Welcome… It’s been thirty eight years since I walked down the USS Mazama gangplank in Brooklyn, New York on May 23, 1968 with my separation papers, never to look back….or so I thought.
In 1974, I hooked up with Bill Gohde in Hoboken on a business trip to New York City. This meeting with Bill set into motion a plan to someday, someway reunite with many of the crewmembers we served with on two cruises and a trip around the world. Looking back, those were two amazing years.
This website memorializes those two years, and also provides Mazama crew-members, their family and friends with the history of USS Mazama AE-9 from 1945 to 1970. While she is no longer with us, a piece of her memory lives on in each of us. In 2005, a few of us met in Milwaukee to celebrate our time together on Mazy in the 1960’s. More reunions are planned as our group grows, so pass the word and stay in touch. Now, welcome back aboard the USS Mazama AE-9. Enjoy!
Jim “Doc” Gaspard, 1966 – 1968
Radiomen during Vietnam Tour
Now working as Veteran Service Officer, Putnam County Florida
Jim or HM3 as I remember you, it was great seeing your picture and your memiors from that period. I was a RMSN/RM3 and RM2 during that period. You were a great HM and good guy. Nice to see how you have made your journey since then. robatc@verizon.net
I was Mazama from 1965-1968
Thanks for getting back with the crew Chuck. Its great to hear back from some of the old crew after 46 years. Bill Gohde, LeMoullec and I attended Captain Riley’s funeral at the DC national cemetary several years ago. It was a high honor to be there to send off the old man that led us in our youth. There are some comments further up in the Mazama Guestbook of the experience. Doc