Amchitka Archived
Guestbook Log Files

2 January 1999 through 20 February 2005

Last:

soto

First:

heriberto

Address:

new york, new york

E_Mail:

heriberto645@aol.com

WebsiteURL:

no website

Remote User:

Date:

12 Nov 2002

Time:

08:57:13

Comments

I am happy to see a website about Amchitka, I was stationed TDY as a radioman during project "long Shot" for 6 months I volunteered, it was quiet extra pay and not much military duties except radio ops which I loved it, this happened just after the Alaska earthquake of 1964, so thanks for the memories, I remember seen a destroyed P-38 in the junk yard Herb

Last:

Stuart

First:

Douglas

Address:

US Fish and Wildlife

E_Mail:

Doug Stuart@fws.gov

WebsiteURL:

none..

Remote User:

Date:

08 Apr 2003

Time:

18:16:38

Comments

Am naturalist for FWS and am always looking for information on the Aleutians to pass along to my passenger attendies to my programs aboard the M/V Tustumena

Last:

Smith

First:

Joy

Address:

Texas

E_Mail:

jsmithm@repsolypf.com

WebsiteURL:

jsmithm@repsolypf.com

Remote User:

Date:

17 Jul 2003

Time:

12:13:30

Comments

My father worked at Amchitka during the nuclear testing and I am looking for clues to what companies used to work on the island.

Last:

Lowndes

First:

Chris

Address:

UK

E_Mail:

lowndes_chris@hotmail.com

WebsiteURL:

not applicable

Remote User:

Date:

21 Jul 2003

Time:

08:20:18

Comments

I am trying to find out about visiting the Western Aleutian chain. I know it is possible to reach Adak Island, but how can I travel further west (or even eastwards from Kamchatka?). Are there and charter operators or shipping companies who may ply the route to connect the Western Aleutian islands with the Russian Far East?

Last:

Burrage

First:

Shirley

Address:

Puyallup, Wa

E_Mail:

Momburrage@aol.com

WebsiteURL:

don't have one

Remote User:

Date:

18 Aug 2003

Time:

17:18:07

Comments

My Dad, George M. Gray, worked for the US Corp of Engineers on Amchitka 1943 or thereabouts. He passed away years ago, but I remember some of the stories he told .... like the Japanese sub surfacing in the harbor, building the airstrip, etc. I'd like to know more about what his life was like there. He was a cook/baker, and lked to play cards, so maybe someone remembers him, or even has photos to share with me. Thank you!

Last:

Demetros

First:

Jim

Address:

Phoenix, Az

E_Mail:

jdemetros@hotmail.com

WebsiteURL:

noner

Remote User:

Date:

11 Sep 2003

Time:

19:41:32

Comments

I was a member of the 176th Ordnance Detachment (EOD) at Ft. Richardson from Oct 67-May69 during that time we traveled to Amchitka about 3 times to destroy ammunition left from WWII. There was lots of old ammo remaining and we did our best to search the whole island. Lots of consruction workers and drill rig operators where there preparing for one of the nuclear tests. We also met fish and wildlife people studying and preparing for the effects the blasts would have. We explored many military outposts from the war. We flew in and out on Reeves Aleutian Airways, which was always an interesting ride. I have some pictures from our activities there. We rattled the scientists seismographs quite a few times. This is a great website and I really enjoyed the stories and pictures.

Last:

Welsh

First:

Jack

Address:

California

E_Mail:

welsh@tcnuts.com

WebsiteURL:

tcnuts.com

Remote User:

Date:

21 Oct 2003

Time:

13:41:18

Comments

I was flying as a flight engineer in a Military NC-135 aircraft about 2 to 3 miles from ground zero when they set off the Cannikin bomb. Although we were at about 200 ft AGL we still felt the shock wave. The ocean turned white and frothed for about 15 minutes as far as the eye could see over the horizon. I have my own 8 MM movie of the event. I'm sure glad they are remediating the event. Hopefully successfully.

Last:

Rough

First:

Dave

Address:

UK

E_Mail:

davidrough@hotmail.com

WebsiteURL:

Idonthaveone

Remote User:

Date:

29 Nov 2003

Time:

14:06:51

Comments

If anyone reads this and would be able to pass me advise on how to cross alautien islands by boat (not cruise ship!) I would be very intersted and thankful. I plan to travel from petropavlovsk - aleutian islands - alaska/canada thx Dave

Last:

Wilkins

First:

Michael

Address:

Anchorage, ALASKA

E_Mail:

drredbones@yahoo.com

WebsiteURL:

SECRET (HA)

Remote User:

Date:

21 Dec 2003

Time:

00:00:46

Comments

Hey folk's, I was on Amchitka in the early 90's providing support for FSSC-DET 1, Fleet Surveillance Support Command, there were probobly over a 100 Navy personell along with a whole slew of support people like Raytheon for the ROTHER system,Relocatable over the Horizen radar. I have some good pics of the Waukesha engines, Old O club and national forest,church air terminal along with some neat patches on hats and t-shirts. I will have to scan them one day and post them here. Take Care, Mike

Last:

perry

First:

ron

Address:

los angeles

E_Mail:

webeperry@earthlink.net

WebsiteURL:

http://home.earthlink.net/~webeperry/

Remote User:

Date:

29 Dec 2003

Time:

21:45:35

Comments

visited your island in 83' while in the Marine Corps. Saw show on discovery wings about the islands/ Just thought I'd check you out... cool site! Thanks, Ron

Last:

Libby

First:

Robert

Address:

Pearland Tx

E_Mail:

txcap44@sbcglobal.net

WebsiteURL:

none/n/a

Remote User:

Date:

19 Jan 2004

Time:

00:34:45

Comments

Just Nosing through. Shemya resident in 1960

Last:

denton

First:

william (Bill)

Address:

Palmdale, ca

E_Mail:

williamdenton@hotmail.com

WebsiteURL:

no website

Remote User:

Date:

26 Jan 2004

Time:

13:40:55

Comments

I was stationed on Amchitka from May 1947 to May 1948 with Capt Edward Reynolds as the detachment commander and Lt Stephen Hrindrich. I was aradio operator there. I remember the old fighter strip at Constantine Harbor lined with jeeps and trucks. The beached freighter, sea otters, rats. Probably hiked around a 5 mile radius. Lived first in a quonset hut before we built or rebuilt a one story warehouse for living quarters.I should ad I was in the 120th aacs detachment. Left on a c-47 to Adak. Left Adak about May 4/6 1948 on a troopship to Seattle.

Last:

John

First:

Pringle

Address:

Seattle, WA

E_Mail:

JPri901298@aol.com

WebsiteURL:

not any

Remote User:

Date:

14 Feb 2004

Time:

18:29:17

Comments

Was stationed on Shemya in '49/50 with NWA. remember weather was WOXOF day after day on AMC reports.

Last:

DUNCAN

First:

LEWIS

Address:

BARTLESVILLE, OKLAHOMA

E_Mail:

lddjkd@cableone.net

WebsiteURL:

NONE AVAILABLE

Remote User:

Date:

18 Feb 2004

Time:

21:27:11

Comments

STATIONED ON AMCHITKA 1965 OPERATION LONGSHOT. TDY FROM 11TH SIG. FT. LEWIS, WASH. MOS TELETYPE REPAIRMAN. HAD LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH AMCHITKA... WOULD LOVE TO VISIT AGAIN.

Last:

Trainer

First:

Joe

Address:

Houston

E_Mail:

joetrainer@aol.com

WebsiteURL:

None-1

Remote User:

Date:

23 Apr 2004

Time:

17:45:40

Comments

I participated in Operation Long Shot in 1964.

Last:

Herold

First:

George

Address:

West Melbourne, FL 32904

E_Mail:

S72eeggor@webtv.net

WebsiteURL:

None

Remote User:

Date:

04 Jul 2004

Time:

23:12:20

Comments

Was shipwrecked on Amchitka June 1942 for a week. Submarine USS S27 sank 500 yards off S/E tip of island. Walked across island to Constantine Harbor and stayed at a deserted village, 6 houses and a church. Had been bombed by enemy, three houses destroyed. Laid low for six days as Kiska was quite near. Picked up by PBYs of PATWING4 at Dutch Harbor. No casualties, all 50 of us survived.

Last:

Herold

First:

George

Address:

W. Melbourne FL

E_Mail:

GeorgeSS132@webtv.net

WebsiteURL:

no web site

Remote User:

Date:

07 Jul 2004

Time:

16:34:49

Comments

Looking for people in PATWING4, spring & summer 1942. Will answer all. - Geo. Herold

Last:

Hill

First:

Andrew

Address:

Anchorage

E_Mail:

andyahill2003@yahoo.com

WebsiteURL:

www.geocities.com/andyahill2003

Remote User:

Date:

29 Jul 2004

Time:

16:44:26

Comments

I worked there as a drill hand taking soil samples from the pads for the radar system in 91(I think). I did plenty of exploring and actually had a pretty good time there. Very beautiful coastlines and quite a bit of wildlife. The island has quite the history behind it. From WWII and the nuke tests. Take care. Andrew

Last:

McGinnis

First:

Robert

Address:

Amarillo, TX

E_Mail:

mcginnis@arn.net

WebsiteURL:

www.arnet

Remote User:

Date:

19 Aug 2004

Time:

21:43:32

Comments

My father was Captain Clifford F. McGinnis who was Post Engineer on Amchitka Dec. 1944-Jan. 1946. I'd be pleased to hear from any who might have known or served with him. Good Website.

Last:

Craft

First:

Jerry

Address:

Roseville, Ca.

E_Mail:

samson@ulink.net

WebsiteURL:

none at present

Remote User:

Date:

29 Aug 2004

Time:

01:44:31

Comments

Transferred to Amchitka from Adak in Jan '47 and was stationed there until my year was up (in Jun '47) and I returned to the states. Worked crypto center in the big Birchwood Hangar where our detachment commander, Capt. Reynolds, spent many an hour telling us about his flying experiences over Germany in WW II. A damaged RB-29 sat in the center of the hangar, awaiting parts; it served as a backdrop whenever we watched a movie while seated on bleacher seats. When not working I spent a lot of time " scouting the island." My favorite site was the huge ammo dump where we all helped ourselves to hand grenades, etc. left over from WW II. Serving there was quite an experience; I got my third stripe a month before leaving. When I returned to the Aleutians a year later, as crypto NCOIC out of Adak, I visited Amchitka a number of times, where a fellow-staff sgt. was not in charge of the entire island. His name was "Ritchie," and he made sure that the cook served the best food in the entire chain. I wouldn't have traded my two tours in these islands for all the tea in China. I 'd love to go back and see what the years have changed.

Last:

Rhode

First:

L W (Bill)

Address:

Florida

E_Mail:

billourhd1@juno.com

WebsiteURL:

godlydiamonds.com

Remote User:

Date:

08 Oct 2004

Time:

00:43:58

Comments

I'm happy to see that someone has had the foresight to construct a page about my home during the summer through December of 1948. I remember taking a trip to the other side of the island from the base, where a bay was located. In that inlet, there were hundreds of sea lions and many of them were floating on their backs, cracking open clams and mussels. I worked in the Air Corps stations electrical power plant as an operator and maintenance man.

Last:

HAPMAN

First:

WILLIAM

Address:

PHOENIX AZ

E_Mail:

BILLHAPE@HOTMAIL.COM

WebsiteURL:

NONE AT THIS TJME

Remote User:

Date:

09 Oct 2004

Time:

21:18:56

Comments

I WAS STATIONED THERE TN THE 60S. OPERATION LONG SHOT.

Last:

Briggs

First:

Sandra

Address:

sadly Columbia, Missouri

E_Mail:

akbubbles56@yahoo.com

WebsiteURL:

http://www.beautipage.com/sbriggs/

Remote User:

Date:

03 Nov 2004

Time:

17:32:29

Comments

I worked for Piquniq Mgmt Corp from 1990 - 1993 in the Billeting office. I met the man of my dreams on Amchitka, Dan Monteleone. I will never forget my time spent on the island. All the parties we had, the Variety Shows we did, the bon fires on the beach, the gazebo we built every Summer. Oh God and the beach parties with the crab we traded the fisherman for beer. The hog Alex roasted. The Christmas when Pete was head cook and made the ice sculpture. Prime Rib & Strawberry shortcake every Sunday. All the people that walked into my life in some for or another during my time out there. I've lost touch with everyone after moving to Missouri, but hopefully some of them will end up here and shoot me an email. Amchitka holds a very special place in my heart, even though it cost me a child I will always treasure the place I found love. I hope to get back to Alaska one day. God & Goddess blessing ~~ Sandy

Last:

B.

First:

David

Address:

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

E_Mail:

david_b_73110@yahoo.com

WebsiteURL:

Don't have one.

Remote User:

Date:

16 Jan 2005

Time:

11:13:07

Comments

I was there just prior to the "CANNIKIN EVENT". I was assigned to the USAF 3rd Mobile Communications Group, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City. My duty was to operate and maintain the diesel generator driven electrical power plant vans to provide electrical power for the USAF Troposcatter Radio Communications site. I recall this was for communications to Adak island. I was TDY for 90 days on 2 different occassions. Although a remote assignment, I had a great time on the island. Lots of "beach combing" and hiking all over the island. Amchitka Island was "history rich", and was one of the highlights of my 20 years in the USAF. The Atomic Energy Commission had many agencies working there. I remember the crew that maintained the road between the North and South Camps would occasionally uncover hand grenades while operating the roadgrader. This website is a great find. thank you! David. Our Motto was "Danger is no stranger to a Ground Power Ranger.

Last:

Ron

First:

Fulcher

Address:

Charlotte NC

E_Mail:

ron.fulcher@bellsouth.com

WebsiteURL:

www.realpages.com

Remote User:

Date:

16 Jan 2005

Time:

15:29:58

Comments

My Dad, Clarence Fulcher from FIeldale, Virginia served in the Aleautians during WW2. He was in the US Army Ordance on detached duty with the Air Corps, Aviation Ordnance, as a munitions worker. He was in Aleautians from June 10 1943 til Dec 24 1944, landing on Attu during mop-up, clean up from the battle, was at Kiska, & spent a lot of time on Amchitka & some other islands. He worked cleaning up booby traps & explosives after Attu battle & on Kiska, building air strips, revetments & other installations on various islands, maintaining supplies of ammunution & bombs, repaired/unjammed guns for bomber aircraft,& worked in a gun shop with a Seargeant Fisher. He was injured Sept 21 1944, & in military hospital thereafter on Amchitaka & in US for 11 months. His unit went on to the US & to the battlle of Okinawa while he was in the hospital. He remembers mud, raisin jack whiskey, williwaw storms, awful weather, some Japanese air raid acitivity, an incident w a Japanese stragler in a mess tent, crawling down a cargo net into an landing craft, & very long March to go clean booby traps off an Attu dock, blowing up a Japanese ammo dump. His ship, a converted liner, almost sank in a typhoon or williwaw going home, Dec 1944. If anyone or their relatives had similar experiences in the ALeautians, I would like to hear from them about their experiences- via posting here or e-mail ron.fulcher@bellsouth.com. Thanks!

Last:

Hurst

First:

John

Address:

St Paul, MN

E_Mail:

JohnWHurst@yahoo.com

WebsiteURL:

none___

Remote User:

Date:

18 Feb 2005

Time:

16:03:28

Comments

Stationed on Amchitka for 3 months late summer of 1971. Part of 3rd Mobile Comm Gp from Tinker AFB, OK. Worked on long distance radios (link to Adak). Was on the North end of the island; did a lot of beach combing; found loads of fishing nets and glass floats. Found old WWII fuel drums. My NCOIC was Sgt Walters....

Last:

Ramirez

First:

David

Address:

London, England

E_Mail:

lndn7na@aol.com

WebsiteURL:

dddddddd

Remote User:

Date:

20 Feb 2005

Time:

02:58:05

Comments

Great to see notes from so many people who visited Amchitka. Truly a memorable experience. So desolate, yet so very alive. I loved the eagles, beach combing, fishing. Two of us walked all the way from north to south on Infantry Road in 1990 a total of 38 miles. Feet still hurt:).

ARCHIVED RECORDS AS OF
29 May 1999

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since 22 April 2005