The following is Ship's Log entry No. 100

Entry No. 100
Date: 17 June 1997
Name: John J. Robbins
Where are you from?: North Lauderdale, Florida
Years aboard Gurke: September 1971 through July 1972
Comments: As a Radarman 3rd class, was transferred from the Everett F. Larson (DD-830) to Gurke prior to the transit across the pond to Yokosuka in 1971. Looking back, it was a great trip. The chief Radarman was fluent in Japanese, so the RD gang had the "Japanese word of the day" and by the time we arrived Yoko, the RD gang had become conversant in Japanese!!
Going aboad Gurke was a refreshing change from the previous command. Gurke had a much higher level of professionalism, infact, in the cruise book from that period, the tag-line "The Professionals" was used. Years have dimmed some things, but I can still remember the quick sortie from Japan in December of 1971. It ruined my leave to go to the Winter Olympics at Sapporo!! Weeks later, we were in the Tonkin Gulf interdicting and harassing the VC and North Vietnamese. I'm surprised that no one has commented on the "incoming" that hit the ship during a "Freedom Train" raid. No significant damage, but a lot of shrapnel. I seem to recall shooting up some NVietnamese PT boats while riding shot-gun with the DLG's and CG's on NSar. The "Freedom Train" strikes during the Easter Offensive of 72 were intense. Sometime two strikes a day, with the needed UNREP's every other day for fuel, and every other day for bullets. Of course fuel and bullets were never done on the same day!!
The years have clouded some of the faces and names, but does anyone know the whereabouts of Art Grigor?? He was a RD1 who made Chief Radarman in May of 72.
Presently, I'm in the Merchant Marine with a 1600 ton Master's license, and a Chief Mate (unlimited tons). I guess after four years in tin cans, I still have salt water in my veins.
To Mr. Cheatum, Bravo Zulu on a great Web page. For all you other crewmembers, "Splice the mainbrace". Fair winds and following seas.

Entry No. 99
Date: 13 June 1997 (updated 2 OCT 97)
Name: Douglas T. Taasaas
Where are you from?: Bremerton, Washington
Years aboard Gurke: 1973-1976
Comments: I was a SKSN, SK3 and SK2. Currently still in the Navy attached to Commander Submarine Squadron 17. I am currenly SKCM(SS) and am retiring 14 November 1997 with 26 years and 20 days. Feel free to contact me at 8505 Chinook Way N. E., Bremerton, WA 98311

Entry No. 98
Date: 11 June 1997
Name: Glenn Podhola
Where are you from?: Carleton, MI
Years aboard Gurke:
Comments: U.S. Marines 1966-1968. Viet Nam service Feb 1967 -Mar 1968, 1st Marine Division in Da Nang.

We were a Battalion Landing Team off the coast of the DMZ (Quang Tri Provence)making shore landings with Amphibs & Hueys from Nov 67 to Apr 68. I was aboard the USS Forrestal til my tour was up. Some good memories, some not so good. I survived, many didn't.

Entry No. 97
Date: 9 June 1997
Name: David F. Peyton
Where are you from?: Oklahoma City, OK originally Vicksburg, MS
Years aboard Gurke: None
Comments: I'm signing the log for my Dad, William E. Peyton, who was hit by shrapnel while serving on the Gurke. He later joined the Air Force to retire in 1970. I am also a Navy vet with 20 years. He was a commissaryman on board. Would appreciate any reunion info.

Entry No. 96
Date: 6 June 1997
Name: Donald L. Ackaret
Where are you from?: Tillamook, OR
Years aboard Gurke: 1
Comments: My name is Jerry and I am signing up my dad, as he is not yet on line. Don was part of the original commisioning crew (Plankholder) as a Fireman 2nd Class in the Water Tender pool. He was on board until June 1946. We were quite pleased to find that the Gurke has her own page. Keep up the good work.....jat

Entry No. 95
Date: 22 May 1997
Name: Ron Stout
Homepage: Stout's Cider Mill
Where are you from?: originally, Southern California/ now Willcox, Arizona
Years aboard Gurke: Nov 1952 to July 1955
Comments: Our many thanks to the entire crew in attendance 1997 reunion for your thoughtfulness and support during the days immediately after the tragic loss of our daughter there in San Diego right at the reunion time. Calvin Swart stopped by our store and home on his way home, and brought us a copy of the Gurke home page, a beautiful onyx paper weight, a picture of the whole crew at the reunion, and the programs. Thanks to everyone. We invite anyone driving east or west on Interstate 10 through Arizona to stop at our store at Exit 340 and enjoy a piece of apple pie. Be sure to sign OUR log there, which is separated by States, and indicate Gurke. We all should thank Tom Cheatum for such a magnificent Gurke Home Page. We are all proud of what he has done here. Hope to see you all in Kansas City

Entry No. 94
Date: 14 May 1997
Name: Jimmie L. Stewart
Where are you from?: Ashwood, Oregon
Years aboard Gurke: 1954-1956
Comments: HI, I AM JIMMIE STEWART I WAS ON BOARD THE GURKE FROM 1954 -1956 AND WAS A STRIKER GUNNERSMATE AND GM3, I RETIRED FROM THE NAVY IN 1970 AS A CHIEF GUNNERS MATE AND WOULD TO LIKE HEAR FROM ANY OF MY SHIPMATES. TO CONTACT ME MY ADDRESS IS 3207 E.MCLOUHLIN VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON 98661

Entry No. 93
Date: 10 May 1997
Name: Donald E. Babcock
Where are you from?: Enlisted at Zansville, OH July 1948
Years aboard Gurke: 1965-1966
Comments: Served as XO with a damned fine crew. Retired in 1973 and live in Virginia Beach, VA.

Entry No. 92
Date: 2 May 1997
Name: Michael Crowell
Where are you from?: Lake Stevens, WA
Years aboard Gurke:
Comments: My brother Dave Crowell was a sonar man on Gurke 1959-1961

Entry No. 91
Date: 2 May 1997
Name: Eric Hardy BM3
Where are you from?: Maine
Years aboard Gurke: Moored next to the Gurke a few times
Comments: USS NORMANDY PLANK OWNER 88-93 NOW IN U.S.N.R ABFC CART DET 102