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1st ship after boot camp, left for RD’A’ School.

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Two med-red sea cruises – God Bless America.

Affectionately known as ‘Billy Boot’ by old salts.

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started in 1st.div. during med cruz,then moved to supply. would like to here from any one that remembers me.

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Years Served: 1951 & 1952…I came aboard the Laffey straight out of Boot Camp – Great Lakes – with a number of others in 1952 and the Laffey was fresh out of mothballs. We sailed south to Mexico and then through the Panama Canal and to Norfolk where the ship underwent outfitting to bring her up to date and after a cruise to Gitmo, we started on a ’round the world cruis and a tour of duty in Korea. In Wonson Harbor, North Korea, we were engaged in the longest ship to shore battle of the Korean War and were not damaged during the battle. We had to go out of the harbor the next day after being relieved by another destroyer and replenish our ammo. We resumed our station in the harbor and later went back to Japan. We left Japan for the cruise around the world and returned to Norfolk via the Suez Canal and a cruise in ther Med. I transferred to the USS Prichett DD 561 in January and made a second trip around the world and a second trip to Korea. I have visited the ship many times since she was docked in Charleston and am very proud to have served on her and very proud to see her looking so good there in the harbor.

Years Served: 1969 to 1971…Finished school on the GI Bill. Married 34 yrs. Three grand daughters 8, 5, 3. Twin grandsons arriving in Dec. Would love to hear from Ed Almendinger, Dennis Colusci, Frank Shade, etc.

Years Served: 1952-1956…My father-in-law, Franklin Bill Thames and his brother, Arthur Lee Tony Thames from Samson, AL served on the USS Laffey DD-724 from 1952-1956 and completed two world tours. My father-in-law passed away in 1999. Before his passing, he talked fondly of his memories in the Navy. My husband, children and I toured the ship last April in Patriot’s Point….a very moving experience.

Years Served: 1960-63…I was an RM2 on Laffey from 60-63. Came aboard at 17 and left at 21. Am president of Laffey Association. We are proud of our ship and will keep working on her as long as we can to keep her looking good at Patriots Point in Charleston, SC. I also gave Bossard his nickname Billy the Boot.