Comments: My dad served on the Markab during WW11. He passed away about 10 years ago, but I remember talking fondly of his time on the ship. His name was Emery P. Havens and from what he said he had a painters rating. I served on the USS Ajax in the late 60's and had the pleasure of seeing my dad's ship in the harbor in Hong Kong during a stop there. I was able to get a picture from the Captain's gig of both the Ajax and the Markab in the same frame from out in the harbor. My dad was so pleased with that picture. He was laid to rest at Arlington and I am sure he would have been pleased. He loved his time in the navy and aboard the Markab. Any old timers remember him?
Added: December 30, 2011
Submitted by Name: William Kirk From: Columbus, Ohio E-mail: MARKABMAN@aol.com
Comments: I reported aboard the MARKAB in March of 1969 after finishing Boot Camp In San Diego and Boilerman School in Great Lakes, Ill. I stayed aboard the MARKAB until she was decommissioned in December of that year, when I was transferred to the USS Jason (AR8), out of San Diego. I was in the boiler room on the MARKAB when #1 boiler blew and I still remember to this day how dark it got and how fast that happened with all the sooty smoke. Luckily, no one was killed. I remember rebuilding the boiler and then de-commissioning the ship.
Comments: I served aboard in Narraganset Bay from late 1952 to 1954 having attended the Personnelman School in Bainbridge MD until I was transferred to Phila Navy Yard in 54.. Cmdr. M.N. Black was the Executive Officer. My rate upon transfer was PN2. I don't remember the skippers name, only that he was somewhat invisible. In winter of 54 we experienced a crack down the side of the hull. It was repaired but we steamed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard under escort while in battle stations with rations for meals. We than proceed to Operation Spring Board in the Caribbean until we could not find targets for our 5" tail cannon or for the 44mm antiaircraft guns port and starboard. We were sent home to Brooklyn early sometime in late 53 or early 54. I was then transferred to Philadelphia and served as a PN2 until Sept. 56 and was honorable discharged and attended college, and seminary. I am retired and age 79.
Richard E. Lake
Added: November 14, 2011
Submitted by Name: Tom Kerns From: Mendota, Illinois E-mail: tom61342@yahoo.com
Comments: Hi to all who have served aboard the Markab AR-23...I went aboard for dry dock in Richmond, CA. in preparation for the '62-'63 WESTPAC cruise. I was a cox'n on the cruise and departed a BM3 in Nov.'63 If you remember me plz send memories to my e-mail.
Added: September 17, 2011
Submitted by Name: Paul Beyer From: Independence, Iowa E-mail: pbeyer1@hotmail.com
Comments: Hey Shipmates, Its time to start treking toward Rapid City, South Dakota for some sites and fun. Ahoaa
Comments: served sept 1968 till sept1969 have just got in touch with michel shaffer 1st time in 39 years
Added: August 14, 2011
Submitted by Name: Paul Beyer From: Independence, Iowa E-mail: pbeyer1@hotmail.com
Comments: Rapid City, South Dakota, HERE WE COME, three months and seven days from now we will be celebrating another Markab Reunion. To look at the faces carved in that mountain leaves one speechless, as well as the other planned events. The time we share in the hospitality room sharing our memories of days on the Markab or even those of the past year. The Banquet is always a fitting conclusion. Have you made your reservations, do so quickly, time is running short. Looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces and the new faces of friends not seen in years.
Name: ELLIOT MIHLSTEN
From: HUFFMAN, TEXAS
E-mail: MIHLSTEN@VERIZON.NET
I WAS ONBOARD FROM MAY 1965 TO MAY 1968 IN THE R-1 DIVISION :!devil: