Welcome to the USS Ashtabula AO-51 website. This website celebrates the career of the finest Fleet Oiler to ever steam the seas. As all Navy men know, the true heart and soul of a ship is the crew, the Ashtabula was crewed by some of the finest sailors and Officers ever to carry a seabag across the brow. This website is dedicated to them and the memory of a fine ship that defined the phrase “Haze Grey and Underway”.
Below are some of the latest posts to be added to the website.
This is the patch that Dan Polecheck has had made, if you would like one this is what Dan says:
If anyone is interested, send your email to pollycheck@charter.net and I will send you a picture of it. The cost will be $10.00 and that includes the shipping. It is a 5 inch patch and I think it really looks nice. I hope to hear from some you
The 2009 Reunion(55th Annual) will be held in Myrtle Beach SC and the hosts will be Grom & Lee Carroll. Early Information has been received from Lee in the form of the Fall 2008 Newsletter. The dates will be Sunday, June 7, 2009 through Thursday June 11, 2009 at the Landmark Resort 1501 South Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach SC 29577. The deadline for Reservations will be May 7, 2009. The Reservation number is 1-800-845-0658. There is a 4 Night Package available and you can make other arrangements if you need to. if you have questions, email Grom & Lee at the address in the Roster page.
A quick comment: Be sure you make the Deadline for the Registration, there is a lot of planning and arrangements for food, and other activities. When you just show up at the Reunion you take a real chance in not being able to attend the Dinner and other activities and it makes it doubly hard for the Hosts
Ashtabula from an approaching ship! Thanks to Neil Greer and the USS Virgo website. USS Virgo alongside Ashtabula in 1969.
Ashtabula was awarded eight battle stars for World War II service, four battle stars for Korean War service, and eight battle stars for duty in the Vietnam War
Top Row - Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation - American Campaign Medal
Second Row - Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (5) - World War II Victory Medal - Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)
Third Row - National Defense Service Medal - Korean Service Medal (4) - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (4-Quemoy-Matsu, 9-Vietnam, 1-Korea, 1 Op. Frequent Wind)
Fourth Row - Vietnam Service Medal (7) - Humanitarian Service Medal (1-Frequent Wind, 1-Boat People) - Philippines Liberation Medal
Fifth Row - United Nations Service Medal - Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal - Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)
