Welcome to the USS Hugh Purvis DD-709 Guestbook Forum

Years Served: 69-71…I look back at my time on Hughie P. fondly. I reported on board as a QM3 working for QM2 Jim Alford and left 2 years later as QM2 after the last Med Cruise. I also still have the last Cruise Book. On the HPRA web page there is a great pic by Lt. Turneau of me and QM2 Steve Malick on the bridge underway in the Med. After separation from active duty I moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL and stayed in the Navy Reserve, finally retiring in Dec. 1996 as a Senior Chief QM.

Years Served: 1968…Living in Cortland,Ohio married with 5 grown children and 12 grandchildren. Professional photographer of 32 years retired and now currently own and publish our community newspaper the Cortland News.

Years Served: ‘69-’72…This is a great site, happy you set it up. I am looking forward to hearing from former shipmates that I have lost touch with. It was a great experience serving on the HughieP!

Years Served: 1964-1966…As a sonarman I had great duty on the Purvis. As a member of the Hugh Purvis Reunion Association I continue to have some good laughs and fun times at the annual reunions.

Years Served: 1969…I WENT ABOARD THE PURVIS IN APRIL 69 AND LEFT HER IN OCT 69. I WAS AN SK1 . I WAS TRANSFERRED TO NORFOLK VA AREA AND RETIRED FROM ACB2 IN 75. AFTER RETIRING, I MOVED TO OREGON WHERE I WORKED FOR THE CITY OF ONTARIO, ORE. RETIRED FROM THE CITY IN 93 THEN MOVED BACK TO MY HOMETOWN OF BLACKEY, KY.

Years Served: 1961 to 1963…Served aboard from 1/61 to 2/63. Looking for former members of the Sonar gang. Have seen John Goldsworthy (Lt. Jg) and talked to Andy Razmussen. Carrol Morris (Moe) – I see your name here and have tried to call in the past, but you don’t answer. If you see this, contact me via www.hughpurvis.com using the email link at the bottom. Ron LLoyd and Gary Gamble passed away a few years back.

Years Served: 1969 – 1972…One of the best ships I was on.

Years Served: 1952 -1954…How well I remember my first ship assignment on the Hughie P. Rode a troop train from Great Lakes to Norfolk to catch the Ship and of course it was not there, so was sent on to Newport and one of the first trips out was Operation Main-Brace in the Northern Atlantic in the coldest weather I had ever seen. First morning after going aboard, shined Brass on the Forecastle for Jake Allard 3rd class Bosun who ran first division and the Ole’ Man’s number one boy.Ended up working for Blackwell and Herbie as a Gunner striker and made 3rd class before catching the USS Ingersoll DD 652 to the west coast. Man had a lot of friends on the Hughie P and we were transferred there by alphabetical order. Guy’s like another Cook, Copella, Conroy, Entwistle, Oh hell, been to many years ago but do know morning muster was a lot of C’s who answered the call. Don’t remember the Skippers name but do remember the Ships Party he threw at one of the better Hotels in Newport and we were never asked back to because they remembered us so well. Skipper was also the only one who had not made full Commander out of his graduated Class. One helluva man and knew his crew. The XO I also can’t remember his name was standing on the Pier in San Diego when we pulled into our new home port from east coast to west coast on the Ingersoll. XO used to wear Combat boots and a white T shirt and never passed the galley without getting a snack. The couple years I spent on the Ingersoll he treated me like his kid and always visited my work station to shoot the Bull. Another damned nice man.

Years Served: 1970-1972…I still have my copy of the 1971 Hugh Purvis year book.

Years Served: 1959-1963…SOG 2. presently living in Tucson, AZ. Retired from Eastman Kodak Co. My wife Connie passed away Dec.1 2007.

I was a Sonarman fire control tech and reported aboard in late 69 or early 70 and was aboard till the end. I had to help do some training of the Turks. Was like stacking BB"s. I loved my service on the Purvis and I am still in touch with four or five of my shipmates from then plus others before my service. We have lost a few of our original Sonar gang and I am glad I knew them. All of my shipmates on the Huey P were great guys. From the signal bridge to the snipe hideouts from the Bonuns locker to after stearing. They were all wonderful guys and we meshed like fine machined gears. I would do it all over if given the chance.

Served on board from summer of 1970 through the med cruise. Stayed till the sale to the Turks. Great ship, good people. Carter,are you still hung over from that ouzo in the SF Shop?