Port Lyautey Guestbook
"Labess" to the Port Lyautey Guestbook. Please post your comments, your rank/rate and any other information that you would like to share with visitors and former shipmates. Out of respect for your privacy, your e-mail address is not posted automatically. You may however include it in the body of your message if you desire others to contact you or you are searching for former shipmates.
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Lou Demas
Remote User: Comments: Hi! My name is Vincent Butkevits ser# 7192228 (I still Remember it) and I was stationed in Port Lyautey from 1951 to 1953 I was a Radio Operator and I loved the duty there, I have a lot of photos from there and from Sidi Yahya (never could spell it right) and also have a NAVCOMFAC book with a lot of names of the officers and personell that were there at the time, I would be glad to send you some of this information if you are interested. I am glad someone put up a web page about Lyautey, I also belong to the USS Albany Assoc. as I was stationed on the Albany for two years before Port Layautey, Hey a great Golf Course they had also.....Vince.
Remote User: Comments: Nice site. Brings back memories. Was in Port Lyautey from June 55 to December 55 with VC-7. Came back again several times in 1958 for short stays as part of a VAH-7 AJ flight crew off USS Randolph. Both times our favorite hangout was Le Chalet. One story I remember was told by the Chief who ran the e-club in 55. Seems the powers that be were on his back about making too much profit in the club. He told me liquor was no problem because he could do a visual inventory and run a "nickel night" if he was making too much. The restaurant was his big problem because he couldn't get the idea of portion control across to the Arabs who worked there and didn't speak English. The favorite meal served was steak and eggs and one person would get a little ateak and the next, a steak hanging over both sides of the plate. He eventually hit on using a stencil which the Arabs could lay over the beef and cut out the proper size. What wasn't served became hamburger. It worked like a charm. Bill Sowell, USN ret gsowell1@bellsouth.net
Remote User: Comments: Thanks Lou, for signing in at: http://community.webtv.net/charles379/USNComposite which is devoted to the first Heavy Attack Composite Squadrons VC-5, 6, 7, and 8. All four squadrons did time at Port Lyautey until 1956, sending detachments aboard the 6th Fleet carriers. I was there in 1955 with VC-8. We flew the P2V-3C Neptunes and the AJ-1/2 Savages, the first carrier launched nuclear attack aircraft in the Navy (although the P2Vs couldn't land aboard!). Great site, great photos - I've linked to your site from the VC site - hope that's OK.
Remote User: Comments: Lou and all, Great site! Particularly impressed by the photos of the base. They bring into sharper focus the memories of my time there in VR-24 (DEC 57 - OCT 60). Flew as an aircrewman (radio) beginning in June '58 so didn't get to know Kenitra and Morocco as well as I would have otherwise liked. Was young and single, however, and did make the rounds to the local sin dins. Helped out in the VR-24 AT shop on midshift when not flying, which gave me days off. Bought a beat-up old blue '52 Studebaker and ran it around the area, especially to Media Beach. Amazed at the local lovelies' ability to change to and from street clothes and bikinis without revealing any of their "inner beauty". I concur with many others, Port Lyautey was one of the all-time best duty stations I had in 24yrs of service. If I may, I would like to post a request. I volunteered to try to obtain photos of ALL aircraft that VR-24 EVER operated. The VR-24 Association would like to post them on its website. I have had limited success, so far, in getting photos (from USN or other sources). Would most appreciate ANY photos of VR-24 aircraft taken at Port Lyautey, or elsewhere in the Med/European area. The squadron planes had large letters "JM" somewhere on the vertical tail surfaces and most also had a diagonal green strip. Scanned images (GIF/JPEG)are fine. Or I will be glad to pay postage and will scan the photos and return ASAP. Please email me; rprather@pacbell.net or rprather@csc.com, or call me, Dick Prather, home; (760)789-8225 or work: (619)225-2617. Thanks so much. Fly Navy. Dick Prather
Remote User: Comments: Ooops... Forgot to mention Jim Chumley, too! Sorry, Jim! JC's apartment was just down the hill from mine. I used to hang out there alot. Craig LaBarge wb3gck@arrl.net //CAL
Remote User: Comments: I was stationed at NCS Sidi Yahia from 1971 to 1973 with Kurt, John, and Rick (below). John and I shared an apartment in Kenitra at the Studios Hotel on Rue Mohammed Diourhi (up the hill from "the clock", near the train station). Lots of great memories from my years in Morocco! Enjoyed my visit to the website and the walk down memory lane. Craig LaBarge (former RM2) wb3gck@arrl.net //CAL
Remote User: Comments: James Chumley - NCS Sidi Yahia - 1971 to 1973
Remote User: Comments: RM KURT NEWHARD 72-75 SIDI YAHIA NCS WHAT A GREAT TIME C U IN NEB. FIRST WEEKEND IN AUG. 2002 HCMB REUNION BROKEN BOW KNEW2@HOTMIAL.COM
Remote User: Comments: AT THE TIME I WAS RM2 JOHN H. BROWN I WAS IN SIDI YAHIA FROM APR 1971 TILL ABOUT JUN 1973. I WORKED MOSTLY IN DCS RELAY, BUT ALSO WORKED IN THE MESSAGE CENTER AND RECIEVERS FOR A FEW MONTH. MY E-MAIL IS JHBROWN000@AOL.COM
Remote User: Comments: Labess, HI! H.C.M.B. Richard Nickell here, I served at NCS Morocco from 7/71 thru 7/75. Loved every minute of it, made some life long friends with whom I still keep in touch with. Lived im Kenitra and on the base, spent lots of time at the beach and Jacks (BILL) bar, and the rest of them also. Drove the big black Dodge with loud mufflers. Miss the food, coffee, and the people. I'm going back one of these days! email me if you wish, OLDSALT52@Hotmail.com (put Morocco in the subject line or it gets deleted with all other spam!!) B C N U L Thanks for the site Lou! and for some of you old timers 1545Z YQJQ DE NCS INT QRK K/RWN
Remote User: Comments: Ed Zawislak RM3 NAS Port Lyautey CommCenter Jan-1959/July-1960. Would enjoy hearing from NAS CommCenter crew that was there during that time. Looking for "Jack" Bradley (Massachussets)in particular. You can e-mail me at EasyEd62@hotmail.com. Wife and I will be retiring (semi) to North Carolina at the end of June 2002 so, if you drop me a line and you don't get an answer right away, it's just because we're on the move. I will catch up will any and all once settled.
Remote User: Comments: Thanks Lou for this site -- great work and many fond memories My name is Jim Adams RM3 and I was stationed at Sidi Yahia, Morocco from 1962 until Sept 1964. I have lost track of all my buddies that were stationed with me but if it helps jog your memory Chief Gunther was there at this time. I moved several times after leaving the service and pictures and dates and etc were lost? If any of you guys are out there feel free to contact me. My email is: brotherj@henderson.net God Bless you all where ever you may be at now
Remote User: Comments: Labess (hello, if memory serves me right); I'm Tom Treece, a Seabee, who was stationed at NTC Kenetra from December 1973 until December 1975. Was age 18 years, 1 month when I arrived at my 1st duty station. Shortly after an unsuccessful attempted coup on King Hassan II. What a great place! As a Utilitiesman, I worked in the boiler plant behind the galley, the swimming pool behind the EM Club (where I enjoyed Shorty's l ibations at night! Anyone remember Poor Richard's Nights with 10 cent rum and cokes?), the deep well pumps and wells that watered NTC. Earned the princly sum of $307.20 a month before taxes which was plenty of money! Being young, I experienced Mama's House and the Green Door as well as a couple other "hospitality suites". Lived at Mehdia Beach and numerous locations on board NTC and in Kenetra. Met some great friends. I see one, Pat Weil, made an earlier guestbook entry. Met some interesting people: Al Earl, Bob Strait, Don Gay, Warrant Officer Walke, Jeff Peterson, Jim Kasper. My favorite Moroccan; Hoummuch, the Public Works electrician. Got married once in Gilbraltar while assigned there. Ate cous-cous and brouchetes from the stand below the Chalet Bar. Went on to spend a total of 26 years in the USN, but no assignment brings fonder memories than my 24 months in Morocco. What a wonderful experience.
Remote User: Comments: Hi The web site is fantastic brings back many good memories.I arrived in Port Lyautey Nov.53 and stayed there till Nov.55 was assigned to Marine Barrack's Maj.Stanley Davis was the C.O. followed by Lt.Col. Gilson then Col. George E. Newton. The first Mo.or so we lived on seabee hill waiting for Bouknadel & Sidi to open. We were trucked there every day until the bases opened.I spent appx.17 mo at Bouknadel, 1 mo. at Sidi and the rest at mainside (the best was at Bouk.(Too bad theres no pic.of Susans or the other GREAT places in Rabat).I returned there in 1997 and spent the entire Mo. of Feb visiting the old sites (Susans & the rest were gone)The base is pretty run down --but still active with the Moroccan A.F & Army was treated like a V.I.P when I visited the Base I belong to the Alumni Association and hope that many more visitors join. Thanks again for the site Jim O'Leary fdl38@attbi.com
Remote User: Comments: Hello Everyone This CE-1 Raynor Hardy USN RET, LIVING IN CAMP SPRINGS, MD. I'M IN CONTACT WITH CHIEF FENNER FROM THE MAIN EXCHANGE EARLY 70'S, ENC ERNEST WHITE FROM SIDI BOUKNADEL. GO TO CLASSMATES.COM AND LOOK UNDER SIDI YAHIA. MY EMAIL IS raynorhardy@cs.com Asalaam Alikum
Remote User: Comments: JOHN F. BACCHETTA, AIRMAN, USN. VR24 NAS PORT LYAUTEY, AIR TERMINAL OPERATIONS AND WEIGHT & BALANCES FROM `57 TO `59. WORKED WITH GREAT BUNCH AT THE AIR TERMINAL OPS. DRANK A LOT AT THE NON-COM CLUB ON BASE, LU-LU'S IN TOWN, BUT MOSTLY THE BARS ON THE STRIP AT MEHDIA BEACH. I CAN'T FORGET THE FELET MIGNON'S WRAPPED IN BACON EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE GREAT NON-COM CLUB ON THE BASE BUILT BY OUR SEABEES.SERVED ON: USS LEYTE CVS32; NAS PORT LYAUTEY; USS INDEPENDENCE CVA62(PLANK-OWNER). LIVE IN HILTON, NY NEAR ROCHESTER, NY NEAR THE SHORES OF LAKE ONTARIO ACCROSS THE WATERS FROM TORONTO CANADA. E-MAIL: jfbrab@yahoo.com
Remote User: Comments: I was taken completely by surprise to find this site. Just a great idea. Was based December 72 to June 75 at NTC. Worked in personnel. Lived at the beach. Could not believe I was in the Navy and had the fortune of serving here. Great weather, nice people,living on the beach, could not beat it. Reality set in when I went to a tender. Made many friends who stay in contact regularly and we get together every 4-5 years. Usually 25-40 of us show up with families for reunions, this summer will be getting together in Nebraska. Thanks for the pictures and rekindling great memories. Kenitra 72
Remote User: Comments: Hello All, My name is Joe Franzen. I served at Sidi Yahia from 11/69-6/71. I love your site. I am so glad that sites relating to old Morroc are now arriving on the net. I also have a site set up. Please visit me at http://www.angelfire.com/nj3/navcomstamorocco. Attn: Webmaster: I will have a link set up from my site to yours.
Remote User: Comments: Ken & Jo Ann Simpson Only had a short time in Port Lyautey (VR-24). My youngest daughter was born there in 1963. We moved with the squadron to Rota in the summer of 1963. We lived in Kenitra during our stay and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's good to have the website so I can reminisce about the "GOOD OLD DAYS" email: joken14@juno.com
Remote User: Comments: Les Liptak, Jr. I was born in Port Lyautey in September, 1954; my father, L.H. Liptak, Sr. and my mother (Vickie) were stationed there at the time. I appreciate the photos of the place; someday I wish to go back and visit the area to see my birthplace up close. Thank you for the "memory".....
Remote User: Comments: Hello: I'm Laura (Liptak) Ederer. My father is Lester H. Liptak, Sr. My oldest brother, Les, Jr., was born here. What a beautiful website. Nice to see the pictures, especially of the aircraft. I still get goosebumps over the aircraft and the ships. Many fond memories from every place we ever were. Keep up the good work!
Remote User: Comments: Was in the vr-24 flight crew from 53-55, enjoyed many good times with some very special people. I think I had the far end seat reserved in Felix's bar and I can still picture old Mucho mixing the drinks. Great site. Thanks for the memories. Les H. Liptak, ADRC, USN, Ret lcliptak@hightec.com Pensacola, Fl
Remote User: Comments: AND NOW, HERE COMES ALL THOSE GREAT MEMORIES BACK INTO FOCUS!! GARY "PAT" WEIL NCS SIDI YAHIA/ KENITRA APRIL 73 TILL CLOSURE IN SEPT 78. WAS ONE OF THE "LAST FOUR"--MYSELF (CE2 WEIL), CEC ROMAN TRZCINSKI, EM1 STEVE KISER, AND UT2 ROBERT (ANDY) ANDERSON. STAYED TILL THE END AND DROVE OUT TO ROTA, THE SADDEST DAY I SPENT IN MOROCCO. TOO MANY FRIENDS, MEMORIES, AND EVENTS TO EVEN START TO COVER. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ALL THAT REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES, JEEPING, MEHDIA BEACH, BOUK BEACH, THE CORK FOREST, ETC ETC.. OH, AND EVEN WORK, BECAUSE THAT WAS THE BEST DUTY STATION FOR THAT TOO. KIA-ORA@WORLDNET.ATT.NET
Remote User:
Comments:
I arrived in Port Lyautey fresh out of Boot Camp. This being my first
duty station I didn't realize how lucky I was. My tour was from
Dec. 1954 to June 1956. I was first attached to VR-24 cargo crew then
was moved inside the terminal to weight & balances. After passing the
test for Photographers Mate Third Class I was assigned to the base
Photo Lab. It has been so long ago that my memory is fading fast but
I would love to hear from anyone who might remember me. My E-Mail
address is rhymerhapsody@juno.com
Richard Ross
Remote User: Comments: Doing a in process inspection of this site....Quality Control JHD
Remote User: Comments: Ric Nobrega USN 1957 1959 sorry should have listed my e mail for my buddies to loacte me,hawki@meganet.net, thanks for the relisting. VR24 Cargo Handlers. Port Lyautey
Remote User: Comments: Ric Nobrega USN Airman Attached to VR 24 cargo handlers, heavy equipment oper, had a lot of great memories, and some of the nicest guys you ever want to know. God bles you Ed Murray where ever you are. I hope a can reach some of my ground crew, they were the best. 1957 1959 Great site, keep it going.
Remote User: Comments: Robert Bowman (Bob) VR-81 Pilot LtCdr. Port Lautey 1954-1955 Bill Bateman sent me this site. I have been wanting to connect with some my squadron whom I have lost touch through the years. This is a great way to look fo them..Thanks a million! I arrived in Port Lautey October 10,1954. In November 1955 Bill Bateman, George Watts and I were transfered to Naples Detatchment. We drove across Europe and settled temporarily in the St. Elmo Hotel on November 14,1955. In late April 1957 my wife Ginnie, 5 yr. old daughter and 2 yr.old son boarded the U.S.S. Constitution for New York, arrived along with our "Opal Carrivan" we had purchased in Italy for $500.00 WOW!! Those days are gone forever! Next duty station was Coranado, California North Island VR-21 Det. I do not use the computer because my eyes are not what they used to be but my wife does so I communicate by using her as my secretary. our e-mail address is .....ginbowman@juno.com......... I would love to hear back from anyone who remembers me, by chance does anyone out there know where Sage Johnson and his wife Francine are?
Remote User: Comments: Joseph C. Engel Naval Aviation Pilot (NAP) e-mail address jengel@mindspring.com. I was in Port Lyauty in 1952 and was transfered to VR-24 Detachment Naples Italy in 1953 where my third son was born. I was lucky because my wife could speak Italian. I left Naples in 1956. Happy Landings
Remote User: Comments: Hello Lou, This a great site. Credit to you for setting it up. Name is Pete Owen, AL1, USN, ret. Retired out of VR24 in 1962. Had been in Port Lyautey from 1949 until I retired in 1962 with the exception of 1951 to 53 when we, my wife and I, went to the Attache in Baghdad. Was in Port Lyautey 11 years. Many years in 24 starting in 49. Was also VW2 Det A with the P4Ms for a couple of years when I came back from Baghdad. Then to VP26 for awhile, back to VQ2 and P4Ms again. Then back to 24 again for another 4 years until I retired in 62. Without a doubt Port Lyautey was the best tours I ever had in the Navy. We lived in town for 11 years and it was great. Yes, I remember Lulus, Mamas, and many many more. Running out of space I think so better quit. Email is provr24@cox.net if anyone wants to chat. Good luck. Pete
Remote User: Comments: This site is a great way to remember a part of our history. Nice job. Linda Motroni
Remote User: Comments: Dan Jacobs (jake@capecodmouse.com) http://www.capecodmouse.com/jacobs/dan Hi Lou Your site is coming along nicely, you should be proud of it. Was assigned to VR-24 at NAF Port Lyautey from Dec. '54 till March '56. Worked Air Cargo at the Air Terminal, line crew and was lucky enough to be on part time flight crew as an orderly. For what it might be worth to some, here is the URL link to the VR-24 web site; http://www.vr-24.org/ Managed to make the VR-24 Squadron reunion this last Oct. that was held at Pensacola, saw a number of fellow squadron mates that I served with at Port Lyautey. We all talked of old times and places like Lulu's, Crystal Bar, Garden Club and even the Red Cross center. Yes !! and like Lou we remembered the VCS,Suzanne's and a few other places, like sneaking into the native sections of Rabat & Casablanca. Fair Winds Lou & keep up the 4.0 job on your web site. Anyone wishing to contact me please e-mail jake@capecodmouse.com
Remote User: Comments: Great Site. Hal Jenkins, AB2, assigned to the base air terminal, 1956 - 1957.
Remote User: Comments: hi: rick merryman (RM3) was stationed @ sidi yahia 7/58 thru 12/59 home town is lynn,ma.
Remote User: Comments: A warm welcome to all that visit this webpage. And if you were stationed at the Port, Sidi Bouknadel or Sidi Yahia, let us know your rank/rate, base location, dates and your duty assignment Lou Demas Norton, MA March 14, 2002