Thank you to my former shipmates and past attendees for your memories. Totally off topic, but I attended my first High School reunion 53 years after graduation. I was overwhelmed by the renewed friendships and memories. As a part of former Turner Joy crewmembers, I can honestly say that reuniting with souls with whom I served and other souls who were before and after, being a part of the bigger ‘soul’ of our ship had a different meaning 31 years later, our first reunion in 1990. We gave Her life. Without us, She couldn’t , without you we can’t. TJRG is here for you, so you can stay connected to Turner Joy and your shipmates.
Hope to see many new [old] faces in San Diego, Oct 11/15/23
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Served aboard 77-80. MM2 A-Gang under MMC Blodgett. Best memory was sea trials after our 18 month overhaul. I got the privilege of doing the full power steering gear tests. Hard starboard then hard to port. I had the wheel. Then crash back to full astern. Same routine, now that was quite the ride.
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Greetings TJ Shipmates! I want to pass on some personal comments regarding past visits to Turner Joy Reunions. I sense that there are some shipmates out there that feel that perhaps it’s been too long and that they won’t know anyone there. Others may have other reasons for not attending.
I just want to say that once you come, you will be so glad you did. The camaraderie you experienced while aboard the TJ will return instantly. The feeling of belonging and connecting with others that served aboard and also experienced the same pride in being a part of something larger than yourself.
I will never forger my first reunion which began on a ferry ride from Seattle to Bremerton where the TJ is moored. As the ferry neared Bremerton, I felt an inner emotion that I am about to catch glimpse on a long-lost friend. As the ferry made a final turn and I caught sight on the TJ, I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. It was such a wonderful feeling to see her again. I saw past shipmates and made many new friends. My wife and I have attended many reunions since then and we look forward to attending many more. None of us are getting any younger so don’t put off reuniting with those you have a strong common connection with. Hope to see you all in San Diego in October and two years later on the TJ.
Regards,
Paul Kovar 65-66
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Vice Admiral Edward S. Briggs, USN (Retired) died peacefully at his home in Escondido, CA on November 22, 2022. His obituary was posted in the December 2022 Turner Joy 21MC newsletter. He will be remembered and missed.
Dave Leverenz, 21MC Editor
I was on the decommissioning crew – BT3
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I too am sorry to hear about VADM Briggs ill health. He was my C/O for my two+ years aboard Turner Joy, and being the same age as my own father was a steady influence in my young life then., and I believe a role model for what I did with my life after the Navy. I was so thrilled to see him during the 2014 reunion — on the bridge — where I found him so many times every day as I ran messages up from the radio shack. I felt extremely honored when he and Nan chose to sit with me and my wife at the reunion dinner, no longer enlisted man and officer, but as old shipmates. Get well soon old friend. Rick Haight, former RM2 and most recently, Senior CIA Operations Officer (ret)
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Dianne and I were sorry to hear you are not feeling well and wish you a recovery in the near future. You have meant the world to both of us. Also Milt Jantsen who you graciously helped his grandson with his Naval Academy aspirations, sends best. Captain John Sonksen (more…)
Guestbook Entry:
I am so sorry to hear of Admiral Briggs declining health. He was my CO for half of my four years aboard. I always thought he was the epitome of a Skipper, approachable, fair and accountable. I fondly remember him sitting on the stable element in the plotting room as we were (more…)
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