Date: 11 May 2004
Name: CAPT Richard E. (Rick) Strutner, USNR
Email: Rstrutner@goodwill-ni.org
Where are you from?: South Bend, IN
Years aboard Gurke: 1975 (Summer)
Comments: I was privileged and honored to serve in this great destroyer as a Midshipman 1/C during the Summer of 1975. I worked for LT's Bill (Cheng) Steussy, Bruce (Biceps) Plyer, and Jim (Gilly) Giblin. Just 6 months later, as a young Ensign in San Diego, I roomed with the legendary ENS Larry Strizich and LTJG Gene Baker. (Oh man, could I tell you some stories! Of course, if you knew these two gentlemen, nothing would surprise you). Up until my all-too-brief tour in USS GURKE, I had my heart set on flight school. She was the sole reason I chose to be a Surface Warfare Officer. The officers and crew, from CAP'N Ward on down, epitomized topnotch Tin Can Sailors. They truly lived the "Work hard, play hard" philosophy - they were consummate professionals and shore leave/liberty steamers. I will retire next year (2005) with nearly 30 years of service to our Navy and nation. My fond memories from that Summer training cruise are among my most treasured. I will take them to my grave. God bless all of you. FRAMS FOREVER! - Rick

Date: 3 May 2004
Name: Larry O. Hutchinson
Email: hutchbhc@ctaz.com
Where are you from?: hutchbhc@ctaz.com, AZ
Years aboard Gurke: 1960-63
Comments: SOG 2 FOX DIV

Date: 1 May 2004
Name: Eugene McCario
Email: mccario4@yahoo.com
Where are you from?: Panama, IL
Years aboard Gurke: 69-72
Comments:

Date: 27 April 2004
Name: Bill Appenfeldt
Email: wbilla12@wm.connect.com
Where are you from?: Zephyr Hills, FL
Years aboard Gurke: 1973-1974
Comments: I met up with the ship in Kaohsuing, Taiwan. We went to Keelung in route to Yokosuka. I was in the pay line to sign up people for the VFW now they say I'm not eligible and I am not on the ships registration. I dont know if you can help I am in my Ships Book Jan 73 -Apr 74 page 34 upper left corner name spelled wrong. I need something to prove we were in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Date: 20 April 2004
Name: Kay Hoernemann
Email: kayloberg@tds.net
Where are you from?: Glencoe, MN
Years aboard Gurke: NA
Comments: Pfc. Gurke was my Great-Uncle. Our family is proud and honored to know of the men who served aboard the USS Gurke. Thanks!

Date: 20 April 2004
Name: Paul McGee
Email: h2obeagle@msn.com
Where are you from?: Plattsburgh, NY
Years aboard Gurke: NA
Comments: I served aboard your sister ship, USS Rowan DD782 1959-1962 as a Sonarman. I really enjoyed your website. 

Date: 19 April 2004
Name: Ron Henne, SOG2
Email: rhenne@bak.rr.com
Where are you from?: Bakersfield, CA
Years aboard Gurke: 1958
Comments: Good ship and crew enjoyed the South American cruise.

Date: 16 April 2004
Name: Stefanos Karanasios
Email: skaranasios@theweb.gr
Where are you from?: Greece
Years aboard Tombazis: 1990-1991
Comments: I am from Greece and I was an officer.

Date: 9 April 2004
Name: Sam C Lyckholm
Email: res1vixp@verizon.net
Where are you from?: Crestline, CA
Years aboard Gurke: 1966-1968
Comments: Spent 2+ yrs on Gurke,as BM3, then the last year in Danang as BM2 on YFU-55 hauling cago of all sorts up and down the Rivers of I-Corps. (Cua Viet, Dong Ha, Hue, Chu Lai, Sa Hyngh)

Date: 4 March 2004
Name: William B. Finney
Email: None
Where are you from?: Richmond, VA
Years aboard Gurke: 1962-1964
Comments: Storekeeper 3rd class. Left ship while it was deployed on West Pac.

Date: 28 March 2004
Name: Jim Lewis
Email: jimsar1@optusnet.com.au
Where are you from?: Bargara, Queensland Australia
Years aboard Gurke: 1961-1962
Comments: I am living in Queensland and loving it. I should like to here from any of the crew that I might have served with. ET2 O Div.

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