USS Nitro Shipboard Crewbook Signin's

USS Nitro (AE-2/AE-23) Association

1990's
Shipboard Crewbook Signin's
http://www.ussnitro.org/1990.htm

EM-3 RAS Division '87-'90
Jeff Oltman Joltman@aol.com
Clarksville IN USA - Tuesday, 15 Jul 1997 at 08:24:03

SERVED ON THE DUKE OF EARLE FROM 89 TO 93 AS SN IN SECOND DIVISION. INTERESTED TO TALK WITH ANYONE FROM THE SHIP ESPECIALLY IN THE SAME TIME PERIOD.
MICHAEL A SHARPE MIKEANDMARGARET@WEBTV.NET
BOYNTON FL USA - Monday, 27 Oct 1997 at 21:35:00

MM3 M-Division April 1992-Decommissioning April 28, 1995
Mike Meyer mikemeyer@home.com
Medford NJ USA - Sunday 28 Dec 1997 at 09:11:52

I served aboard the U.S.S. Nitro AE-23 From Jan 1993 to Dec 1994. I was an OS3 serving in OI Division. I was generally by my nickname of "Enos". The Nitro was the first ship I reported to. I had a lot of memories from my time serving aboard her. I was hoping to contact anybody who had served onboard the same time period.
Heath D. Coffield m5m5n5py@coastalnet.com
Bethel Park PA USA -Tuesday, 30 Dec 1997 at 08:28:09

SR in First division from 1990 to 1991. First and only tour in Persion Gulf.
Erik Bradford ragewulf@geocities.com URL:www.geocities.com/timessquare/fortress/
Coventry RI USA - Tuesday, 06 Jan 1998 at 04:43:33

I was in the lpo of OE division from Sep of 91 till May of 95
Gary Cottrell deb@mwr.is
Westport MA USA - Sunday, 18 Jan 1998 at 16:31:35

MM3 - I served aboard her from 1993 until her decom in 1995. I was in a-gang probably working on the same reefers you were in 19-oh my God.
Rick Mehling MTRDNK@WEBTV.NET
Hampton VA USA - Tuesday, 27 January 1998 at 21:58:20

BT3, Oil King 7/89-7/91
Joel Miller joelmiller@msn.com
Madison CT USA - Wednesday, 11 Feb 1998 at 18:32:07

I served aboard the Nitro from Jan 89 until June 92. I was an mm3 in m-div. Unfortunately I have lost touch with everyone and I would enjoy getting back in touch.
Jamie Fields jamesfields@comcast.net
Monday, 16 Mar 1998 at 03:10:13

Was onboard from AUG91-DEC94. Would love to hear from anyone else onboard during that time. 2nd Div officer, A-gang, MPA.
James Fowler, LT, USNR (TAR) JFowler176@aol.com
Monterey CA USA - Monday, 25 May 1998 at 05:49:09

FUN TIMES LIKE YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE !!! ESPECIALLY ALMOST BEING LOST AT SEA WHEN NITRO TURNED SUBMARINE IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC ! HAD A GREAT TOUR AND LAID HER TO REST APRIL 28, 1995 AS PART OF THE DECOM CREW... MISS YA GIRL ! LET'S KEEP HER SPIRIT ALIVE !!! YA'LL WRITE TO ME NOW !!!
SM1(SW) DON SIPPEL JR. SIPPELDK@LAKEHURST.NAVY.MIL
COLTSNECK NJ USA - Thursday, 11 Jun 1998 at 19:45:57

it was my first ship, i was onboard from may 90 to decom. i was in 1st div,..than craft div,.than 2nd div,..it was fun tour ..it had its ups and downs...but id do it again...anyone want to drop me some e-mail please do....later....BM2 soto, luis.
luis soto Papiichlo@aol.com
ewa beach hi USA - Thursday, 11 Jun 1998 at 23:04:11

Hello all!!! This is Mick, DC2 Committee. I happened upon this website only by chance, I came into contact With Matt (YN2 Halloran) and he told me about this... I would like to say hi and remember a few people and maybe stir up some old laughs.... Let's start with Robby, we all remember his stupid laugh and all the time he spent on the signal bridge with sm2 davenport!!!! about dc2 Klimko, dcfn meyer we all remember his stink.. or how about Gregg, Junor, Pettaway, Coleman, Fenske, Minard, Debenham, Berge, let us not forget the one and only DC2 Steve Weidner,Whom by the way is now DCC Weidner...Congrats! How about Fn Joel Carse Who is now DC2 (SW)(AW) Carse. Anybody I forgot I'm sorry. Hey who remembers the pier party in Crete?? If you do you must have been on duty at the time because there was alot of beer and food consumed. Well I have been going to school at A.S.U. ever since I finished up the Nav on Nov 17, 1995. I'm a Biology major and plan on a career in Forensic Science when I finally graduate. If anybody would like to contact me please E-Mail me at mickeyc25@hotmail.com Take care Shippees' .... Mick
William A. Committee mickeyc25@hotmail.com
Tempe, Arizona State University (Go Sun Devils) Az USA - Tuesday, 4 Aug 1998 at 02:42:24

EN1 I served on board from May 1993 until September of 1994.
Troy A. Daves motor@home.com
Baltimore Md USA - Friday, 07 Aug 1998 at 18:51:51

As I was going thru the list, I realized that my info is a little out of date. I was SH3 Barnette, and was the Ship's Barber from '93 to decom. When I left the Nitro, was stationed on the Cape St. George, when the doctors took me off with nerve damage to my left arm, and then was stationed to NEXCOM Fleet Assist Team. Was discharged in '97, and moved back to Alabama. Currently in school working on my Networking degree. I would like to know who will be attending the reunion in DC.
David Kyle Barnette kyle@dkbarnette.com
Thursday, 08 February 2007 15:21:00

ET2 (SW) GIPSON, ONBOARD FROM FEB 91 TO JAN 95. MOST OF YOU KNOW ME AS GIBBY. WAS STATIONED AT NAS PENSACOLA IN FLORIDA. MS2 MARTINA AND LT DAVIS WAS THERE AS WELL AS BMCS GALLAGHER. I JUST RECENTLY SEPARATED IN JUNE 98 AND I'M CURRENTLY WORKING FOR SPRINT AS A NETWORK ENGINEER IN RESTON VIRGINIA. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTACT ME IF YOU KNEW WHO I WAS THEN GO RIGHT AHEAD AND I'LL TRY TO REPLY QUICKLY. ROBERT L. GIPSON.
Robert L Gipson RobGipson@mailexcite.com
fredericksburg va USA - Friday, 27 Nov 1998 at 05:29:28

My name is MM3 Mike Pickell. My E-mail address is pickms@juno.com. I'm in San Diego, CA. I served on the Nitro in M-Division from MAR '93 to decom APR '95.
Mike Pickell pickms@juno.com
San Diego CA USA - Saturday, 2 Jan 1999 at 18:56:57

ENSIGN - LIEUTENANT (LDO), RASE DIVISION OFFICER OCT 1990 -MAR 1994
ROBERT T. DAVIS RTD513@aol.com
Sunday, 21 Feb 1999 at 03:21:00

GMG3 Joe Oppenheimer 3rd Div. Served on NITRO from 89-93. Was known as "OPPY". Everyone from deck seaman to the captain called me that. Moved a lot of ammo. In the gulf, made a lot of friends and some great memories. I would love to here from anyone who served at the same time. Some crazy stuff went on during that period on Nitro would love to reminisce!
Joe Oppenheimer "OPPY" jeco@verinet.com
Ft. Collins CO USA - Saturday, 20 Mar 1999 at 17:58:33

Em2, E-Div served onboard from 1991 to Decom in 1995.
Wayne Dean DinoElectric@webtv.net
Friday, 15 Oct 1999 at 22:17:20

BT3 MIGHTY B DIV 1992-1995
RP3 HAYS USN 98 - GOD ONLY KNOWS WHEN? rp3hays@hotmail.com
Monday, 25 Oct 1999 at 20:43:46

GMGSN / Cargo Division. Served on Nitro August 1993-DECOM. Would love to hear from anyone serving onboard during the same years.
Scott Shetler scottpt1@msn.com
Monday, 10 Jan 2000 at 00:21:49

STARTED AS A SR MADE BM2 IN 93, FROM AUG 89 TO APRIL 93, TRANSFERRED IN TO SIMA IN 93, NOW IN SAN DIEGO AT ASSAULT CRAFT UNIT ONE
JOHN FULLER FULLERJ@GATEWAY.NET
SAN DIEGO CA USA - Wednesday, 02 Feb 2000 at 20:38:39

(while aboard NITRO---Lt(jg), CHC, USNR) Command Chaplain, 1990. Followed Chaps. Mike Craig and Jim Scott, and Jim Scott took over again (he was then Squadron chaplain) when I got beached for injuries I received before I got to the ship and was transferred to NNMC Bethesda immediately following the change of command from Capt. Dave Jennings to Capt. Hall (memory is fading here..he was a mustang..pretty good cookie..Had been IC1 before commissioned). I am still in contact with Capt. Jennings (we are both amateur radio operators, as was the 1st Lt., Doug Bowker), and David is retired and teaching school in South Carolina. Although my tenure aboard NITRO was short, I enjoyed serving with our crew and have fond memories of many shipmates. Oh, I arrived the day before the rest of the compliment of women came aboard, and we got underway the day after that to unrep AMERICA when she came back from her Med Cruise that year off Norfolk. That was the time we almost got "run-over" by the ABRAHAM LINCOLN, not yet commissioned but doing sea trials, in Norfolk Harbor. Wow, that was a big ship! Let's see...Bos'n Bear was still aboard, and a whole slug of folks...Oh, a funny thing I almost forgot...I also bumped into HMC Villareal while I was stationed at NH San Diego later after leaving NITRO. What a small world! Chaps Smitha - The Rev. Deanna W. Smitha, M.Div. Chaplain, Major, U. S. Air Force (ret.)
Deanna Smitha DWSMITHA@juno.com
Ventura CA USA - Wednesday, 16 Aug 2000 at 22:26:36

I was onboard from March 91 - Nov 92. I worked in "B" Division. Remember when we came back from the Gulf War? Remember when we went to the yards in "Redhook Projects" in New York. The most unfortunate part of that time in New York was when SN Moore got shot in the head for using a payphone (drug phone). I've kept in touch with a few of the females that were onboard at that time. The friends I made onboard Nitro have been nothing short of a blessing. Would love to hear from anyone that was onboard at that time.
Sandraetta Lightfoot, MR2 nitroae23@yahoo.com
Great Lakes IL USA - Sunday, 3 Sep 2000 at 19:37:40

Deck Seaman, E3, 1st Division, Oct. 1993 - Feb. 1995
Peter Boucher johnboucher@mediaone.net
Concord NH USA - Tuesday, 12 Sep 2000 at 13:11:26

BT3 Terry, I was on the USS Nitro from 86 to 90. I am still in the service but not the Navy. I am now a Marine! I am looking forward to hearing from the old crew. Semper Fi!
Timothy W Terry alexterry@ncfreedom.net
Jacksonville NC USA - Saturday, 30 Sep 2000 at 22:33:43

gmg3 from 88-92. served with oppie, fuller, poppa dogg, etc. had a lot of fun like taping gmg1 tanner to a chair and setting him on the mess decks!
Richard Whetsel whetsel@sprynet.com
Staunton VA USA - Sunday, 15 Oct 2000 at 11:42:27

I came across this website and wanted to send my mini-bio. Anyway here goes. My name is Don Fecher and I served onboard the Nitro in 1992. I was a GMG1 working in 3rd div. I went on to retire in 1995 and currently work as a Senior Military Instructor here at NWS Earle.
Don Fecher Don.Fecher@msc.navy.mil
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000 at 07:17:52

I was very pleased to find out that the there was a web page devoted to the USS Nitro. It was also nice to find out that I have a fellow sailor here in my own back yard. My name is Tony Keena and I was stationed aboard the Nitro from 88-90. I am also a Wisconsin native and am living in Milwaukee. My questions is, how do I go about locating some of the guys that I served with. I am sort of new to this e-mail stuff.
Tony Keena capadvisors@earthlink.net
Milwaukee WI USA - Monday, 01 Jan 2001 at 09:47:33

RM3/OPS/JULY93-JAN95/ MET A LOT OF GREAT PEOPLE ON THAT SHIP AND STILL SEE A FEW OF THEM TO THIS DAY. I AM LIVING IN NYC AND AM A PART OF THE NYPD. WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF THE PEOPLE I LOST TOUCH WITH.
Hugh Black RoonieButt@aol.com
Queens NY USA - Tuesday, 13 Mar 2001 at 02:51:21

Served USS NITRO AE-23 1990-1994 was B-div. Then went to DC-div.
DC3 MINARD NURSKITT2@aol.com
Thursday, 12 Apr 2001 at 09:30:36

MR1 Borkowski, was onboard the Nitro from March 86 to May 91. I was in M division. I'm on shore duty at AIMD Mayport Naval Station, FL. I retire with 20 years October 12, 2001. I would like to hear from any one in that time frame.
Richard Borkowski papaof2@mediaone.net
Jacksonville FL USA - Sunday, 29 Jul 2001 at 19:13:50

SN, 1991 - 1992, RAS. I have mostly fond memories of life onboard the Nitro, although it seems we spent more time in dry dock than we did underway. After Desert Storm we spent about 12 months at the Brooklyn ship yard and peered in Staten Island before making our way back to Earle Weapons Station. It is great to read the stories from sailors who share the same good memories of such a fine ship. Keep up the good work - Bravo Zulu
Shannon E. Smyers HM1NavyDoc@aol.com
Barberton OH USA - Thursday, 9 Aug 2001 at 21:45:24

YN2(SW) served on board from 90-94. Started as a non rate and then moved to admin. On board 2 weeks before we pulled out for the Gulf War. Miss the salt air. I would enjoy hearing from anyone on board during that time frame.
Matthew Halloran lipps66@hotmail.com
Boys Town NE USA - Thursday, 27 Sep 2001 at 08:18:38

MR1, was onboard the Nitro from March 86 to May 91. I would like to hear from any one in that time frame. I was in M division. I am now retired with 20 years.
Richard Borkowski papaof2@attbi.com
Jacksonville FL USA - Saturday, 9 Mar 2002 at 16:23:44

I was a sn in 2nd div. I served 1989-1992
John Lowrance ShellJudy@aol.com
Website - www.geocities.com/jjl1971/john.html
Terre Haute IN USA - Sunday, 14 Sep 2003 00:35:47

SERVED ONBOARD NITRO FROM 1986 -1990. LEFT AS A BM2. WAS PART OF DECK DEPARTMENT. NICK NAME WAS "ROZ"
BMC(SW) CHARLES ROSWELL C.ROSWELL@WORLDNET.ATT.NET
White River Junction VT USA - Tue, 18 Nov 2003 14:54:59

I am GM1 Bushner. I was on board the "Duke of Earle" from Sep 87 - Jan 93. I was in 3rd division with GMG1 Berman, and Stark, Fuller, Whetzel, McKenna, Boyd, Fester, Rodriguez, Dixon, Oppenheimer, Howard, Thrasher, and so many others in a span of five years. Great bunch of guys to have known and worked with. we work hard and we played hard. I went on 1 six month cruise in the Mediteranean, and 1 two month cruise in the Mediteranean to support Desert Shield, and 1 four month cruise in the Arabian Gulf to support Desert Storm. Went to Gitmo 3 times for REFTRA. Went to New York for the Shipyards 3 times, what an experience that was. I think I was pretty well familiar with New York City by the time I left New Jersey. I would like to hear from my shipmates if they would like to reminisce. bushnerm@tortuga.navy.mil I will be retiring from the Navy Dec. 8 2006.
Michael Bushner bushnerm@tortuga.navy.mil
Monday, 4 Oct 2004 19:20:44

I was on the NITRO from Dec. 87 to Oct. 90, serving as Commo and E Division officer. Would love to hear from some folks who served back then.
Dennis Keathley
Lebanon TN USA - Saturday, 9 Oct 2004 23:10:05

I was Chaplain aboard USS NITRO (AE-23) 1989-1992. I served as Tours Officer on a med deployments, CMEO manager, Navy Relief Coordinator, Red Cross Message Responder, COMREL (Command Religious Program Community Projects) and "First Kiss" reunion planner.
Michael Richard Craig, LCDR, CHC, USN mcraig@si.rr.com
Staten Island NY USA - Sunday, 12 Dec 2004 20:13:51

As MM2 McKenzie in A gang and M Division, I served onboard the Nitro from early 1990 until I got out of the Navy in April 1993. I have lost touch with everyone from the old days. I am now the training officer for our fire department as well as the Regional homeland security training coordinator. Different job, same mission.
Kevin McKenzie mfdfireman230@yahoo.com
McComb MS USA - Thursday, 10 Feb 2005 at 22:28:21

I was on the Nitro Deck Division and RAS division from Feb 1993 to Jan 1995. After that went on to the Seabees NMCB 74 then got out and went to the Marines 2/5 H&S Comm plt. 4 4 years. Im currently in the Army National guard serving in Afghanistan till July 2006. Master Chief Vissel is here on our unit (Small world). He was on the U.S.S. Butte.
Dave Eli Marrero sniperdave0704@aol.com
Ft Lauderdale FL - Monday, 16 Jan 2006 at 10:59

Had some of the best times on the nitro back in 1990-1994. Kept in contact with a few of them still to this day. have even serve with some at other commands after. Nitro was my first ship and still is my favorite command out of all of them i have serve at.i just finished another tour in earle on the "Dirty D" and let me tell you that place has not changed.well anyone from my era wants to contact me my email is osr023@yahoo.com i am currently stationed in key west fl,and let me tell you it sucks being one of only a couple Bm1 here because they turn to you for help.lots of memories on the nitro and some good sea stories to exchange if you want. later
Malcolm, David BM1 (NASKW N3P) osr023@yahoo.com
Key West FL USA - 23 Feb 2006 at 09:24:00

1991-1994 GMG3 PEDDICORD "SPIDEY" CARGO DIV. MET THE DUKE OF EARL IN THE BROOKLYN SHIP YARD AFTER THE IOWA WAS DECOMMED. SERVED WITH HOWARD, OPPY, HAYWOOD, BUSHNER, RIGGLEMAN, MUELLER, VACHON, THOMPSON, WYLER, CHIEF TAYLOR, CHIEF WALLACE, GMG1 WILLIAMS, AND MANY MORE. MY NICKNAME WAS "SPIDEY" DUE TO THE COMICS I RECEIVED. HAD MANY GOOD TIMES AND MISS ALL YOU GUYS! DROP ME A LINE IF YOUR OUT THERE! REMEMBER THE GLOWSTICK PARTY ON THE FLIGHT DECK HALLOWEEN NITE?? INSANE OR PARTYING IN SPAIN AND SCOTLAND! THE TRIPS TO THE LIMELITE??? SID, BUCK, HOWARD, FRENCHY, TOMCAT WHERE R U GUYS???? REACH ME AT:
Timothy Peddicord jeepjeeps@msn.com
Baltimore MD USA - Tuesday, 23 May 2006 at 18:20:06

Member of USS Nitro AE-23 94 to 95.
Devida Hathorn Devida.Hathorn@associates.dhs.gov
Wednesday, 11 October 2006 16:58:00

I was on the Nitro from approx. 1991-1993. I was in B-Div. I was known as the boiler mechanic. I met alot of cool people during my time. I would love to hear from anyone who knows me.
Ronald Kulhanek rekulhanek@wowway.com
Trenton MI USA - Thursday, 7 Dec 2007

LT OPS (Ops Officer) from Jan 94 until decom in Apr 95. I still have the torn ACL from the NWS Earle Championship Softball game the day before we deployed to the Med in summer 94. Nitro was a lot of fun and had such a great crew. I'm a civilian now and work in Norfolk and still live in Virginia Beach. Rock on, shipmates!
John Mihalkovic jpmihalk@hotmail.com
Friday, 05 Jan 2007 at 20:58:00

DC2 87-91 i would like to hear from friends and shipmates
tim thompson timmytfla@yahoo.com
Friday, August 10, 2007 at 05:04:00

OS3 SAVAGE 1989-1993
Michelle Savage savages@fulton-net.com
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 13:53:00

was stationed onboard from dec88 until aug92. i was in RAS, currently recruiting in my home town just waiting to retire next year. where in the hell did all the time go. i will truely miss the navy. i have had a few dreams of roaming the p-ways of " THE DUKE OF EARLE" if anyone would like to stay in touch please e-mail me. take care shpmates and god speed to you all.
Pat Fetter p.fetter@comcast.net
Saturday, 24 November 2007 12:29:00

I served aboard Nitro from 87-91. I worked in the OPS division as ET2. I worked with Holloway, Lane, Hartley, Lepine, Agee. I would love to hear from anyone that might remember me to talk about old times. I was from Alabama but currently live in Northern NJ.
James Sims Jksims2k5@comcast.net
Long Valley NJ USA - Wednesday, 05 December 2007 13:18:00

Hello, I was then MS3 Joseph Cowman, I worked in the Captains Mess as his Cook. I came onboard while we were in Diego Garcia during Desert Storm in Febuary of 1991 and stayed onboard till we got to that horrible Shipyard in Redhook Brooklyn. And stayed onboard for a few months later while in Redhook until I was sent TAD to Naval Station Philadelphia. Until the end of my enlistment. A great Ship. and a Great Great Crew.I miss them days alot. I met alot of great people, Take Care Shipmates, And a great WebPage ,dedicated to all those who served.
Joseph Cowman joeswalkers@yahoo.com
Chillicothe Ohio USA - Thursday, 13 December 2007 16:11:00

I was onboard the Nitro from Dec 1993 to April 1995. (Decommissioning crew) I left there as a BT3 under the watchful eye of BT1 Everett. Noted friends were "Big AL" Allen, "Big E" Evans, "Louie" Shea, Fred Hayes...and many many more
Kerry McDonald kerryamanda@bellsouth.net
Northport AL USA - Saturday, 29 December 2007 13:33:00

I was on the Nitro from July 1991 to decommission. I was the shops Bos'n. I didnt know the Nitro was having a reunion in DC. The next day I was there for the USS Lawrence reunion. I would like to hear from Bob Davis. I would like to hear from my old crew
Duane Adams duaneadams30@yahoo.com
Sunday, 06 January 06at 20:06:00

Was onboard 1st Div from Dec90-Decom. I was a SN, the best div onboard the "DUKE OF EARLE". I remember the great and bad times onboard the ship. The time were we couldn't even get underway, going down to GITMO, the time that we got towed to VA and the tow ship ran us into the buoy. But we persevered and got the job done. We moved some ammo. Those days on the Nitro set the path for my naval career. I will never forget the Ship. I love what i do every day defend this country and train the future of our navy everyday here at Great Lakes. Drop me an email if you want to contact me. one more thing can't forget BMC Davis, BM1 Brinkley, BM1 Lemasters etc......
From: "Mauro E. Guevara, BMCS TSC GL" mauro.guevara@navy.mil
Thursday, 24 April 2008 at 15:55:00

Served on board 1990-1992 Started out in the deck division (1st). Moved into the Supply department first working with the ammo and 3rd division then down into the "pit" dealing with all you skallywags handling financials. Departed the navy in 1998 as Sk2(SW)
Rick Ramsey rramsey@hawaii.rr.com
Thursday, 08 May 2008 at 13:56:00

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