USS Constellation Blog: “Memories of Connie”
August 26, 2014
The mighty USS Constellation left Washington shores just a few weeks ago. As her long and final journey to be scrapped in Texas began, Connie’s many admirers have shared with us some of their stories and memories of times spent aboard one of the Navy’s most celebrated aircraft carriers. Here are just a few of the messages we’ve received.
“I served aboard the Connie from 1974 to 1976 as a Radioman. When I arrived the Vietnam war was ending and the ship was getting ready to go out to sea for 30 days; hence the name Lucky. I became a Shellback during the equator crossing in the Indian Ocean and spent some tense times when the President sent the Connie down the Persian Gulf to stop aggressive attacks. I want to send out a big thank you to all who served aboard such a Majestic Ship. She will never be forgotten.”- RMSN Michael “Lucky” P. Turpin
Ronald Pierantozzi served on the Connie from 1979 to 1982 and shared a number of excellent old photos of the carrier that he owns, including these two taken in New York City:
“She’ll always hold a special place in my heart,” says James C. “Jim” Comfort, Engineering E-division, on the USS Constellation. “I was stationed on her while she was undergoing complete overhaul in Bremerton, WA when my daughter had the honor of being the first baby of the New Year in Kitsap County in 1984. The cruise a few weeks later to San Diego was memorable due to the cars on the flight deck as well as families being able to ride down on the ship. Good memories, all. Thanks, old girl.”
Michael Erwin, a Port Captain for Foss in Richmond, CA, shared a letter his family received after his brother Jeff received a Letter of Commendation from the Commanding Officer of VF-154 in 1987:
Nels Ingram served aboard from 1987 to 1990 in the ASMOD, Ops. and earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare crossed sabers and Aviation Warfare wings. “I experienced the joy of liberty and the sorrow of lost comrades. I felt the fear of fire fighting and the thrill of ‘contact’ in the Gulf of Alaska. I served with many, yet only knew a few. Fair winds and following seas to our Connie and all who served aboard.”
“Boarded her in 1976 as a 17 year old and left her a man, at 21. Three WestPacs. Returned later for the 2001 tiger cruise, and was aboard and at sea on September 11.”- Steven C. Haile
Bill Arthur and Tom Armstrong took similar photos, honoring the Connie’s final voyage:
The respect and pride that so many men and women feel for this “Majestic Ship,” as Michael Turpin called her fondly, is undeniable. We welcome more of your stories and photos as Connie continues her voyage, and look forward to hearing even more of the memories made aboard the USS Constellation.
Laundry officer 1964, S-3 1965, Wardroom Officer S- 5 1966 -1967. Two Wespac Cruises. Stayed in the reserve for 30 years.Retired 1994 as Deputy Foreign Policy Advisor USCINCPAC. A great career started aboard Connie.