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 WAR STORIES FROM PARADISE
You have traveled back to 1992!
Entries are posted by the year the writer arrived, so be sure to check either side of the year
you're looking for to find your old buddies, shipmates, and sweethearts!

Feb 1992 to Mar 1993
NAME = Mary Ann Apinado-Junecko
E-MAIL = annjunecko@yahoo.com
NATIONALITY = Filipino
SERVICE = Civilian
UNIT = Ships Store Procurement office
MY WARSTORY = My husband and i met on the island. He was with a squadron from Hawaii. The U.S. Navy base in Subic Bay Philippines was closing down so i applied to work in DG. It was incredible! Very few women on the island back then. The attention was overwhelming.
Anyway, we had the time of our lives there! Enjoyed make your own pizza night at Expat Club. Loved the fishing!
I went home to P.I. in March 1993. He quit the Navy in 1995, came to see me and sent for me in 1996. We got married and now live in Florida with 2 lovely children!
 
1992
Jeff Sharp <jeff.sharp@yahoo.com>
Dear Sir,
     I was stationed on Diego Garcia from 1992-1993 with Patrol Wing one. I was wondering if you would post my contact info in your war stories section. I am looking for AW2 Steven Gessner. He has my dam shark teeth :D While there I enjopyed deep sea fishing. My last day on the island I caught an 8' black tip shark. Steve was going to get it's teeth mounted and forwarded on to me at my next duty station. Anyway, I'm sure it's mounted over his mantel somewhere. LMAO! Anyway, I love your site, has been great to walk down memory lane.
Thanks, and fair seas!
 

1992
NAME = Ryan Gullett
MY QUEST = Find some old Classic Wizard Buddies
VT of a SWALLOW = All you can drink in one gulp
E-MAIL = chvyfn69@yahoo.com
NATIONALITY = USA
SERVICE = USN
UNIT = Classic Wizard
RANK/RATE/JOB = CTT3/civilian now
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = There I Was, Passed Out in the Club
MY WARSTORY = Seriously, there were alot of nights in the club passed out.  I will never forget the many nights of drinking on the beach and the clear blue water.  Oh yeah, the rainbow colored fish who were supposed to be very poisionous.  All the philippinos and the delicious fried lumpia.  Miss this place, miss the fun but I will Never Voulunteer Myself Again!!!!  CT's rule!!!!!!
 

Ed Coolidge [Administrator@transamericausa.com]
I am looking for ET1 Angel Garcia (Ret), used to be stationed in Diego Garcia.  Wondering if you have any information on him.  Trying to let him know of a fallen comrad.
Thanks
Ed Coolidge
ET1 USN RET
 

1992-1993
NAME = Jennifer Croft
MY QUEST = To find lost friends
VT of a SWALLOW = 2.5 seconds... If you're doing the shots correctly
E-MAIL = jengc@cox.net
NATIONALITY = American
SERVICE = Navy
UNIT = VP-1 six-month deployment
RANK/RATE/JOB = Petty Officer inactive
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Want to Return When the First REAL Club Med Opens
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Other
MY WARSTORY = My story is more in line with the "Red Shoe Diaries" Had an incredible experience in Diego with my friends Dawn Allen, Eric (Diver) and a
terrific girl named Tara. Anyway, I'll always remember the soft winds at night and being naked an entire weekend on the "Queen's side" of the island. If any of the afore mentioned people read this, please send me an e-mail to say hi.

Dec 1992 to Dec 1993
NAME = Rick Clawson
E-MAIL = EnRickue@AOL.Com
NATIONALITY = American
SERVICE = USMC
UNIT = MCSFCO
RANK/RATE/JOB = SSgt
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = This is a No-Shit Fishing Story
MY WARSTORY = Several squids rented a small boat to fish in the lagoon and didn't return when they were supposed to.  Search parties were sent out that evening but didn't locate them.
  Three days later a plane arriving from Thialand at 3:00 a.m spotted a fire or something in the ocean several miles out to sea and reported it to the terminal.  Rescuers headed out in the direction where the fire was spotted, and 15 miles out they found the 3 missing sailors.
   What transpired the saliors said was that the motor on the boat wouldn't start when they attempted to return to the shore.  The flares in the emergency kit were wet and wouldn't work.  The outgoing tide pulled them out to sea.  While out in the ocean several sharks approached the boat and attempted to turn the boat over, fortunately without success.  One of the sharks was bigger than the boat.
   What the airplane saw when it flew over the stranded sailors was one salior had soaked his arm in gasoline from the motor and lit his arm on fire to signal the plane.
   These three guys were missing for better part of three days and had no food or water.  They were fortunate to be able to talk about it today.
 

October 92- October 93
NAME = Darren Reason
MY QUEST = To find the Holy Grail
VT of a SWALLOW = Laden or unladen?
E-MAIL = Indyroth@gmail.com
NATIONALITY = USA
SERVICE = NAVY
UNIT = NSTC: R-site  (SATCOM)
RANK/RATE/JOB = E4
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = I'd Like to Share Precious Memories of Drinking/Fishing/Snorkeling/Sailing on Diego Garcia MY WARSTORY = My first beer on the island may have been a Tusker from "Team Tusker."  There were too many beers to count which was first.  Toward the end of my tour, Tusker was selling a dollar less than what you could return the case for.  Now that is a good deal.  I remember a night at the Brit club when flares lit the sky and we were invaded by some royal marines and friends by boat to the music of Flight of the Valkeries.  Fond memories of S.O.D. flag football team.  "The Clowns" softball team.  Had i known then what i know now, i would have probably extended my stay there.  Was the funnest time i had in the service.
 

January 1988 To  1999
NAME = Jean Pierre Ramen "ROBIN"
MY QUEST = keeping in touch with people who mean a great deal to me, DG Familly
VT of a SWALLOW = jeanpierre.ramen@parabolemaurice.com
E-MAIL = jpr1369@yahoo.com.au
NATIONALITY = Mauritian
SERVICE = civillian
UNIT = Annex 20 Ac/r department  bos contractor
RANK/RATE/JOB = Senior Sales Executive
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Actually, I Have a Real Story To Tell
MY WARSTORY = 1988, there i was landing on Dg 20 00 pm, still young 18 years old going on a journey looking for adventure, first night pax terminal to the
barracks 09 sea breeze village, still cool first time abroad meeting new people had couple of beers and got to sleep for my first day tomorrow, 05.30 am my
nightmare began, walk out to the shower room, man what a shock, surrounded with coconuts trees  with white sands you could barely looked at i say to myself 'where the hell i am ?  second day visit to ADMIN, Downtown, Shipstore, Community bank, and back to Admin, telling my story seems like it was like yesterday, one thing ive learn on DG is to be patience and very understanding, and my patience made me stay 10 long years there, I dont believe it myself, if i have to be grateful its because of people like MR Bob Streegan, where i started to work at tyhe TCN Galley, Mr Faye Parks he was like a dad to me and if im where i am today  its many thanks to Faye Parks, Mr James Billman transportation Director, and volley ball coach even his team always loses to our mauritian team, just kidding, Mr Harry Johnson, Mr Bruce Norris, Jim Pfiefer, William Marioka, BOB Butt,and so many more to all those people i say thanks to all of them, unfortunately we've all gone our seperate ways but i hope that one day if we could all be in an island wide picnic it will be a dream come true, sometimes we do speak about paradise, but dg is paradise for people who know they will tell that hell yes paradise of footprint of freedom white beaches, deep sea fishing like nowhwre else, my biggest catch a yellow fin 95 lbs, almost 35 mins fight with a damn shark tailling, party at the BRIT Club, SOUL Night at the 61 Club, Country night at the turner club, mojo at the beach house and not forgetting those mongolian bbqs at the peace keeper Inn, and last but not least those delicious Pizza at sea breeze village,
i would like to say a few words for CHARLY of the seamens club, we cant go to the seamens club without saying hi to charly.
To all the people ive met on DG, NAVY, MARINES, AIR FORCES, EXPAT, BRITS, PHILIPINOS, Hats off, those were the time now im back home and would like very much to keep in touch  with people who was there and who remember me,
my name is Robin
Mauritian volley ball team captain
AC / R  Dept
Annex 20
my email is  jpr1369@yahoo.com.au
 

June 1992-Sept 1992
NAME = Greg Villanueva
MY QUEST = best fishing in the world
VT of a SWALLOW = Slow compared to an extict VS-21 S-3 Viking
E-MAIL = calambeno@yahoo.com
NATIONALITY = Flipino back then, Now, red.whit and blue AMERICAN
SERVICE = US Navy
UNIT = AMS Troubleshooter for VS-21 back then
RANK/RATE/JOB = I was an AMS3 back then
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Professional Adventurer Looking For The Ultimate Get Away
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = This is a No-Shit Fishing Story
MY WARSTORY = Up at 0600, swimming at Chiefs Beach at 0700, at work at 0900. Got off at around 1500. Fishing at Simpsons Point at 1600, catch a free movie at the open air cinema. Fishing again from 1900 to 2100. Weekends would head up to the plantatation, do some fishing there. Got kicked by a wild donkey, swam with turtles and dolphins. I've seen a smaller version of the legendery Hector(hammerhead). Some weekend would go out on the Amphib boats and would catch a ton of fish.
 Would hangout sometime at the FilMau club. Hanging out one time hanging out at the tiki lounge got a message from the waiter that 2 of our S-3's were coming in from the USS Independence while at Operation Southern Watch. Actualy taxied those birds in drunk. Back then it was a different Navy, worked hard and had lots of fun. Before I forget a plug for the Firedepartment, never had to do a wash and lube job, they did it for us all in accordance with applicable MRC's. All for a couple of packs of smokes.
 Yeah, the British Invincible battle group pulled in. Said that theire Harriers could kick a Tomcat out of the sky and their ship and escorts could take at the whole Indy battlegroup, so our pilots went up for the challenge. 2 S-3's against the so called Invicible Battle Group on a long distance strike. Took out the Invincible with a couple of Harppons and our pilots did 5 passes before they could launch the great alert Harriers. Hahahaha.
 
 

June 1992-Sept 1992
NAME = Greg Villanueva
MY QUEST = best fishing in the world
VT of a SWALLOW = Slow compared to an extict VS-21 S-3 Viking
E-MAIL = calambeno@yahoo.com
NATIONALITY = Flipino back then, Now, red.whit and blue AMERICAN
SERVICE = US Navy
UNIT = AMS Troubleshooter for VS-21 back then
RANK/RATE/JOB = I was an AMS3 back then
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Professional Adventurer Looking For The Ultimate Get Away
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = This is a No-Shit Fishing Story
MY WARSTORY = Up at 0600, swimming at Chiefs Beach at 0700, at work at 0900.  Got off at around 1500. Fishing at Simpsons Point at 1600, catch a free movie at the open air cinema. Fishing again from 1900 to 2100. Weekends would head up to the plantatation, do some fishing there. Got kicked by a wild donkey, swam with turtles and dolphins. I've seen a smaller version of the legendery Hector(hammerhead). Some weekend would go out on the Amphib boats and would catch a ton of fish.
      Would hangout sometime at the FilMau club. Hanging out one time hanging out at the tiki lounge got a message from the waiter that 2 of our S-3's were coming in from the USS Independence while at Operation Southern Watch. Actualy taxied those birds in drunk. Back then it was a different Navy, worked hard and had lots of fun. Before I forget a plug for the Firedepartment, never had to do a wash and lube job, they did it for us all in accordance with applicable MRC's. All for a couple of packs of smokes.   Yeah, the British Invincible battle group pulled in. Said that theire Harriers could kick a Tomcat out of the sky and their ship and escorts could take at the whole Indy battlegroup, so our pilots went up for the challenge. 2 S-3's against the so called Invicible Battle Group on a long distance strike. Took out the Invincible with a couple of Harppons and our pilots did 5 passes before they could launch the great alert Harriers. Hahahaha.
 

June '92 - August '93
NAME = David Dial
MY QUEST = Eternal Vacation
VT of a SWALLOW = Hoo Yah
E-MAIL = dial135@yahoo.com
NATIONALITY = United States
SERVICE = U.S. Navy
UNIT = Dive Locker
RANK/RATE/JOB = CWO2 - Diving Officer; now retired
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Want to Return When the First REAL Club Med Opens
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Actually, I Have a Real Story To Tell
MY WARSTORY = The real story of Diego Garcia is the people you serve with and how you spend your time.  I remember the dives on the wall, snorkeling in the lagoon, softball, jogging in the jungle, and socializing with some great friends.  I didn't want to leave, but had the pleasure of returning in 1994 for a couple of weeks to break down and ship out the recompression chamber at the Dive Locker (no more divers on DG). Even though nothing had changed, nothing was the same.  Without the crew, friends and shipmates, and that special someone, DGAR felt spiritless and lonely; like that place at the end of the Earth we spoke of.  The memories will live forever and I'd love to go back again...but, you can never go back!
 
 

1991 to 1994
NAME = Robert Bloomer
MY QUEST = To find a way to back onto paradise Island a.k.a. Diego Garcia
VT of a SWALLOW = Terminal as in positive or negative or Terminal as in Diego International?
E-MAIL = bobbloomer@hotmail.com
NATIONALITY = American
SERVICE = U.S. Navy
UNIT = COMPSRON 2 - The Ships out in the lagoon
RANK/RATE/JOB = RM2 then - Grocery Store manager now.
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Actually, I Have a Real Story To Tell
MY WARSTORY = I was stationed on Diego for three years in a two year billet for COMPSRON2. We had some exceptional officers and enlisted. Capt Robert Alee and Capt. Schuknecht (sp?). The enlisted guys were pretty awesome too. Most of our time was spent in support of Desert Storm and then Somalia.. and then going back to Kuwait to pick up the equip. and then back to Somalia.. then back to the island.. I'd give my left nut to get back over there and enjoy fishing and lazing about on the nice tropical days.. I miss it so much.. It's heaven.

Michael "Norman" Bates, Michael Ocarz, College Boy, Half Rack.. if any of you see this, get in touch..
 
 
 
 

1990-1995 and 1999-2000
NAME = Allen Willey
MY QUEST = Spread the Truth
VT of a SWALLOW = African or European?
E-MAIL = aswilley@aol.com
NATIONALITY = U.S. of Hey
SERVICE = USAF
UNIT = Det 8 AFSPC
RANK/RATE/JOB = Defense Contractor for Ford and Loral Aerospace, Crypto Manager for all three Air Force tracking stations on the island from 1993 to 1995.
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Actually, I Have a Real Story To Tell
MY WARSTORY = In 1973 I was an E-5 at RAF Chicksands.  I was going through a divorce and was living in the NCO barracks.  One night a little two -striper who had been on station only a few months came to my room and said the first shirt had just raped her.  He was married, but his wife had gone back to the states.  She was hysterical, laughing and crying at the same time.  They had been taking a class together and he had suggested a study period in his room, just two floors above my room.  I took her to the clinic and they did the rape protocol on her.  The guy got 6 months at Leavenworth, busted to staff and a bad discharge.
     But for my troubles, I lost my security clearance and was shunned by the whole base for the rest of my tour.  My supervisor said "RHIP, old boy", and his friends were shocked that I would ruin his career for such a little thing.  So I wasn't suprised at the latest rape scandal at the academy last year, and I won't be suprised at the next one.
 
 

June 92 - Jan 93
NAME = Alan Haraburda
MY QUEST = To rediscover paradise
VT of a SWALLOW = Laden or Unladen?
E-MAIL = alhsimoneco@hotmail.com
NATIONALITY = US
SERVICE = Navy
UNIT = NMCB-133 Seabee Detachment
RANK/RATE/JOB = BU2
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Want to Drink A Lot, Cheap
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = This is a No-Shit Drinking Story
MY WARSTORY = The best memories for me were of the Brit Club, because... well that is where it was happening back then!
     Myself and the rest of the guys from my unit volunteered to help fix up the club and paint the giant British flag on the dancefloor (is it still there?)
     I wish I could remember her name, but there was a blonde beauty stationed there that decided to help paint the floor, all I can say is THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Hey! Got crabs?
 
 

Oct. 92 - Oct 93
NAME = Keith Boblet
MY QUEST = to say "hey, I'm still alive" (and didn't end up in re-hab either!!)
VT of a SWALLOW = Who cares? but I do know the "Swallow" is the bird of "true" love!
E-MAIL = kndceltik@aol.com
NATIONALITY = American
SERVICE = Navy
UNIT = NAVCOMTELSTA, "R" site
RANK/RATE/JOB = Big joke of the time...couldn't make E-4 (kept PNA'ing) until I took the test then opted for the early out in Oct. When the results came out in Dec. found out I made 1st increment, poetic justice eh?!
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = My Time There is Lost in an Alcoholic Haze, Help Me Remember!
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Actually, I Have a Real Story To Tell
MY WARSTORY = had a blast. another alcoholic "team Tusker" member. I got a stack of old photos, they all tend to look the same; a pack of drunken, overly tanned, way too obnoxious cats penned up in somebody's room playing quarters, 3-man or any number of various drinking games. I can't fathom exactly how many quarts of alcohol I consumed, or how many packs of cigarettes I smoked, but I do remember one strawberry dacqueri party in TJ's room, where when all was said and done we consumed 5 gallons of strawberries and 15 fith's of Bacardi rum. Remember that one?? Me either!!
if any of you's wanna say hi, hit me on the e-mail and put Something reconizable in the subject line. Remember Barney?
Go get em' boyz.....ROOT!!
 
 

way back in 92'-93'
NAME = beetle bailey
MY QUEST = i seek a chick i was stationed there with.
VT of a SWALLOW = ladened or unladened?
E-MAIL = bill_bailey21@yahoo.com
NATIONALITY = W.A.S.P.
SERVICE = gravy navy baby
UNIT = AIMD-DRUNKEN B'STARD'S
RANK/RATE/JOB = I was a lowly e-3 for my entire tour... I came back to the states and ended up in JAX, Fl. Just couldnt deal man!I had flash backs man!! D.G. changed me man!!!
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = My Time There is Lost in an Alcoholic Haze, Help Me Remember!
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Actually, I Have a Real Story To Tell
MY WARSTORY = It was yet another moonlit night spent drinking at the Gayest bar on Dodge, "The Brit Club". I remember drinking with some Royal Marines and getting into a discussion of Brittish rule/tyranny/oppressing other nations and so forth... Little did I know how seriously they were taking my comments! So after a few drinks..(18?-24?)I decided to stumble back to the room (I had missed the last shuttle bus). Well apparently a couple of the LIMEY FRUITS had taken some offense to my drunken political blather and decided to let me know of their displeasure by yanking me off the bike trail, into the scavy and then beat the living sheet out o'me. There were 3 of them and one of me (1/2 really, I was pretty wasted!)  Anyway, I got the snot beat out of me that nite. They broke my nose, cheekbone, and eyesocket, I lost 4 teeth and had 6 cracked ribs. I was found the next morning by some expat workers heading to work. I had to be evac'ed to the U.S.S. Mercy which was close by the Island. I spent a week on board and was flown back to D.G to pack my shit. Altough the Brits were never found out I know their command had to know who it was. As for me, I learned a valuable lesson. Royal Marines have no sense of humor and The Queens a man baby! yeah ! baby yeah!
 
 

got here in 92 and left in 93
NAME = Jamie Reifert
MY QUEST = To find the holy grail
VT of a SWALLOW = african or samoan
E-MAIL = jreifert@wideopenwest.com
NATIONALITY = white, haha
SERVICE = US Marines
UNIT = MCSF co NSF Diego Garcia
RANK/RATE/JOB = Lcpl at the time. Presently working on getting back into the corps.
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = There I Was, Passed Out on The Beach
MY WARSTORY = Well since i was passed out i dont remember what happened.
 
 

May 92 - Aug 94
     NAME = Jim Thompson
     MY QUEST = To win the Texas State Lottery
     VT of a SWALLOW = When it's falling, as fast as anything else.
     E-MAIL = mudshark@alltel.net
     NATIONALITY = American
     SERVICE = Navy
     UNIT = METOC (Weather Office)
     RANK/RATE/JOB = AG2 then Civ1 now
     MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
     SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = This is a No-Shit Drinking Story
     MY WARSTORY =     When I drink (and like most everyone else, I did my share on DG), I always drink Jack Daniels and 7-Up.  Been to many bars, in many places, always ordered "Jack 'n Seven" and always got what I asked for. The same was true on DG, well sorta.  I had no problem at every club on the island, except the Brit Club.  Every time I hit the Brit Club, I'd get very trashed, very quick.  It took me six months to figure out why.  One night I ordered my usual Jack 'n Seven, but this time I saw one of the Brit Marines pour it.  A shot of Jack Daniels and a shot of Seagram's Seven.  Whew!  I always thought the drinks at the Brit Club were a little stout, but damn! It was exactly what I asked for, but not quite what I expected.  I was one of many that walked one mile to the Brit Club and three miles back.
         If anyone remembers running out of ice cream for a month and wondered why, I can tell you.  Somebody on the supply ship set the refer to 0 deg C instead of 0 deg F. I would have loved to see all those colors blended together when they opened the door.  I heard it looked rather interesting. I pity the person that had to clean that mess up!
         To all that have read Dale Bailey's account of Norman J. Davis's fishing trip, it's all true.  The Chaplain held prayer in our office twice and we all thought ol' Norm was a goner. It was a very sad affair with an equally happy ending.  Good job, Dale!
 

May 1989 thru Sep 1999, 2001, thru 2003
NAME = George M. Laughlin (YA-HOO)
MY QUEST = Citizenship from some place
VT of a SWALLOW = Below sea level or above??
E-MAIL = bubblincrude@hotmail.com
NATIONALITY = USA
SERVICE = USN RET
UNIT = IPAC and BJS until 1999, NFCU fm 2001 to 2003
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Actually, I Have a Real Story To Tell
MY WARSTORY =  One of my fondest years on Dg was back when Capt. Check (CO) and CDR Bob Collard(SUPO), would call me and my buddy, Flightline Freddie to the O Club so we could drink for free all night coz the O's could not play Hosre Collar. That was fun, even when the Marine XO would climb into the rafters and pour beer on us. Another grand time was getting with Jack and the gang and building the Golf Course, then playng it. There was the two years that BJS golfers would play the Brit Party every Tuesday. It started out being a fun once a month deal, for beer and build your own at the Expac afterward, but with the wipping that we (BJS) gave the Brits the first time. The Brit Rep. CDR Gram Niven changed the program to weekly. We even had a trophy at the Club House with the weekly score posted. I'd have to say the we (BJS) won 98% of the time. Grand times at the course. If anyone wants to complain at not having a good time on the island for several years I was the one who brought the EAP Charter to the island and you missed out. Even though the EAP turned into the Dave Burges Fan Club. More stories to come. YA-HOO
 

1988 May to Jan 17 2000
NAME = Harry Johnson
MY QUEST = To say Hi to all my old friends still there
VT of a SWALLOW = Who cares
E-MAIL = fuelman808@yahoo.com
NATIONALITY = American
UNIT = Fuels Manager for Febroe, IPAC, BJS, DG21LLC
RANK/RATE/JOB = I'm Ret. Navy E-8 Aviation Boatswan Mate. Worked with a lot of good people on DG both Military and Civilian.
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Other
MY WARSTORY = All the years I was there I was happy and content. I met and fell in love with a very lovely lady I hired in 1989 and married her in 2000 Feb. 14. We both worked for the Contractors and she left in 2001 May. I had a heart attack there in DG. But the great folks at the NSF Clinic put me on a plane to Singapore and while in route after take off I Died but the Flight Nurse and Flight Sergeon brought me back so after three months of extensive care at Singapore I was allowed to travel to my home in PI and from there to the US to continue my care at NNMC Bethesda Hosp. My wife and I are living in the States now and hope All is well in DG. Other than Bob Butts I was the second Old timer still on the Island from the Febroe Days. That's my story gang and believe me if I could return to DG doing the same job as I was doing I would No question about it. Good Luck to all of you over there. We still have relatives working on the Island so we are still in contact.

March 92 - March 93
NAME = Stephanie Robertson
E-MAIL = scrdoherty@yahoo.com
NATIONALITY = American
SERVICE = US Navy
UNIT = Personnel Support Detachment
RANK/RATE/JOB = PNSN
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Other
MY WARSTORY = Ah... DG.  I really miss the island and wish I could find a way to get back there!  The 1992 Ms. DG contest and the parade that followed the next day.. the four dinner theatre plays that were put on stage (I personally appeared in the "Breakfast Club" and "The Good Doctor").  I especially loved how it seemed EVERYBODY had a picture of me...especially the little guy working in the officer barracks.  The Brit Club, the Tiki Lounge, the pizza nights and the karaoke that you could sing every night but Wednesday.. The Aussie battle group that came, got totally plastered and nearly destroyed the island.  There are so many memories that I could not list them all.  I wish I could find Jane & Kathy.  There were many nights we stayed up all night with Jane and her 12 string and Kathy and her six string and the three of us singing and drinking coffee til about 6 am then going to the PK Inn for breakfast.  Of course, the best partiers on the island were the HM's  They all could drink you under the table!  I miss the "Tigger Tang" and the PSD parties.  My year on the island was the best year of my life!!

I arrived in 1992 and stayed through 1994
     NAME = Scott Livers-Walton
     MY QUEST = To find old friends from the Island, and say hello.
     E-MAIL = ptlomascot@aol.com
     SERVICE = US Navy
     UNIT = PSD Diego Garcia
     RANK/RATE/JOB = I was a PN2 and worked at PSD Diego Garcia
     MY INTEREST IN DG IS = My Time There is Lost in an Alcoholic Haze, Help Me Remember!
     SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = This is a No-Shit 'How I Put One Over On My Senior Chief' Story
     MY WARSTORY = DKCS Deleon was the Senior Chief at PSD DIego Garcia. He was very flamboyant and well connected on the Island. I was usually involved in putting on the command parties etc. If ever I had trouble obtaining things like "ICE" etc. all I ever had to do was tell DKCS Deleon, he would get on the phone and yell at someone in Tagalog, and I immediately had whatever I needed for the party. We once threw a party for a PN1 Velasquez who was retiring down in the village by the Expat Club. It was the best party I have ever attended a "luau".
     I also remember the Yacht Club socials (held monthly) and all the FUN! (I LOVED the MOJO) ha ha..... I can now admit that I am the one who glued DKCS Deleon's phone so that he couldn't answer it when it rang..... He was not amused and took away everybody's phone privilages, (we didn't all have phones in our rooms back then) He really didn't have a very good sense fo HUMOR ha ha sorry guys.... about the phone that is... I really couldn't tell him it was me... he was evil if you were on his bad side! I have 2 THANK YOUS one to DS2 Jennifer Melamede and the other to PN2 Rodolfo Ignacio you both really saved my ASS when I was there and I am forever grateful! I have never forgotten :) Scotty  P.S. Where is Robert Moulthrop???

1992-1993
     NAME = Phillip Couch
     E-MAIL = pmc31709@hotmail.com
     SERVICE = U.S. Navy
     UNIT = Personnel Support Detachment
     RANK/RATE/JOB = Veteran, got out in 1993
     MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
     SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = I'd Like to Share Precious Memories of Drinking/Fishing/Snorkeling/Sailing on Diego Garcia
     MY WARSTORY = Can't forget having the "hookup" at the at the pier and taking off in one of the SAR boats for a day of fishing, swimming and general debauchery!  Had to be the best year of my life!!  I'd like to hear from anyone stationed there at the same time, particulary a Disbursing Clerk from the VP squadron by the name of Julie.

1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1991, 1992, 1993
     NAME = Dave (K9) Hardy (nice picture of me!) ed note: on http://www.zianet.com/tedmorris/dg/brits.html
     MY QUEST = For you to contact me
     VT of a SWALLOW = |African or European?
     E-MAIL = Linda.Hardy@amserve.net
     NATIONALITY = Brit
     SERVICE = ROPO
     UNIT = K9
     RANK/RATE/JOB = Ex-ROPO ex-RN (Royal Navy) now merchant navy.  Yes I have just returned from the Gulf as well.
     MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Decided to Join A Monastery, But Couldn't Find One Stateside
     SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = I'd Like to Share Precious Memories of Drinking/Fishing/Snorkeling/Sailing on Diego Garcia
     MY WARSTORY = Been there, seen it, done it, couldn't get a t-shirt 'cos you had already bombed the placed out.
     \regards \\k9
     \\dave hardy

1992, 1999-2000 (and others?)
Robert E. Guttman" <robertguttman@juno.com>
    I happened to run across your web sight.  As a former crew member of the Ghost Fleet, I can positively identify two of the vessels illistrated.  The "hermaphrodyte" is the M/V American Cormorant.  So far as I am aware, she is still on station at Fantasy Island.  In any case, she was still at
Diego when I was there as Third Mate of the SS Green Harbour in 1999-2000.
     The LASH ship in the photo between the group of sailboats and the Union Jack is unquestionably the SS Austral Rainbow.  She carried barges loaded
with ammunition for the Air Force, as well as a pair of tug boats to help maneuvver them.  They were loaded  and discharged from the stern by means
of an enormous gantry crane, which could hoist 480 tons.  I spent four months as her third mate in 1992.
     Actually, I joined the Austral Rainbow in Thailand, where we spent the following two months loading ammo before sailing to Diego via Singapore.
The military were in charge of loading the cargo into our barges, and it took a rediculous amount of time for them to do it.  Of course, we merchant seamen weren't exactly complaining, because we were having a ball in Thailand.  When they finally finished loading the barges, Swabbies and Air Farce actually had the nerve to present each other with commendations for doing such an efficient job!  For our part, we seamen could only laugh at them behind their backs, because we all know that, in commercial service, LASH ships like the Austral Rainbow seldom even spend more than a single day in port.
     By the by, I was aboard the SS Green Harbour at Diego Garcia for New Year's Eve 2000, when everybody was so concerned about all "Millenium Bug".  We were required to notify the Navy and the steamship company at midnight, both local and Greenwich Mean Time, that the ship was "experiencing no Y2-related problems".  As far as I know, none of the ships ever did have trouble.  However, the entire island blacked out 15 minutes before midnight on New Year's Eve, causing a panic amongst the drunken revellers ashore.  To the best of my knowledge, Fantasy Island was the only place on the face of the earth where any such thing occured.
 

5/92-11/92 and 11/90-5/91
NAME = Muriel D. Land, YNC, USN, RET
E-MAIL = n/a 2569 Fox Run Rd #5, Wyoming, MI 49509
NATIONALITY = U.S.; SERVICE = U.S. Navy; UNIT = Patrol Squadron 4 (during Desert Storm and next deployemnt); RANK/RATE/JOB = Retired Chief Yeoman
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = Stroll Down Memory Lane
SUBJECT OF MY STORY: = Please Select a Title For Your Story, or Select 'Other'
MY WARSTORY = While deployed during Desert Storm, my office window in the hangar looked over the flight line and I used to watch the B52's take off serveral times a day on their way to bomb Iraq.  It really was an awesome sight to see!  I loved those B52's!
DG was a unique experience for two deployments.  Very peaceful island with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  Would like to visit it again but know that won't happen.  All the civilians on the island bent over backward to accomodate us during our deployments.  Is "Eddie" still working at the Chief's barracks?  I remember "Carmen" at the beauty shop.  Can't beat those free services!!!December 15 1992 to April 1 1993
NAME = Bill Martel;  E-MAIL = bubba121565@mediaone.net
SERVICE = USN; UNIT = NMCB 7; RANK/RATE/JOB = BU1 ( SCW ) Martel, what a place to visit. The deployment was
just to short. Met so many good people and friends I have for a life time.
MY INTEREST IN DG IS = My Time There is Lost in an Alcoholic Haze, Help Me Remember!
MY WARSTORY = Every Friday and Saturday was the same. Get loaded, go over to the EM Club and try my best to two step. EM Club would close and off we went to the Brit Club, They had a name for it but I can't remember it. One other
thing sticks in my mind. UT2 Wolcot and myself driving around in the Blazer " Looking for a few Good Hammers ".

1991-1993
CARL TEMPLETON <TemplatC@nima.mil> See his 1991 entry.

December 1992 - October 1993
JON HOEHN <hoehnjb@aol.com>
MY QUEST = My quest is to find the golden monkey with green eyes.
VT of a SWALLOW = What!
NATIONALITY = USA; SERVICE = U.S. Navy; UNIT = NSF Admin; RANK/RATE/JOB = Rank/Rate then:  YN2  Rank/Rate now:  YN1  Active Duty
MY WARSTORY = Is boozing it up the only thing people remember about DGAR?  At least that is what most of the people did while I was there.  I remember going to the Expat Club on "make your own pizza night."  We also played bingo.  How about "Donkey Burger?"  We went looking for shells at all hours of the night.  Went snorkeling in the lagoon with the divers.  The plantation and island clean-ups were a thrill.  I remember picking up lots of flip-flops and plastic bottles on the ocean side of the island.  The entire time I was stationed on the island I did not take one day of leave.  Anybody who was stationed on the rock during this time period remember YN1 Carol Hughes?  Where is she?

1990-1993
TODD FERGUSON <stfergus@gdats.com> See his 1990 entry

1991-1994
Robin Francis <robin.f@xtra.co.nz>
See his 1991 entry

1992-1993
KEITH BOBLET <kndkeltic@aol.com>
hi my name is Keith Boblet i did my sentence on D.G. at the NCTS C site from oct of 92 -oct 93, and had the time of my life! no web back in those days and not many women either (straight ones that is)...
     Anyhow the reason i write is that there is a link saying that San Miguel is the offical beer, how times change! in 92 we didn't have P.I's best we had Tusker "the offical beer of Nairobe" remember that lovely stuff?? (we even had Softball shirts made up from the lables) if u want more info on the"real offical beer of D.G. give me a shout.
 

1988-1989, !992-1994
NAME = Joe Ross <JoeKelRoss@aol.com>
SEE HIS 1988 ENTRY
 

1992-1997
ANTHONY D. MEDLICOTT <admed@batelco.com.bh>
     What a great page.  I was stationed in DG in 92-97 working for Cable and Wireless.  What a great place I loved every minute. George the Pineapple was and still is a great friend and we communicate not as much as we should....
     I miss the cycling and was known to do a bit in my time on the island. (I was the idiot who came up with the Cable and wireless Challenge)
     I miss Bobby singing at the socials just before I passed out after drinking the MOJO!!!
     The sailing was great and the water-skiing was even better.
     I was there when the Old O club was knocked down. Sunday brunch was never the same!
     Mango Mel I miss him and his cooking. The only guy I know who could make a delicious meal out of a bit of old scavy and some rice.
     As you can tell I loved DG and If I could take my family there I would be there in a heartbeat.
     Those of you who are out there my only advice is to drink loads and keep up the traditions.
     Remember DG . Once its in your blood its hard to forget.
Cheers
Anthony Medlicott
Earth Station Engineer
and Cyclist!!!!
 

1989-1993
NAME = Rod Hobbs <rodhobbs@hotmail.com>
NATIONALITY = U.S.; UNIT = Fire Chief & Director of Operations
(see his 1989 entry)

Feb 1992 - Apr 1993
KIEL SHARP <kiel_sharp@hotmail.com>
What is Your Quest?  To find that cute Dental girl I was stationed with.
What is the Terminal Velocity of a Swallow?  I'd like to ask the dental girl.
How did you find my page?  Looking for home
Former ET was part of the infamous "Team Tusker" organized famed GROG party which I was unable to attend because nobody wanted to miss it and I had to work.
Comments:  I did NOT kill rusty the rooster!

Sept 1992-Sept 1993
ED SCHAEFER <flyngdoc@pyramid3.net
http://users2.50megs.com/flyingdoc/
What is the Terminal Velocity of a Swallow?  Really really fast
Tell Me All About Yourself:  I was an IDC at the clinic and ran Club ED Fubar.

1992-1993
JENNIFER MELAMEDE <willy@gateway.net>
The year I spent on DG was one of the best years of my life. I made many friends who I am still in close contact with. I was a DS2, now I am a civilian Dental Hygienist. It saddens me to know that I can never go back to DG.

1992-1993 (also 1978 & 1983)
JEFF SCHWEIGER <jschweig@ix.netcom.com>
Were you ever on Diego Garcia?  Yep. 2 weeks in 1976, 3 days in'83, 14 months in '92-'93 (including Masirah time)
     Retired USN LCDR. P3C Tacco/Mission Commander. Was Patrol Wing One Detachment Diego Garcia Operations Officer 1992-93 (including stint as PATWING 1 Det Masirah Oman OINC Jul-Sep '92. Now a Defense contractor in Northern Virginia.
      Somewhere I have a video tape from circa 1991 (I'm fairly sure it was after the war) that was filmed by the AFRTS folks that might give you some insight into how the island has both transformed and stayed the same.  If I can find and duplicate it, I'd be glad to send you a copy.
……It just dawned on me that I was a bit too early on my initial trip to DG.  Now that I think about it, my first visit was January 1978 and not '76 - though '78 was rustic enough - We stayed in plywood 'hooches' and the Patwing OPCON was two conex vans.
      One institution did come down while I was on DG in 1993.  The O'Club that dated from before my 1978 trip was torn down.  A new one was to have been built close to the same location (but a few feet further inland, they were having an erosion problem on the Point there).  They allowed the Marines to use the building for urban assault practice before they tore it down!!
 

1992-1993
JAMES "J.C" HONEYCUTT <jahnycut@bellsouth.net>
Were you ever on Diego Garcia?  yes June 92- June 93
NAVET PC2.  loved the place wish I could go back.  I was one of the first couples to be involved in a double wedding. needless to say it didn't work out.  I was stationed with NSF post office but was cross training with security. also worked with Jos at power 99.
 

1992-1993
JONATHAN B. HOEHN <Hoehn.Jonathan@HQ.NAVY.MIL>
     I was stationed on DGAR from December 1992 until October 1993.  What a great experience.  Would go back in a heartbeat. I am presently stationed in the Pentagon (May 1999).  While on DGAR I worked in the NSF Admin Office.
 

1992-1994
LUIGI "Team Tusker" CUNEO <Luigiforu@aol.com>
What is Your Quest? To see if anyone has heard of the Legendary "Team Tusker" that terrorized the Rock from 1992-1994. We only drank the Tusker "expired with floatees at the bottom" Beer. $5.00 a case!  Team Tusker ran the place!! We had shirts made with the labels to warn of our presence.
     I was a ET stationed at both Transmit and Receive sides of the Island. I did 1-1/2 years on the Rock.... Got drunk, fought, fished, football, screwed all women, fraternized, played Volleyball on the Traveling Team, went to Japan for Tourneys. Dad was in for 21 years Diesel submariner. MEAN bastard tooo!! ha ha...Had several Merchant marine freinds as well as Brits.,.,..Only hung around with select group of Navy Seals and other equally crazy US NAVY folks. Hung out with the infamous Derrick. GO YOU GOT THE ROOT!!!