USS Uhlmann DD-687

[@Oper1SCW]

I was on her in 1971 for only two weeks as a Fireman Recruit (Snipe life) forward engine room. Got transferred to the Seabees due to my background and school availability. I originally was striking for Machinery Repairman (no schools available in the foreseeable future back then). Went to Equipment Operator “A” school. Retired in 1996 as EQCM (SCW/CMDCM)

[@ronsebastian187]

Thanks for viewing the video. Always appreciate hearing from those who served aboard.

[@corrinem1204]

My husband David Mello served on the USS Uhlmann from 1961-1965. He has some 8mm movies as well and WesPac Cruise book 1963-1964.

[@ronsebastian187]

Hi Corrine, Welcome to the site. Perhaps your husband would consider posting some of the videos. It would be great to see them.

[@blastforth]

I enjoy clips like this, a glimpse of life on those old "tin cans."

[@ronsebastian187]

Thank you for the post. Life on the old tin cans was good in spite of sometimes lacking the necessities of life. Not too many of us around anymore that served aboard them.

[@lilcntrycowan8723]

Im still looking for pics of my dad who served from 1964-1967....perhaps someone has a yearbook of some sort ?

[@ronsebastian187]

@@lilcntrycowan8723 Check out Corrine's post above. Maybe you can message and here to inquire about the Cruise book.

[@randycoleman1640]

Ron Thanks so much for posting this film. I am Randy Coleman and I was also an FT aboard Uhlmann from 1961 thru 1964. We must have just missed each other. I reported aboard with the ship in drydock in Long Beach CA. I remember having the same experiences you show here with 3 WESTPAC cruises on this ship. Thanks for sharing.

[@ronsebastian187]

randy coleman Hi Randy, I left the Uhlmann in February of 61 to go to FT-A school. I've seen your name on a couple other sites. We had some great times and I have fond memories of those days. Good to hear from you...

[@randycoleman1640]

***** I am really surprised to hear from another USS Uhlmann shipmate. It seems that we must have just missed each other since I reported aboard in June of 1961 after completing FT 'A' school and GFCS MK56 'C' school. Some people I remember that may have overlapped us both are: 'Tony' (Garth Watson

[@randycoleman1640]

randy coleman couldn't edit this so adding on here. FTSN 'Tony' Garth Gilbert ( he hated his given name and would let you it if you used it) Watson; FT1 'Jim' James O. Stiles who made chief, got busted back for being drunk and then got his chief back in about 6 months; FT3 John Trueblood ( I was 'Johnny's' best man at his wedding. Drove all nite in his 1953 red Buick convertible to Yuma AZ); John ( I think) Parrish who inspired me to take USAFI courses and set college as a major goal in my life. Maybe you can help me remember some of the others I've forgotten.

[@ronsebastian187]

randy coleman I remember Trueblood and Parrish but the other names don't ring a bell. I transferred from 2nd division as a seaman and after a few months the guys talked me into re-upping under the Star program to get A school. Best decision I made. After A school I also went through the Mk 63 school and boarded the Bon Homme Richard CVA 31 which of course didn't have a Mk 63 aboard. But I made 3rd class and 2nd class and was division PO with 2 Mk 37 and 1 Mk 56 systems. In 64 I was transferred to the NAVPHIB base at Coronado to teach shore bombardment and ended my career in 1967 there. Some of the best years of my life aboard both ships. Thanks for the comments Randy. Always nice to connect with members of the crews aboard both ships. Much appreciated.

[@randycoleman1640]

***** I'm glad that we have so many common and overlapping memories. When I reported aboard in June of 1961 I had just completed Mk 56 school and fully expected to be assigned to that system. We really had few FT's so instead I inherited BOTH Mk 63 systems. My early enthusiasm and training on Mk 56 inspired me to dig into the manuals and self-taught myself the operation and maintenance of those systems. Downside, there was neither much interest or budget for the Mk 63's so I had to fight all the time for money to buy parts and test equipment. I'm surprised that you didn't meet FT1 (at that time) Jim Stiles. He was certainly an inspiration to me. I thought he had been aboard for quite awhile when I arrived. He introduced me to the concept of a 'wheel book', a small notebook to which he often referred with his favorite constants, measurements, procedures, etc., like ACTH (Arbitrary Correction to Hit, but I'm sure you know that since you taught to shore bombardment school, one of my favorite exercises!) He carried it with him in his shirt pocket at all times. Also, Tony Watson was the Mk 56 tech when I came aboard. Thought he had been aboard for more than a year at the time.

[@claudeuhlmann5831]

I love this narration

[@ronsebastian187]

Thank you for the comment. If I may ask, are you by chance a relation to Ensign Robert W. Uhlmann who the ship was named after?

[@danjackovich8280]

Served on USS Uhlmann fron 5/66, till 11/68. Two Westpacs (Tonkin Gulf). EM3. Good crew, good duty.

[@ronsebastian187]

Welcome Dan. Glad to have you stop by and comment.