Welcome to the USS Southerland DD-743 Guestbook Forum

Years Served: 1964 To 1966…I served as MM2 after engine room. Had a great time. I saw her hull at Mare Island before she was sunk.

Years Served: 1969-73…Southerland has made it to her grave, but some of her crew still carry her in there harts, and I am one…..she was a very proud and strong little ship. ….I miss the mess decks, MDMAA Salyer

Years Served: 1961-62 aboard Southerland…Short tour but lots of fun aboard

Years Served: 1967-70…RM 2 SERVED WITH BEST RADIO GANG EVER!!!

Years Served: Dec. 1965 – Oct 1967…Served as signalman striker then mess deck when I wouldn’t ship-over. Ah well! Had a great time. Saw her in Portland, Or at the Portland Rose Festival in 1980 – looked terrible – Reserve ship at that time.

Years Served: 1970-1973…Served with RM2 Monday in the best radio gang ever. And we had the most fun too.

I served on Her 69-Dec71 as a EM3, 2 WesPac Cruises. I remember the fire in the boiler room. I go to the Reunions every 2 years. This year we (wife & I) had a great time in Jacksonville, Fla.

I reported to the USS Southerland in 1964 after boot camp, the ship was going to a fram construction, in 1965 made west pack cruise upon return I got transfer to the USS Virgo AE-30.

Served onboard 1972 – 1973. Was an RD3/OS3. Retired in 1993 as OSC.

68-72 Great memories forward fire room.

My father John G Goedtel served on the Southerland 1944-1945. He was a radar man 1st class. He passed away in 1994. He was on board when DD743 anchored in Tokyo Bay for the armistice signing.

Served onboard 1974 – 1977. Was an EM2. Retired in 1998 as EMCS.

Onboard 1978 thru decom in 1981