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Dennis R Hughes
Years Served: 1965-1969
In remembrance of the good times , and the bad...
Bill Dobbins
Years Served: 1962-64
I enjoyed my time on the Boyd at sea in the Pacific.
I have great memories of a good ship and crew.
8)
Bill Sprague
Years Served: 1958-1963
Hi I was the cook / baker aboard the USS Boyd, hope to hear from some of the old shipmates, enjoyed the WesPac cruises to Hong Kong, Japan, Tawain an all the other places we had liberty........1958-1963 I reside Milwaukee WI...left the Navy E-6 after 12 yrs 2 tours mekong Delta Nam 68-70..... my email address is highway@wi.rr.com
Richard Cotterall
Years Served: 1964, 1965
I worked as a Damage Control striker for Petty Officer Peppers, made third class on board ship, 2nd class in Reserves after getting off active duty. Made one trip to Vietnam. Got out of the Navy in 1967, joined the Los Angeles Fire Department and spent 40 years reaching the position of Captain II. Retired at the end of 2007. Hope all my shipmates that are still alive, are in good health.
Dick Roark
Years Served: 1958-1962
I was a RM2 and made two West-Pac cruises on the Boyd. I believe I remember Bill Sprague (see above) slinging hash for the boys and another cook who was the designated rescue swimmer, complete with knife in teeth! Can't remember his name. My best buddies were Jim Lolkus (RM2) and who now lives in Minnesota (again) and Ken Hoadley (IC2). I have lived in Singapore since 1986 and have grandchildren here. Virtually my whole navy experience was spend aboard Boyd. What a great 2100 Tin Can. In the end, the navy nuked it. Rest In Peace.
Dan Davenport
Years Served: 1965 - 1968
Regards to all who served on this worthy and speedy ship. Does anyone remember the high speed run we did off Vietnam (probably 1967 WESTPAC cruise) where we outran a cruiser and another, newer, destroyer? Fun time!
Best to all my shipmates.
Charles L. Bayman
Years Served: 1953 - 1957
Came aboard at Mare Island in dry dock a Seaman. Left at San Diego as ET2.
Jerry Soderquist
Years Served: Dec 1958 - Dec 1962
Hello to the Boyd crew.
I served as a RDT, coming aboard in June or early July 1959 from Electronics school at Great Lakes and Radar School in Norfork. I left the Boyd and Navy (physically) as RDT2.
The Boyd was a great ship and provided us well. I have e-mail contact with a couple other radarmen and have lost contact with several others.
When I heard that the Boyd had been given to the Turkey Navy in 1969, I wasn't real happy, but she served them well and extended her career another ten years. Not too bad for a 38 year old ship that had many miles under her keel.
May you have smooth sailing ahead ---
Jerry
Paul W Newman (STG3)
Years Served: 1966-1968
A great experience. Met lots of good people and made some lifetime friends..... :D
Uearldine Devaney
Years Served: 1958-1962
I served as a BT ABORD THE BOYD FROM 58-62. I am looking for another BT who served on the Boyd from 59-63 by the name of Carl Sparks. Anyone with info please e-mail me. I am listing my email address in order to find this missing friend of mine.Any info would be appreciate it. udevaney@comcast.net
Robb Taylor
Years Served: 1958-1960
I was assigned to The USS Boyd DD-544, Commander Destroyer Squadron 15, Staff Radioman, Jan 1958, to Nov 1960. Great Ship, Great Friends, Great Memories. Robb Taylor Corsicana, Tx. rctaylor545@sbcglobal.net
Richard McCloud
Years Served: 1967-1969
I was MM and left ship when it was sold to Turkey . Looking for a BT by the name Lovel Pennel aka Appel . You can find reunions in the American Legion and VFW magazines . Also you can get list of some crew by going to NAVSOURCE , photo archives , destroyers , Boyd , scroll to bottom for reunion contact .
Dannis Lozano
Years Served: 1962 thru 1965
Hope to hear from other BTs. I have fond memories of the Boyd.
William 'Spud' Murphy
Years Served: 1955-1957
I served as a EM3 when I was discharged in San Diego in Sept of 57. I returned to the farm in N.Dak. and continue to farm until a few years ago. I would not have traded my experience in the Navy for anything and my time on the Boyd was mostly good--except for the storms. I meet with so many people I still think of today--I saw cities and sights I never would have had the chance to experience without this time in the navy.
Earl F. Sanphy SKC
Years Served: 1958 - 1962
After defeating my sea-sickness, I enjoyed my tour of duty on the BOYD. I was saddened to hear of her decommissioning. The few WesPac cruises bring back many memories. My favorite times was Carrier Escort in the Taiwan Straites and liberty in Sasebo, Japan. Also enjoyed Yokosuka, at the Seaman's Club. :) :) Many memories.........
Charles Patrick Foley
Years Served: 1951-1953
I am proud to have served on the Boyd for 21/2 years during the Korean War. I went on to become as college professor of history after my discharge from the navy and taught history for forty-five years. Focusing especially on Catholic history, I have written three books and contributed about forty-five contributions to other books, received knighthood from the King of Spain honoring my work, and wrote an essay for Pope John Paul II, for which I received a papal medallion for that effort. My wife is a retired teacher of special education of Hispanic heritage, and we have a son, a daughter and five grandchildren. I earned my B.A. in history from Chico State College in California, my M.A. in history from the Jesuit Santa Clara University, and my Ph.D. in history from the University of New Mexico.
26 comments
I served on the USS Boyd from late 1965 thru mid 1967, I was the dispersing clerk, my office was under the stairs at the head of the chow line. I am looking for my friend Richard Langlois, he was the barber. Gerald Petersen.
After serving on the USS Satyr in Vietnam applied for PC School. After School became the Postal Clerk on the USS Boyd. We were on an assignment headed to Vietnam but got as far as Hawaii. Our ship was sold to Turkey, so returned to the states.
I remember Bob Straw and have a few stories… He was one of the strongest little guys and he won? 1st place ironman in Hawaii beating me and I man I can’t remember who took 3rd place… He used to do one handed him ups using a “motor starting pull rope.” He tried to teach me.. I served 1961 to 1965 and was high lined to the USS Hassayampa AO145 then transfer to San Francisco for discharge. Great times.
To,: Marge Riley,
Sorry to hear about Paul. I was on the Boyd with him in the supply dept. We shared the same office.
He mainly did food resupplies.
Looking for cruise books for 66,67,68,69. Thanks Bruce Crawford MM3
My brother Paul Sandys served on USS Boyd from 1964 to 1967. Based out of San Diego, California. Sadly he passed on in 1968.
My dad (Lawrence Acklin)served on the USS Boyd , not sure what years, He was in boot camp in 1955 he passed away in February of 2015
Hello my name is Timothy Velasquez. My father Johnnie Velasquez served on th Boyd 2-3-64 through 6-3-66 SMSA PACFLT. This was his first and last assignment on the Boyd before getting transfered to the USS Gurke. I have a picture of some of you in the Rainbow Bar in Tokyo. If anybody knows my Dad I’d love to chit chat.
Robert (Bob) Straw passed away on 04/11/24. He served on the USS Boyd from approximately March 1960 until February 1964. I am the son in law and hoping to get some photos or stories for my wife about his time in the Navy. We would absolutely love anything that anyone can offer for stories about Bob and his time in the service. His funeral will be held July 29th @9am at the
Robert (Bob) Straw passed away on 04/11/24. He served on the USS Boyd from approximately March 1960 until February 1964. I am the son in law and hoping to get some photos or stories for my wife about his time in the Navy. We would absolutely love anything that anyone can offer for stories about Bob and his time in the service. Pictures would be unreal as he has none of his time served. His funeral will be held July 29th @9am at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery located in Fernley, NV if anyone is interested in attending. Meeting someone who served with Bob would be absolutely amazing. Thank you for reading this post and I hope to hear from someone regarding any of this.
Hey Augie good to hear from you. You cut my hair many times!
I arrived on the Boyd May 1962 I was 17 went right to the deck with bosun WIllie running the show LOL I was in mount 5" 38 that’s were I lost my hearing LOL chipping lead paint, haze grey, red lead (yes it was lead) primer on everything. Sanding and painting pipe insulation (yes it was asbestos) no masks no hearing protect it was the old Navy. I remember losing an anchor off San Clemente Island for bombardment training. Anchor got stuck in the bottom bridge tried every way to get off finally we dogged it down and backed away with speed and anchor link went through the front bulkhead.
Oh so many days in the Tawain Straits then to the best port in the world Kaohsiung!
I loved the time at sea I would sit on a bollard and watch the whales, flying fish, dolphins, sea snakes, man of wars and the rest of the sea life LOVED IT!!
As a Yeoman second-class I served aboard the Boyd from 1952 to1955. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
Dec 1958 was assigned to USS McDERMUT DD 677 Transfer to USS BOYD DD544 4/30/1958. 1st WESPAC cruise on Boyd 1959. Returned and received orders to be part of Recom crew USS Oklahoma City CLG5 June 1960.Made RM2 on OK City. Remember Roark and Laughlin , Kirby, Lolkus (was always envious of Jim he never had to shave) if I remember correctly. Had a great Captain H C behner. Can Navy was the best but they had ice cream machines on the cruiser.
Served on Boyd from apx. June 1964-Oct 1967. Worked as Damage Controlman under 1st class Peppers.
Served aboard Boyd from early 1960 until just before West Pac cruise in 1961. Was aboard during dry dock In Long Beach and shake down after dry dock. Seaman 1st. class assigned sec. 2 (aft). Was bowman and refurbished Captain’s Gig during dry dock. Remember Bill Sprague, Mike Paul, Jack Tiner and others. Mike was a SK and Jack was a signalman if memory serves me correctly.
served aboard 1965,66,and 68 till decommissioned in 1969 some may remember me shipserviceman operating the ship store and ordering items for 🚢 ship members for back home and some time helped with laundry among other things and during the Vietnam War was in the forward 5 inch gunmount
GMG on Mt.53 67/68.Doc Heltsley splinted up both my hands after a 5” projectile bounced out of the tray and landed on them while firing 10 rds.rapid fire.Gas ejection air not working.LOL
I came on board about Jun 1961. I was an ETRSN at that time. We did a few sea trials right after I arrived. My understanding was the Boyd had just gone through an overhaul. Shortly after that we left SD on a Westpac cruise. Met lots of great guys while on board. I was in OI Division, RDs and ETs. Did another Westpac cruise in 1963. Looking for 2 guys in particular: Gil Cunningham ET and James Choate RD, but would like to hear from any shipmates.
I was on board 1968 – 1969 when sold to Turkey. Served with the Yarbrough brothers. Learned a lot and had a great time.
Anyone on Boyd 66-69 please email me.
Thanks