exact spelling of some of the names , but they are as close as I can remember,(it's been a long time). It would be nice to know if most , or even some , of them are still alive and kicking. If you get lucky and find any of them , please let me know.