Welcome to the USS Epperson DD-719 Guestbook Forum

Years Served: 1958 – 1961…I wondered if anyone else remembered that typhoon we went through. Just to update, I now live in Reidsville, N.C. In reference to Mark’s wondering what ever happened to the Eppy Maru, I went to a website (I would have to search again to remember the whole site), it has to do with U.S.Navy Ships, then you key in the name and number of the ship. It will give you a complete history. I found the site a couple of months ago. The Eppy was sold to Pakistan and then later used as target practice and sunk. What a way to go. We had one of the best sonar teams around. I don’t remember which sub it was, but we fired (with no warhead) weapon A at the sub we were doing exercises with, they had to come in port with their periscope up as we made a direct hit and bent it. How embarrassing for them! They got even later and fired a torpedo (set to run on the surface rather than under the ship) and hit the fantail and sprayed red paint everywhere. I am sure it was classified, but I still would like to know who the contact was that D.H. Smith and I reported at 2:00 AM one morning. We had given the rest of the guys a break and taken the midwatch. I just know they turned us around and sent us back to Japan. I talked to D.H. several years ago. He was somewhere near Port Huron, Michigan at the time.

Years Served: 1958/1962…Ahoy Matey, I served aboard the Eppy in 58/59 I was in charge of the ships machine shop, made a lot of highly polished ash trays from brass cases for the officers. I remember very well the typooe that Richard SmithSmithy referred to (That was our brush with death) and I am still sea sick from that experience. I transfered from the Eppy to the USS Dixie because I could never find my sea legs, Some years ago Keith Barringer the fellow that did tha cartoon art work in the year book came by my house in Denver other than that I haven’t talked to any one from the ship. Love to hear from shipmates

Years Served: 1958 – 1961…Hello Everyone I have wondered where some of you guys are now and what you are doing. I sent an e-mail to Phillip Marr a couple of months ago. I still remember some of the exciting times such as the typhoon (I still don’t know how many days) out of Japan. Tokyo Bay never looked so good. Everyone but Dirks got sick on that escapade. There were a couple of incidents that were probably classified. I was a Sonarman and knew what I had, but I didn’t know who it was or where they came from. I visited Chief John Tucker when I got off the ship. He was at a base near Fresno. I went to active Reserve when I got off the ship, a year later went to a year of active duty at a Reserve Center and then stayed in Active Reserve another four years. I retired from Southern Bell in 1995. I stay active in volunteer work in our Church and in our Baptist Assoc., and do a garden in the summer. Keeps me going.

Years Served: 1966-1969…2 Westpacs, 2 tours VN one up north

Years Served: 2…Hi all, served 2 years on the Eppy. Recall some good times. Especially prior to the decom. The last that I heard of her she was sold to some small island / country. Wonder if she is still floating? Take care.