USS GOLDSBOROUGH DDG-20

Photos of "Goldy" as she was being stripped of her mounts and electronics for the Aussie school...

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 02:14:00 GMT

(View in photo gallery for large sizes...)

ORIGINAL EMAIL FROM BILL CATELL:

Dear Mr. Taylor,

As you are aware, the USS Goldsborough was sold to the Royal Australian Navy as a "spares hulk." As well as being stripped for parts, the ship provided the RAN with a number of working electronic systems which were installed at a new shore facility called the Combat Systems Maintenance School (CSMS) which is a school for navy technicians at Garden Island Dockyard, Sydney. These installations occurred in the 1994-95 period.

Many parts of the USS Goldsborough are preserved at CSMS, and it may surprise you to learn that a couple of her systems are still working units.

I would like to send you a series of photographs which include some of the last taken of the ship as she was stripped, the movement of some of her major systems to the shore facility, and some of her items as they appear today. The theme of these photographs concentrates on her electronic and radar equipment, and may be of interest to some technical sailors who served aboard her over the years, particularly in the 1980s and '90s.

A couple of us who have worked at the Combat Systems Maintenance School for many years, and who have worked and taught extensively using USS Goldsborough's equipment, feel a definite affinity with the ship, as we are ex-sailors ourselves. This may seem especially strange as I, myself, never saw her whole. Nevertheless, there is an unusual fondness for a ship which has provided me with a significant and enjoyable part of my working life.

Because of size restrictions on our email system, I will send the pictures in multiple messages. I hope they are in some way satisfactory to you and other members of the USS Goldsborough Association.

Thank you for the USS Goldsborough Association website and for the opportunity of sharing these pictures. Also, it is with a certain amount of privilege and satisfaction that I feel I have been able to share, in some strange way, in the career of USS Goldsborough.

Kind regards,
Bill Cattell

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The 2010 registrations for Branson, Missouri are underway...

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:42:00 GMT

Branson, Missouri - Sunday August 15 – August 20 2010

Reunion and Hotel reservations due by July 16, 2010

The cost of the reunion is $180.00 per person if registered by July 16th. Late registration fee is $210.00 per person between July 17th and August 7th. On site registration is $235.00 (subject to availability) There is a partial registration fee for those who can only attend one or two days contact Roy Hoffman or Bill Biller for details. Cost will depend which days you attend and what activities you choose to attend.

2010 Reunion Invite Letter

DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

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Need help with school expenses? — Apply for a $1000.00 USSGA scholarship

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:37:00 GMT

2010 U.S.S. GOLDSBOROUGH DDG-20 ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Purpose: The USSGA scholarship program provides financial support to individuals who served in Goldsborough and their direct descendents for their pursuit of educational training as a means of career and personal advancement.

Eligibility: Applicant must:

have served in Goldsborough or have direct next-of-kin who served in Goldsborough
have completed two semesters (or equivalent e.g. quarters/classes or sessions) of academic work in the last 18 months. Grades for these classes must be available to the Scholarship Committee by interview time or by arrangement with co-chairs.
not have received more than two USSGA scholarships toward the same degree, and
be a current member of the USS GOLDSBOROUGH ASSOCIATION (form for USSGA membership can be filed with the scholarship application).

Note: This award is offered in addition to any other educational support.

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It's official; DD-214s are NOW Online

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:55:00 GMT

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/

This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents.

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Zelt Dunbar funeral follow-up...

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:13:00 GMT

As some of you know, our friend Zelt Dunbar passed away recently. His funeral was attended by Jack and Dee Maguire, Roy and Betty Hoffman, Judy Artis and Morgan Taylor-Quinn. He was layed to rest in Erin, Tennessee. Zelt retired as an E-9 and the final rendering of honor to him was provided by 11 members of the Navy led by a full Commander. Jack and Roy, representing the Goldsborough Association, performed the "Bell Ceremony". The highest praise that I can give to Zelt is to say "he was a true shipmate" He will be missed by us all.

John R.(Jack) Maguire

$2,500 Donation to Sponsor a Hull Plate for the Refurbishing Efforts of the USS Adams DDG 2

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:53:00 GMT

Shipmates,

Although the Associaiton overwhelmingly approved the $2,500 donation, our second in as many years, to sponsor a hull plate for the refurbishing efforts of the USS Adams DDG 2 and the related DDG museum to be houses on board, I felt it was prudent to make the presentation in person. With the approval of the other officers for the trip, I purchased my plane ticket and hotel room with my own personal funds as I felt I needed to make sure that the Association's money was being wisely invested.

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What I found in Jacksonville was a well organized event attended by no less than twenty five retired Admirals and Captains many of whom had been either the CO or XO onboard one of the twenty two United States DDGs. There were many other high ranking naval personnel on hand along with a few of us real sailors. Each DDG had a table designated with a framed photo of the ship. I will attached some photos so everyone can see what was on display at the banquet.

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UPDATES for the CREW

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:25:00 GMT

Deer Hunting in the Keystone State
Shipmate Jake Rindosh (73-75) has presented an open invitation to any and all Goldsborough crewmembers who happen to be hunters to join him at his camp just outside Brockway, PA for some deer hunting. If you are not a hunter just come along to hang around camp to do some of those "Man Things" we do when the girls aren't around. You know, drink beer, shoot the bull (not the neighbors), tell sea stories and maybe tag a deer. Deer season in PA is November 30th through December 13th.

Jake's camp is located 100 miles NE of Steel town (Pittsburg), 100 miles SE of Erie, 200 NW of Philly and 10 miles North off I-80 at exit 97.

For more information and details contact Jake direct at 814-265-1683 or by e-mail at jake@brockwaytv.com. For more information on Pennsylvania Deer Hunting go to http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=460&q=161003

Mini Mid-West Goldsborough Reunion
It has been brought up that some ships, aside from annual reunions for the entire crew, have smaller, more localized reunions throughout the country. These gatherings are to accomodate those younger shipmates still working with families at home who can not take off a week, those who may have travel restrictions or just to make it easier and more convenient for more crewmembers to participate.

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2009 Reunion Wrap-Up

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:57:00 GMT

Dear Shipmates & Friends,

Well another reunion in the books and I must again thank Nick and Mary Morstad for their outstanding job in coordinating this event. It surely was one of the very best. It is through organization like they provided that makes not only the reunion fun for all but it sure makes the duties of the officers much easier also. It was indeed a real treat.

The weather in Colorado was just about perfect. Never too hot or too cold and what views. From the hotel rooms you could almost reach out and touch Pike's Peak. What a spectacular view. The trip to the top was not on the tour schedule but many of the group in our free time made the pilgrimage to the 14,110 summit. Some were really sucking in what little air there was. Everyone took lost of photos, so watch the web site for all those in the near future.

Thanks to Chip, Roy and Bill, my fellow officers, for their efforts in the hospitality suite. Can not forget the ladies either who helped maintain, stock and clean up the room every night. We appreciate all the ladies do in our behalf. The room was just the right size so everyone could socialize, review cruise books and laugh about all the hair we use to have.

Dustin, our webmaster, is already working on the numerous request we asked be updates on the web site. Posting the new arrivals to the roster, adding the Ladies and Friends contact area, listing Lifetime Members, updating both our sick call list and departed shipmates along with a private "Association Members Only" area for sensitive issues such as the financial report are in the works.

We finalized our scholarship procedures and they too will be on the web. We will be giving one $1,000 scholarship away for the 2010-11 school year. The scholarship is available to Association members direct descendants and the forms needed to apply again will be on the web site. When the amount was approved, it was also voted to take all the money generated by the annual auction and apply it to the scholarship fund. Shipmate and true friend of the Associaiton, Larry Nelson, personally added to the fund $1,500 and in just one day our scholarship fund grew to over $4,000. It is truly people like Larry and many others who make being a part of this Association such a joy. Larry never ceases to amaze me and all our attendees, as he brings that special something out by just being in the room. His humor, his kindness and the love he shows and shares with this organization is nothing less than remarkable. Thanks for everything Larry and thanks to all from over the years who have donated so generously to the Associaiton so we could continue to grow.

Branson, MO, was the runaway choice for 2010 by the membership. We started with six potential cities and were down to Memphis and Branson in the final vote. Poor Memphis got just three votes. With so many members familiar with that Branson I am positive we will have all the bases covered. Thanks to Roy and Betty Hoffman, along with Bernie and Christine Hilderbrand for volunteering to coordinate the reunion and taking on that challenging responsibility. Special thanks to Tom Weaver, who having been in Branson for other ship's reunions, is sharing all of his contact info.

I challenged the attendees to find one other shipmate and see if you can convince them to attend the Branson reunion. If you have never been to a reunion I hope you will seriously consider coming to Branson. We offer partial registration so if you can only come for a day or two that perfectly OK. We encourage you to bring family members or friends as well. No date has been set but it will likely be after Labor Day in 2010. We will keep you posted as details are firmed up.

Bill Biller our Treasurer is from Tiffin, OH and I, from Eaton, OH, have talked about hosting a weekend Mini-Midwest Meeting for shipmates in Columbus, Ohio and invite all members from the neighboring states. No one has done this for Goldy, however other ships seem to make it work. It would likely be in March or April and I will keep you all posted as to any progress. So if you live in PA, MI, IN, or KY keep watching the web site for details. Of course, if you are from Florida and happen to be in the area, you sure are welcome too.

Branson will be my last official reunion as President and my eight years in office has been a labor of love. I look forward to passing the gavel (bell) on to another shipmate and we have quit a few members who will do this Associaiton proud. We have had some rough spots, some disagreements and of course some controversy. However, I feel those are the norm for any organization as if we were all of the same mind, what surprises would life hold. Progress comes hard to many and change is not always readily accepted. However, our core group of regulars has see us forge ahead in striving to make the Associaiton the best it can be. Personally, I feel we get stronger with each reunion as we tweak the things we do and hopefully make it a better time for all. I am proud of where we have been, where we are and where the future will take us. I deeply appreciate the efforts of all who have contributed and trust me when I say that even coming to the reunions is a major contribution in itself.

As the holiday season approaches, I am very thankful for all I have been given and the opportunity to serve this great organization. I wish you all Peace on Earth, a safe, healthy and happy new year and may God Bless you and your family!

Pat Taylor,
President USS Goldsborough Association

2009 Reunion dealine is only a few days away...

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:26:00 GMT

Shipmates,

The 2009 Goldsborough reunion deadline for hotel registration, July 27th, is only a few days away. We have this special rate of $99 a night, with free parking reserved for August 21st until the 29th. Sure hope that if you are hoping to attend that you do not miss this money saving rate. They normally get over $200 a night but with the economy and with the reduction in personal traveling , I think that really helped Nick negotiate this great rate.

Free parking does not sound like much but at some hotels it would be $20 a night and we have many driving to Colorado Springs. Registrations for locals and walk ins continues until the reunion. However, although we love surprises, so we can properly plan, please let one of the officers know if you are coming. Family and friends are always welcome at our reunions or associated events.

Remember too, you can attend a portion of the reunion if you do not have time for the entire week. Registration fees are pro-rated by the costs of the events based on the days you will attend.

Nick and Mary, our reunion coordinators, along with input from Chip and Sue have another great reunion planned and the updated agenda is on the Goldsborough web site.

In an effort to save some money, there are a few singles attending who have a room to themselves. If you would like to share hotel costs with a shipmate, please contact an officer as soon as possible. Saving half on a room makes attending possible for some.

For our west coast members, with combining Mountain and Pacific times, this is as close as we get to the left side of the country for the next three years. Sure hope you all will consider making the trip east again as we really miss our California, Oregon and Washington friends.

Due to illness, death and the tremendous downturn in the stock market, we will again miss many of our regulars. We hope that those suffering from illness get well soon and to the families of shipmates lost, the entire association offers our deepest sympathies and we will proudly remember them in our annual memorial ceremony.

Hope to see you in the "Springs".

Your Association Officers

Reunion deadline is approaching.

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:14:00 GMT

Dear Shipmates,

We are coming up to the hotel reservation deadline for the 2009 Goldsborough reunion in Colorado Springs.

The special discounted rate expires on July 27th and the hotel will not guarantee room rates or availability after that date. So if you have been waiting to make your reservations please do not wait too long as certain room types may not be available as we approach the deadline. If you prefer you can make your reservations on-line on the Goldsborough web-site or you can call the hotel directly: (1-719-955-5600). Be sure to mention the Goldsborough reunion to be quoted the correct rate.

If you prefer, we can send you a registration form and agenda. Please request them by calling 1-800-433-6061, ask for Pat.

Details about the reunion such as dates, times, tours and costs are available on the Goldsborough web site (ussgoldsborough.com). Registration forms are also available on the site. Your registration fees includes all the tours, related meals, access everyday to the well stocked hospitality suite and a customized shirt and hat for the men and a shirt and tote bag for the ladies.

Like the last nine reunions, number ten will be another great time and an opportunity to see old shipmates and make new friends. We all hope you will be able to make it to Colorado Springs.

In 2010 we will host our reunion in the Central Time zone and if you have any suggestions as to where you think a good location would be please forward your recommendation to any officer. So far shipmates have suggested Branson, MO Saginaw, MI and Pensacola, FL. We would love to hear where you might think we should consider for next year's gathering.

Hope you and your family have a safe and happy summer season.

Pat Taylor