Welcome to the
USS TULARE AKA-112
Guest Book 2003

I remember a tall EM, first name Clem and Dubey. Of course, there was Lt. Wynn, the Chief Engineer. Mr. Wynn passed away about 15 years ago. I used to subscribe to Navy Times and I saw the notice in there. By the way Mr. Wynn was a 2nd class engineman when he applied for the officer program that he got into. Chief Webb used to get so irritated with Mr. Wynn. Webb and I would be up on deck watching boat or cargo crane operations and of course those big winch motors would be getting pretty hot. Invariably, Mr. Wynn would call Webb over and say "Chief this motor is getting too hot...I think you should dip and bake it". And of course there was nothing wrong with the motor and adding more winding varnish would simply lock in more heat. Chief Webb would walk back to me, muttering the whole time. HA! He would swear that someday he was going to do just that. On one of those occasions, he got so disgusted that he called Clem and Dubey and had them shut it down right in the middle of the operation and told them to start tearing it down. Mr. Wynn came running back out after he was called by the skipper and asked Webb what he was doing. Webb's reply was "just what you told me to do". Needless to say Mr. Wynn never again mentioned the "over heated" motors to Chief Webb.

My major assignments during the career were four ships, the USS Notable MSO 460 was the first at Charleston, SC, the Tulare was next, the USS El Paso LKA117 was next and then the USS Leahy DLG/CG16. The last two were homeported at the time in Norfolk, Va. Before coming to the Tulare, I had a three year tour of duty as an Instructor at IC "A", school Great Lakes. When I decided to continue my career in early 67, I attended IC"B" school and then stayed on as an instructor and after I made E-8, was moved into the front office to run the school. I've always looked upon my Navy career as something very special. For the past 4 or 5 days, I've been looking up my old ships and that is how I came across your wonderful site. Thought I would drop a line to thank you for the web site. Louis Kopp EMCM, USN ret
Webmaster's note: Mr. Kopp's comments have been edited.
Send email to Louis Kopp
Date: Saturday, Aug 2, 2003 22:14:04 PM

From: Amy Thompson
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2003 13:20
To: epm@qadas.com
Subject: Re: Robert Thompson

Hi,

I am Amy L. Thompson, daughter of Robert D Thompson, USN (ret)... I noticed that you are lacking a photo of him on your website... I might be able to scan one in for you if you are interested... I am the youngest of 7 children and did not know a lot about dad's naval career, so now I am searching and learning... I am sad to say, that dad passed away Aug 24, 1992...but his legacy lives on in many ways. Let me know if you would like a photo...

Thanks, Amy

From: Ed Mersich

Hello Amy,

Thanks for the note. I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I served in Tulare from 1965 to 1968 and Capt Thompson was my last CO. As an enlisted sailor I didn't associate with the officers, especially the captain and exec. However I did have one occasion to have a one-on-one with your dad. It was in the fall of 1967; we were engaged in amphibious operations in Viet Nam waters. We were preparing for 1-A (cargo and boat operations). I was a boat electrician at the time and had to climb into all the boats on deck to connect the batteries in preparations for the next morning's operations. It was dark and I had to do my work by flashlight. As I was working in the boat, the captain (your dad) climbed into the boat. He caught me by surprise, the Capt. asked what I was doing, as I explained he asked to hold the flashlight for me. He asked me the usual personal questions, and tried to make small talk. I, not being used to chatting with captains did not come across as a brilliant conversationalist. It was the only occasion when a captain took a personal interest in my work. I appreciated the visit from him then, and still think it was great all these years later. I detached from Tulare in January of 1968 and met again with Capt Thompson, at that time. He gave me a signed photo of the ship, I still have the photo; and now that I know of your Dad's passing it's even a greater treasure.

Yes, I would very much like to have a photo of your dad to post on the web site.

Best regards, Ed Mersich, Elizabeth, CO

From: Amy Thompson, Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2003 15:06
To: epm@qadas.com
Subject: RE: Robert Thompson

Hi Ed,

Thank you so much for your memories...they have touched all ( mom and the 7 children) of our hearts. This little bit of your life and experience with dad will now be part of our history...as well as yours. I want to thank you for your time in the military...that was a tough time for all of you...myself being 38 years old, obviously don't remember much about Viet Nam...dad did not talk much about what all he did! Nor, was I really interested until I was an adult... Your comment regarding conversing with the CO (dad) made us all smile...I too, never really came across as a brilliant conversationalist with him! So you aren't alone! Thanks again, Ed...here are two photos that I found that might be appropriate for the Website...and please let me know if you need any information regarding his military career, I would be happy to provide! And, if you are in San Diego, and visit the Zoo...let me know, I would love to meet you and your family!

Be well, Amy Thompson
Send email to Amy Thompson
Date: Monday, July 21, 2003