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The table below contains the names of sailors who served aboard the USS Valley Forge (CG 50). Please keep in mind that this list does only include records of people who submitted their information for publication on this website. If you also served aboard and you remember one of the people below you can click on the name to send an email to the respective sailor. Would you like to have such a crew list on your website?
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There are 507 crew members registered for the USS Valley Forge (CG 50).
Select the period (starting by the reporting year): precomm – 1985 | 1986 – 1988 | 1989 – 1990 | 1991 – 1992 | 1993 – 1994 | 1995 – 1996 | 1997 – 1998 | 1999 – 2000 | 2001 – 2002 | 2003 – now
Name | Rank/Rate | Period | Division | Remarks/Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nelson, Michael/mike | E3 | 0000 – Mar 5, 2001 | Bm | I wasn’t in for long but I fondly remember the friends I made while in. |
Abel, Jim | Operations Specialist Master Chief | Aug 1971 – Jun 1976 | OI | 2nd Best Ship and Crew I served with. Best Ship and Crew was the USS Valley Forge CG 50. Retired from ComNavSurfLant Mobile Team Trainer (MTT) Teaching Link-11 and involved with the Development of Link-16 |
Deanes, Anthony | sk2 | Mar 1, 1983 – Jan 4, 1988 | s1 | i am a plank owner the valley forge was decomed did not get my plank |
Odgers, Christopher | GSM-2 | Feb 14, 1984 – Jan 26, 1986 | MP | PRECOMM Unit |
Agnew, Paul | CWO3, RETIRED | May 1984 – Jun 1989 | This Vets Day has been more reflective than ever. Deep thoughts of the wonderful times. In a multitude of ways, Valley Forge was the beginning of my naval career. Thanks, all of you for being great shipmates. We did it right. Cheers. | |
Kidd, Raynard | BMCM | May 1984 – May 1987 | !st | This is where it all began |
Stavridis, Jim | ADM | May 1, 1984 – Sep 1, 1987 | Operations Officer | Wonderful ship - CO, Chief Engineer, and myself all lucky enough to become Admirals - best non-command tour of my 32 year (so far) career. I learned so much from Captain Ted Lockhart that helps me everyday in my career. |
Jones, John L. | CDR, SC, USN (RET) | Jun 1, 1984 – Apr 18, 1987 | Supply | Highlight of my career. Best CO, officers, and crew anywhere. Thank you, Greenlee, Baggie, and all of the Supply Department |
Thatcher, Terry | EWCS(SW) | Jun 14, 1984 – Oct 14, 1991 | OM | Best ship and crew my entire career. I was sorry to leave. |
Dunks, Robert (Bob) | GMGC(SW) | Aug 3, 1984 – Dec 3, 1986 | CG | Plankowner, The best ship I ever served on. CO/XO/CPO MESS. Enjoyed working w/FTC Pitel, ENS. PLOPLYS |
Bonds, Nelson E. | YNSN | Sep 9, 1984 – Sep 13, 1986 | Exec | My first command |
Clarke, Larry | GSCS (SW) | Oct 25, 1984 – Dec 1, 1989 | MP E | The finest ship I ever served on. The best crew I ever served with, kept me on my toes every day just trying to be as good as they were. Thanks to all of you for helping me be better when I left than I was when I got there. |
Holcomb, Michael | LT | Dec 10, 1984 – Jul 1, 1987 | Disbursing/Sales Officer -Supply | Plankowner: Served with the best Suppo and SKCS in the fleet. "Grew up" on the FORGE... |
Higgins, Shawn | PN3 | Dec 17, 1984 – Jan 15, 1988 | nx | Shawn Higgins, PN3, would like to extend my greetings to my fellow shipmates. email me @ softcoverage@yahoo.com |
Burroughs, Joe | GSM2 | 1985 – 1989 | Some of the best times I can remember happened here. | |
Figley, Russ | GSM1 | 1985 – 1990 | MP | I wouldn't want to have been on any other ship with any other crew. Sorry to see her decommisioned. Ran into Dennis Corter in Philly a few years back, still had his coffee cup in his hand. |
Porter, Don | EN1 (SW) | 1985 – 1990 | A - GANG LPO | HAD LOTS OF GREAT TIME WITH SOME OF THE GREATEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. WOULD LIKE TO STAY IN CONTACT FOR THE REUNION TOUR |
MacFarlane, Matthew | OS2 | 1985 – 1988 | OI | Plankowner: Good times aboard the "Happy Valley". OI division had the BEST people --except for the CPO's (just kidding). 1st West-Pac featured 100 straight days at sea and 4 cans of beer. PI was a blast--- the memories!!! Hi to my old OS sh |
Sams, John | YNSN | 1985 – 1987 | Admin | Plankowner - The best CO and XO around. From the pre-comm days in Pascagoula (remember the Buffarillo Bar and Grill?) to the first West PAC (Diego Garcia, PI and Australia) it was a great experience with the best crew. |
Molter, Phil | ET1 | 1985 – 1987 | CE | PLANKOWNER - San Diego to 'Goula and back - that stop in Cancun and gettin' everyone up the ladder on the fantail in that chop...great memories excellent command..came back just to re-up on her! |
Miller, David | FC1 | 1985 – Aug 1989 | Gunnery | I met some of the finest individuals that I've had the privelage of knowing from pre-com until EAOS. I'm saddened by the fact that I missed the Decommisioning. |
Keyes, Quentin | ET1(SW) | 1985 – 1989 | CE LPO | I will always be proud to be a plankowner on the finest cruiser in the Navy. Earned my ESWS pin aboard Valley Forge. She was an excellent ship with top notch officers and crew. |
Williams, Russ | QM3 | 1985 – 1988 | NX | Best ship/crew of 8 served before retiring in '02. Great memories of 'Goula, BB&G & Socal. Still yakkin w/Vanatter, Porter & Cortor. Where's Spike, Joe Read or Pizza Bev? Was at decom/sad day, yet still loving life! Reunion? |
Fine, Mitch | MS2 | 1985 – 1990 | S2 | "Plankowner" Currently a CSCS on active duty. Best assignment of my career. Best Food Service Div of all time! Great ship's band "MATOFI" , fantastic memories. feel free to contact. Reunion? |
Logan, Granger | HT 2ND CLASS | 1985 – 1987 | R | Plank Owner, I enjoyed my time on board and every trail and liberty port. Remember Hawaii !!!! |
Irvin, Dan | FC1 | 1985 – 1989 | CF | It was an honor to serve with the some of the finest men in the Navy. I have a lot of special memories. I was sad to hear she was decommissioned so quickly. Anyone know why? |
Fischer, Carl / "Fish" | EN3 | 1985 – 1989 | A-Gang | Serving the USS Valley Forge was the proudest time of my life. |
Graham, Jim | STG1 | 1985 – 1989 | CA | The precom unit Valley Forge and then USS Valley Forge was my only sea command, and so it was the best and the worst. Best: the camaraderie and bonds of the plankowner crew. The worst: when that changed w/o good process. |
Mike Coogan, Mike | GMG2 | 1985 – 1994 | CG | the last plankowner to leave.the only ship i ever served on and had the pleasure of the greatest bunch people to sail with. |
Poag, Roy | CWO3 | 1985 – 1988 | A Division | Commisioned Valley Forge as a new CWO after commisioning Harry W. Hill (DD-986) as a GSM1 in MP Division. I am proud to have led the Best Group of A- Gang'ers in the Fleet. |
Baker, Lane | GSM1 | 1985 – 1987 | MP | Wonderful memories |
Davis, Brian | AW2 | 1985 – 1986 | LAMPS III Detachment | I was part of the original crew of the Valley Forge. Hello to all who served on her. |
Isabell, Mark Izzy | ht3 | 1985 – 1987 | r | It was great to be part of the original crew. I went on to the EOD community and still blow stuff up today. LIFE is good! I hope you all have gone on to rich and rewarding lives. |
Armstrong, James | STG1 | 1985 – 1990 | ASW | Plankowner....One of last to leave. Felt a bit old when I saw the ship I pre-commissioned was sunk. Still remember her as the envy of every Navy in the world. I look back now on years at sea and miss being out there. |
Rice, Wesley | ETC | Jan 1985 – Jul 1989 | CE Division | |
Whalen, Steve | GSCM (SW) | Jan 1985 – May 1990 | MP | Some of the most difficult times I have ever experienced in my life but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Pre-com plaque and ship's picture hang proudly in my office. Great officers and enlisted crew! |
Zandanel, Nicholas | BM3 | Jan 1, 1985 – May 23, 1989 | Deck | Had the time of my youth on this ship. Great crew, great memories. Plankowner and PreCom Honor Gaurd. Xanaduuuu! God bless you all! |
Whalen, Steven R. | GSCM(SW) | Jan 4, 1985 – May 10, 1990 | MP | Plankowner. Grateful to have been a commissioning crew member on of one of the finest ships ever built! |
Collis, Doug | OSC | Jan 15, 1985 – Nov 7, 1986 | OI Division | 2nd AEGIS cruiser Precom. VF was a great ship and a great crew, from the Skipper right on down. One of the greatest memories of my naval career and, also one of the most challenging experiences of my life. |
Compere, John T. | HT3 | Jan 18, 1985 – Mar 1, 1988 | R | |
Cray, Claude ![]() | ETC/SW | Mar 1985 – Dec 1990 | CE | |
Peters, Ernie | FC3/FC2 | Mar 10, 1985 – Jun 13, 1989 | CG | Plankowner/T.C.Lockhart,L.Ploplys And Jeff Pitel fine leaders all. The crew was some of the finest men I have ever known |
Johnson, Philbert | QM2 | Mar 21, 1985 – Mar 5, 1988 | ops | plankowner,still waiting for my first westpac album? enjoyed serving with you all, plankowners! retired in 96' off the USS Jarrett. |
James, Larry | FC3/FC2 | Apr 1985 – Aug 1989 | CF | From pre-com to EAOS. What a great experience in my life. Where is everyone from CF? |
Ford, Ben | LT | Apr 1, 1985 – Nov 1, 1988 | MP | The good ole days! |
Ortiz, Lawrence | FC2/FC1 | Apr 1, 1985 – Jan 3, 1989 | CF | Best Ship I ever served on. |
Nguyen, Vu | GSE1 | Apr 1, 1985 – Apr 1, 1990 | MP | Had a memorable time with some great friends. |
Broussard, Roger | CTRC(SW/AW) | Apr 10, 1985 – Nov 25, 1987 | OM | Plankowner and first CT/EW LPO. I earned my ESWS onboard this fine cruiser. The CO and XO where certainly the best officers I served with in my whole career. |
Snyder, Raymond | E-5 HT2 | Apr 15, 1985 – Feb 21, 1987 | R | Looking for addresses and phone numbers of the first crew,plank owners. |
Thomas, Mark ![]() | SH2 | May 1985 – Apr 6, 1989 | Supply | Hello PLANKOWNERS! I just heard VF was decomm and sunk. Too young to be taken out. The best crew, best Supply Off - CMDR Jones, and SHC Esconde. Enjoyed being your Ship Store Optr for 3 out of 4 yrs. Happiness/Health |
Beatty, Dave | RM2 | May 1, 1985 – Jan 28, 1989 | OC | Hope all is well. I wanted to say hello to all the other "Plankowners" I had the honor of serving with on such a great ship and commanded by such a great Captain. Drop me an email. I'd enjoy sharing some stories and catching up. Take care. |
Quinn, James | GSE1(SW) | May 1, 1985 – Dec 1989 | MP | The memories of all the great crew members and good times we all had. I will never forget those times of being a plankowner of the USS Valley Forge (CG-50) |
Snyder, Raymond | E-5 HT2 | May 21, 1985 – Feb 21, 1987 | R | |
Hagerty, Brian ( Hag ) | GSM 1 | Jun 1985 – Nov 18, 1988 | MP | PLANK OWNER Definitely some of the best times of my life!I miss my old engine room bros!The Navy trained me for a career in Power Gen.that I still enjoy.Wouldn't change a thing! |
Dylla, Dave | OS2 | Jun 1985 – Jan 22, 1990 | OI | It's hard to believe the "Happy Valley" has departed active service. First in War, First in Peace, First in Moth Balls... |
Johnson, Howie | OS1 | Jun 1985 – Oct 1987 | OI | Plankowner. |
Rosso, Chuck | FC1 | Jun 1985 – Feb 1988 | CF | |
Joplin, Gary | ET2/ET1 | Jul 1985 – Dec 1990 | CE | Best ship I had the pleasure to serve on. From the CO down to everyone of the crew members. LCDR Crouch was my mentor! I am always proud to say I was a plank owner of the USS Valley Forge! |
Hardman, Cleve | JO2 | Jul 5, 1985 – Jan 11, 1988 | X | Plankowner. Great crew led by now retired RADM T.C. Lockhart with other rising stars like now VADM Stavridis and RADM Moeller. And what fun in crossing the line. |
Kewish, Jerry | OSC | Jul 6, 1985 – Sep 30, 1988 | OI | Awesome Ship & even better Shipmates from top to bottom. The best Navy Christmas party ever at the Sheraton Harbor Is. in 1986 and one phenomenal port o' call at the Portland Rose Festival. Made many life long friends!!! |
Clay, Mike | GSM2 | Jul 15, 1985 – Dec 15, 1988 | Engineering | Had a great time. Could not wait to get out when was in, only to realize that when I was out I had been part of great thing, the USS Valley Forge. I run across Dennis Cortor, Joe Burroughs, & Scott Hudecheck from time to time. Great times. |
Lively, Chip | STG2 | Aug 1985 – Nov 1987 | CA | Plankowner |
Hale, John | EW2 | Aug 1985 – Dec 24, 1988 | OM | Plankowner. Can we ever erase the memory of those 100 days at sea, unless we replace it with the superstructure in the cornfield. Happy times, happy Perth and the Happy Valley. Love to hear from all. |
Cornmesser, Rayman | GMM2 | Aug 1985 – Dec 1989 | CM | The Valley Forge was the start of my career. Being a plankowner on such a fine ship with the crew we had was an experience that no sailor should be without. Those were the best times with the finest men on the face of the planet. |
Shipman, Darren | HT2 | Aug 1985 – Aug 1989 | Engineering | Just heard about the ship being sunk and something sank within me. I had hoped to get to walk here deck again some day at the decommissioning and see some of my brothers from a life gone by. Well maybe someday we will have a reunion and we |
Shoop, Victor | E4 | Aug 1, 1985 – Apr 10, 1989 | od/ce | just wanted to say hi to all who are plankowners. I enjoyed my time and it was my first shipp email me shoop2817@insightbb.com |
Brady, David | EN3 | Aug 1, 1985 – Mar 15, 1988 | A | |
Vigil, Juan | FC2 | Aug 1, 1985 – Aug 29, 1989 | CF | Plank Owner: Ah what memories of pre-commissioning to system trials. So many missiles fired and telemetry gathered. I remember the first time we entered the Strait of Hormuz, I was on watch. Great times!! |
Grabe, Ken | ET2 | Aug 15, 1985 – Nov 29, 1989 | CE | Wow.... Just in a state of shock right now that the Valley Girl has been Decommissioned and even more suprised that they sunk her!! Great Memories of this ship, Capt. Lockhart was a GREAT CO. Feel free to contact me at hardrock@mho.com |
McGuinness, Paul "mad Max" | OS2 | Aug 26, 1985 – Mar 15, 1988 | OI | Haze gray and underway that was the life on the USS Valley Forge. Proud of being a plank owner. Met lots great people on board the ship. |
McDaniel, Danny (Odie) | SM2 | Sep 1985 – Mar 1988 | OC | From the Pascagoula daze to the Persian Gulf haze... I have yet to find a better crew to clean a ship with. We had the best lookin ladder backs in the fleet, tks to Ops. Dept. Hope to hear from you fellow plankowners, find me on classmates.com |
Linch, Dwight | SEAMAN, RADIOMAN | Sep 1985 – Apr 1988 | Deck, Radio | Hello everyone, I heard rumors the girl was Decomed. bummer. Maybe we should plan some kind of reunion or something. |
Read, Joseph | QM1(sw) | Sep 1985 – Jul 1990 | Navigation | |
Jones, Leonard M. III | IC1(SW) | Sep 15, 1985 – Dec 8, 1990 | OD & CE | "PLANKOWER" It was an honor to serve for the best CO and XO I have had in my career aboard the best ship in the Navy. It was my first ship and scary at first but it was the best experience I have had. |
Myers, Dale | YN1(AW) RET | Sep 28, 1985 – May 1, 1989 | DECK/OPS/ADMIN | |
Myers, Dale | YN1(AW) | Oct 1985 – May 1989 | Deck/Ops/Admin | As I approach my retirement, I look back and remember that the best time I had was with the Forge. From pre-com to becoming a shellback and onto my departure. Good job to a great crew and T.C. your the best CO ever. God Bless the Forge! |
Jamison, Jeffrey | EM3 | Oct 1985 – Jun 1989 | Plankowner,started out in the deck division,crossed to electrician.Lot of great memorys | |
Harman, Roger | GMG2 | Oct 1985 – Nov 1990 | CG | Plankowner Mt 51 |
Jamison, Greg | HN - HM2 (SW) | Oct 4, 1985 – Jun 30, 1991 | OM | This was the best duty Station I had as a HM. HMC Bejarano. was the Best Cheif Doc there ever was. I spent most of my career with the Marines but the VF-CG 50 was the GREATEST Navy Team I was lucky enough to serve on. NAVY the best EVER! |
Kline Jr., Boyce Garald | OS2(SW) | Oct 8, 1985 – Jun 1, 1989 | OI | PLANKOWNER. It was an honor to serve with the best CO, Captain T C Lockhart, and crew I had in my career aboard the best ship in the Navy. Greetings to all my fellow plankowners! |
Thibodeau, Jon | ENC(SW) | Oct 15, 1985 – Jul 10, 1990 | A-GANG | BEST TOUR OF MY CAREER |
Szarkowitz, Thomas M | YN3 | Oct 15, 1985 – Jun 15, 1988 | OI | It has been an honor to have served with you, the best crew in the Navy. The many memories I have will be cherished for the rest of my life. |
Thompson, Bill | HT1(SW) / HTC(SW) | Nov 1985 – Apr 1991 | R | Plankowner ... From Pre-Com to Desert Storm ... From learning it as they built it to Mine watch ... If given a chance I'd do it all over again ... what a ride!! Great Ship! Great Crew! |
Nowlin, Ted | BM2 | Nov 1985 – Apr 1988 | Deck | Plankowner. Had a great time, great memories. In shock that they had to sink her. Wish I would have known. |
Ragsdale, Myron | MS3 | Nov 14, 1985 – Jun 15, 1990 | S-2 | Plankowner, it was my pleasure to serve under the best c. o. and best ship in the navy, I could always be found the galley on mid watch baking cinnimon rolls, cookies, pies etc, always having crew members wake up out of sleep asking for samples. Our |
Ret, David A. High . | SH1(SW/AW) | Nov 18, 1985 – Nov 22, 1988 | S-3 | PLANK OWNER, GREATFUL TO HAVE BEEN APART OF THE BEST COMMAND IN THE NAVY AND SERVED WITH A REALY TIGHT CREW, THAT WAS THE REAL NAVY.(FIRST SHIPS BARBER ONBOARD VALLEY FORGE) |
Ambrose, Donald | MS3 | Dec 1985 – Jun 1989 | S2 | Hello and what's up to the commission crew of the USS Valley Forge. MS3 Donald Leo Ambrose JR |
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