I love the new look. As always, I am very, very proud of your work.
edc
I LOVE EVERYTHING I HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE. I SERVERED ABOARD THE HORNET FROM 1965 TILL 1968. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
LIND R.W. MM3 PHILA., PA.
Didn't understand some of your questions. Doesn't matter. Looking forward to seeing and hearing more. I was a tin can sailor and we cruised with the Hornet often in the early 60's. Good memories. Thanks again for turning me on to this site.
Lt Mike Ray, VS-35 1964-1967 ... Stoof driver.
Served on the Hornet the last half of 1960 flying AD-5 Q's and W's
Bill Alderman
Robert Bartlett 1965-1967 VS35 Line Division
Bob, This is just wonderful. Enjoying it so very much. You sure have to know what your doing in order to put this together.Wish I, had the knowledge to do the samw but, with my past work - Building Moving. I, do have some history in pictures. When I'm gone , so will the history be gone. Charlie
I find my thoughts going back to that day occasionally. wondering what really happened. It has been many years,and my memory does not serve me as well.I would like to hear from some one that could refresh my mind of what went on that day, and the search. I was in the medical corps during that time, so I was in sick bay most of the time and had little word of what was going on top side. My prayers are with the mia's and there family. Sincerly John R Ochoa HM1 USNR retired e-mail ochjr@attbi.com
Served aboard the USS HORNET on a 65-66 West-pac & a 67 West-pac & Apollo 11 pick-up with CVSG-57 with HS-2 , Am a HORNET Plankowner & proud of it !
Served aboard the Hornet with VS-35 1965-1968
As a former member of ships company I enjoy your webb site very much keep up the good work. semper fi Howard Blum 7th div Mar Det.
Mr. Cruze, thank you for all the time and effort you put into this web site. It is just beautiful. I want to thank you for the beautiful memorial honoring my husband Robert R. Sennett and the crew for the ultimate price they paid for our freedoms. I never, never forget any of the men who were on that fateful flight. My daughter and son and I thank you for such a touching and moving memorial. We love him and miss him every day of our lives. Thank all of you who remember these men in your prayers. I and my family greatly appreciate it. Bob has a daughter Nicki and a son Tim, who were 4 and 3 respectively, the last time they saw their daddy and gave him hugs and kisses. They are adults now but still miss him as much as I do. God Bless you and yours. Thank you once again.
Hello, Bob,
I was pointed to your site by Terry and his APOTD. Glad I stopped on by. The site is a fitting memorial to your crewmen. I certainly appreciate your efforts on their behalf.
-Bill
Bob,
I left the Hornet before 1966 but my heart goes out to the POWS, MIAS and thier families. Our goverment let them down and it is a big black mark on our history. You have done a beautiful job with much heart and love. Thank you from all who care.
S. Goode
I served on the hornet aug 64 to aug 66
Proud to have served on the Hornet. I made west pac cruises 1965-1969 and enjoyed every one.Thank you for giving me a place to go with my memmories. Thank you for remembering our MIA's
I am 20 years old and in the military. I serve in the US Air Force and I am proud of all those men who served before me. My uncle was a prisoner of the Vietnam war and I thank GOD every day that he has returned home. No matter where these fallen soldiers were from, they will now and always be in our hearts!!
Bob, I'd like to commend you on all the work you put into this website. I guess it took September 11, 2001 for me to really realize that our country is full of heroes. Thank you for honoring these brave men and women. Dawn
Served with you as a Radarman from 63 - 65. I was probably the last man off the ship before it sailed on the 1965 West Pac and Viet Nam tour. Nice web site - I appreciate the thought and remembrance of others. I'm proud to have served aboard the USS Hornet. Bob, good job.
I would love to purchase a POW/MIA bracelet or something to make other people aware of the still missing men from Vietnam. I was lucky in that my husband, brother an alot of my friends returned. Some however did not. And they are missed.
Great web site. I enjoyed the visit & plan to spend more time here. It is very imformative. God Bless.
I was searching for Skip Templin to see if I could get a lead on where Sandy is these days. I have never forgotten them and keep them in my prayers, along with all the other Pow/Mias in the hope that some day there will be answers. ann biundo
First,as Robert R. Sennett's widow, I have to thank you for the beautiful tribute you have paid to the crew of NV12 of VS-35. There are no words to describe the gratitude and appreciation I feel for this wonderful thing you have done. Over the years, the pain has lessened, but never the memories of the love we shared and the happy times we had together as husband and wife, and also as a family with our two precious children. My daughter, Nicki, and I have had the honor of meeting with a great deal of Bob's shipmates from VS-35, last year, at the first squadron reunion, which took place on the USS Hornet, in Alameda. Touring that great lady, was very emotional for me, because it brought back memories of the last day, we spent with Bob, August 13, 1965, when she sailed away from North Island in San Diego. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts, myself, my daughter and my son...We appreciate that you maintain this website, so that others may pay tribute and remember that the crew of NV12 of VS-35 made the ultimate sacrifice that day, so that we could hopefully keep our freedoms safe.
Where is the ship?
Dear Mr. Cruze,
Thank you so much for your site. Until today, July 4th, 2003, I did not know the circumstances of concerning the disappearance/death of CPO Edmund Frenyea. In or around 1970, I purchased a MIA bracelet with his name on it from a local Christian Bookstore. I wore it for several years and prayed for his safe return many times. Years later, all it takes is the mention of "Vietnam" and my mind immediately goes back to the jewelry box where I have it safely tucked away. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I discovered his status was changed to KIA. I remember finding it out on a computer program about "The Wall" and weeping as though it were one of my own family or friends. I guess, in a way, he is. He is my direct contact to the Vietnam War while I was a teenager. I never served in the military but have always had the utmost respect for it. My late father was a WWII ARMY vet and my late uncle, was in the 101st Airborne during WWII. On this July 4th, I put the bracelet back on and plan to visit a traveling version of "The Wall" that is in our area. Because of your site I now know what "Frenchy" looks like. I will go and honor him and his comrades as well as the rest of our heroes. Keep up the great work and thank you for helping to make the most emotional July 4th I've had in quite some time. I pray for all our service personnel, past and present, that God will always keep you safe in his arms... whenever and wherever you need him. your obedient,
Paul
AWCM Robert Dibb, VS-35 Aircrew 1966-1969. Very nice tribute to our shipmates who paid the ultimate sacrafice. Well Done!
Bobby
Proud to have served on the Hornet. I made west pac cruises 1968-1969 with VS-35, Felipe Garza AE-2.Thank you for giving me a place to go with my memmories. Thank you for remembering our MIA's
Mr.Cruze, the new graphics are Great!! Keep up the good work. Thank you for everything you have done for my Dad & the others lost on NV-12 . It is really appreciated. Loving Daughter of Robert Sennett
Much appreciate seeing this and knowing my brother and his crew are still remembered. That means a lot, so thanks, Bob.
Diane Forman
Very touching website. My dad was in the Navy & served in Vietnam. He spent 30 yrs total service. I don't think people will ever realize what a life changing experience Vietnam was for those who came back and for those who are MIA and all of the families.
I WAS WORKING THE FLIGHTDECK ON THAT VERY MORNING.EARLIER THAT MORNING WE HAD LOADED THE STOOF WIHT ROCKETS AND MINI PODS AS I WAS AN AVIATION ORDNANCMAN.WHEN SHE DID NOT RETURN I WAS VERY HURT BUT WHEN I WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE READY RAOOM AND HEARD THAT A RAFT WAS FOUND.AS THE CRUISE CONTINUED WE NEVER HEARD ANOTHER THING
GOD BLESS OUR HEROS BILL LENTZ AO3
ADJ-3 HS-2 1964-1968 , 2 West Pacs , 1 apollo ,God Bless & Thank You , Vince
VS-35 Aircrew 1964 - 1966. Thanks for remembering my shipmates Bob. You have done a great job with this site. Keep up the good work.
Good Job Looks Great. We will never forget
Great web site and a wonderful tribute to memory of the fallen heros on the last flight of NV 12. I am currently the MMCO for VS 35. One of the highlights of my Naval career was taking part in the VS 35 reunion at North Island this year. It was my honor and privelege to meet all the old shipmates. Keep up the great work on your web site.
God Bless America!
D.R.
I was In V.4. Div. U.S.S. Hornet 3/60-7-63
I read with great interest the documentation regarding the loss of the S-2 in January 1966. I was the on-watch air controller aboard the USS Berkeley and the last person to communicate with the S-2. I had the 0400-0800 watch and gave a vector to the aircraft to return to the Hornet just before getting off watch after providing flight following for the S-2 for nearly the entire watch. The documentation is accurate as to all leading up to the event. The CAG from the USS Hornet flew to the Berkeley via helo and interviewed me. At day break we circled the island looking for anything indicating a crash. Nothing was noted, except for some gun mounts on the island following the ship. I wish we could have done more, but the crew elected to delay the vector home to investigate something of interest. I recall the pilot giving me a roger for the vector and stating he was going down to look at something. That was the last time I had contact with the plane.
Jim Barrett CDR, USN (Ret)
I WAS A AIRCREWMAN AO3 OUT LOOKING FOR THEM THE NEXT MORNING IN VS37.WE ALL SHARE THE LOSS.
Wonderful tribute, beautifully done! My sympathy to the family and friends of these fine men.
Mark forwarded leter sent him by Robert Sennett's widow, So interesting to find she and I share the name Lucille (Lucile).
I have CDR. William Foremans POW/MIA braclet that I received in 1971 NAS Whiting Field, Florida. I am speechless at this time, I still have it and cherish more than ever before, got to go now. Greg
I wore Robert R. Sennett's POW bracelet in 1972 and became pen pals with his daughter Nicki for over 10 years -- she was in my wedding in 1984 and in 1986 I lost track of her. By the wonders of the Internet, I have found her again tonight and hope to re-connect with her and her family.
I so enjoyed your website. It enlightened me, through the eyes of an adult now, at the type of service Robert Sennet had in the Navy and his wife's tribute to him, reminded me of what a wonderful family they are. I am certainly hoping to reconnect and hear from them soon.
GREAT WEBSITE VERY WELL DONE, MAY WE NEVER FORGET OUR FALL SHIPMATES, FOR THEY HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE WITH THIER LIVES FOR OUR FREEDOM, THEY WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS ALWAYS. I SERVED WITH VS-35 FROM 1962 TO 1964, LINE DIVISION, AND AIR FRAMES SHOP.
BOB HOLLEY AMH3
WOULD LIKE TO GET COPY OF CRUISE BOOK FOR WEST PAC 1968 . I WAS ABOARD THE USS HORNET HS-2 SQUADRON
Served in VS-37 '59 thru '63.
Nice site. Keep up the good work. God Bless. Swing by my site when you get a chance.
SERVED ON USS HORNET WITH THE AIR CREW OF VC-35 WAS A GREAT TOUR OF DUTY WAS ONBOARD 1968-69 WAS PART OF THE AIR CREW ON US2C
I came upon this website while developing a filamentaltiy hotlist. I am a Molloy College Grad student. I am currently at the end of a summer session class: intergrating technology in the inclusive classroom. The final project was a unit plan, I chose my topic as the Vietnam War. I have discovered so much information by doing this project.
I appreciated your site and creations very much, great job!
Words just don't describe it Bob.It's the best site I have EVER seen on POW/MIA's. As you know, I was in VS-37 as aircrew, 1961-62. Though it was after my time and I didn't know them, I still feel a bond to them. I have met Lucy,Nicki, and Tim Sennett at the reunions. I like to think they are my friends. And thanks again for all of your help getting me started in the Web pages. You're the Man!
a us vet served 5yrs in the us army
VS-35 Aircrewman 1964-1966 Westpac Cruise 65-66
Searching for information on Ralph Eugene Godwin (Cpl). He was stationed on Greenham Common Berkshire, England 1939-45 war. I believe he was in the Artillery.
Great site. It has answered many questions I have had since the loss of the plane. I was on the USS Hornet from 1964 to 1967 in Sonar Control and ASCAC. You brought back a lot of memories good and bad. Thank you
may we find you missing men. may god keep you safe untill we see you again.
thank you for giving with out question. I respect every person who is willing to
take up a weapon and stand on "the wall" to protect me and my families freedom.
I will always honor and respect each and every one of you!
I was aboard Hornet at the time of this incident, and was myself an aircrewman
(#3 seat) in VS-37, which was VS-35's sister squadron. I didn't know any of
these fellows, but since two were officers and one was a CPO, (and me an
E-4)that's not unusual.
We flew round-the clock on Yankee Station, and the two squadrons acted much like
the blue/gold teams aboard submarines. When VS-37's planes were flying, VS-35
was resting its aircrews and doing maintenance, and vice-versa. I do, however,
remember knowing Robert Sennet by sight. He was a big fellow if I recall -- and
for some reason, I seem to remember him being an instructor (playing a commie
bad guy) when I went through survival school. But since his wife's bio of him
doesn't mention him teaching survival school, I guess I must be misremembering
again, which happens more often as the years go by.
I remember that the mood in the squadrons was very subdued after that for a long
while. Zooming off a carrier deck and ploughing holes in the sky can be (usually
was) an absolute ball, and it was hard not to enjoy every second of it. But when
NV-12 didn't come back that morning, we all had one of those moments when you
have to say to yourself, "This really IS dangerous, you know."
We looked for signs of the aircraft and crew full-time for weeks, and never
stopped looking until we left Yankee Station.
Personally, I never thought the aircraft was shot down. I think we'd have found
some trace of it if it was. I think what happened was the one thing guys who
flew in stoofs always feared might happen when we were buzzing around out there
in the inky blackness at altitudes of 100 feet or less (we'd go real low so we
could use the spotlight to get a close look at bogies). There is no margin for
error or mechanical malfunction at that altitude.
I always believed that NV-12 dipped a wing, or had a critical malfunction, or
simply flew right into the sea and quickly sank. The life raft, mounted in the
top of the fuselage, could have automatically deployed or been deployed by any
member of the crew at the last second.
We heard about the raft. I don't know how anybody knows for sure whether it had
bullet holes in it or not, since it came ashore in NORTH VietNam. I never heard
that the crew were POWs, although we all knew it was a possibility.
There was also a helicopter ASW squadron attached to our air group named HS2. As
I remember, those guys faced danger MUCH more often and more closely than we
fixed-wing aircrews did. HS-2 flew unarmored SeaKings that were refitted with 50
calibers on either side. The gunners themselves had an armor plate in front of
them, but nobody else in the helicopter did. They made a lot of pilot pick-ups,
saved a lot of lives, but lost some, too -- and eventually lost (I think) five
of their 15 aircraft.
As to NV-12, my hope and belief is that the crew did not survive the crash. I
believe that because it seems most likely to me. I hope it, because I don't like
to think that they were captured, suffered, and were never repatriated.
I also hope it because, and I confidently say this on behalf of every naval
aviator who ever pinned on a pair of wings, there is no better death than while
serving your country, doing something you absolutely love to do.
The crew of NV-12 experienced such a death. Although their lives were shortened
by that, they are forever enobled by it.
And if given the chance, I bet every one of them would climb right back into
their seats and zoom off that catapult again.
Have just finished reading the comments sent to your site. We are the secretary
for the USS Hornet Club. Carl served on the USS Hornet 1952-1956. We have over
2,400 members. Your site is an excellent tribute to all of those who served. If
any one would like to find out more information on the USS Hornet Club, Inc.;
they can e-mail us at hornetcva@aol.com
or visit our website at
www.USSHORNETCLUB.COM. We have a reunion every year and it is really great
to meet with shipmates and listen to all of the stories of when they served our
country. Thank you again for the wonderful site.
I WAS ON THE HORNET 61 TO 64 3rd DIV. THANKS BOB
Served aboard Hornet 1965-1968, in OS (sonar) Div.
Well remember hearing the news of the lost plane. You are doing a great job.
Thanks for bringing memories back. I think!
looked at the site
was touched , my heart crys and tears filled my eyes. i knew a man name cruze,
he was a radarman, the 1st class petty officer name was Silk , if u kno of this
plz e mail me goopdaddy@sbcglobal.net
thanks mark
i am a grandson of edmund henry frenyea i was looking for new info on the
incedent and came across this site i just wanted to thank you for keeping his
memory alive
Today, August 13, 2005, is the 40th anniversary of the day I last saw my
husband before he left on the WestPac of 65-66 with VS-35. There was a problem
with the steering mechanism on the USS Hornet CVS-12, so Bob and I were able to
spend the day together with our children. It was the very last day we saw him.
We sat in the car on the dock as the Hornet pulled out from North Island and we
were feeling sad and missing him already. I remember crying until my hankie was
soaking. I felt like I was losing a part of my heart. Little did I know that is
just what was happening. I still miss Bob to this day. His smile is still very
much a part of my life as I look at our daughter Nicki and our son Tim. They
are living pictures of their Dad. Until we meet again beyond the veil, my love,
know that you are never far from our thoughts and always in our prayers. God
Keep You.
Thank you Bob Cruze for creating this web site and maintaining it with such
reverence. You are a credit to your shipmates and all who served with you aboard
the Hornet. God Bless You. Lucy Sennett.