Harry Arnold Rathke replied to Jim Decota's discussion USS Recruit museum effort. Sign on to show your support! in USS Recruit TDE/TFFG-1
"Good to hear she will be safe and in good hands"
Aug 21, 2019
Harry Arnold Rathke left a comment on USS Bennington CVS-20
"http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-b/cv20.htm
there was also a boiler explosion in #1 fireroom in April 1953, killed whole boiler room crew. "
Aug 21, 2019
Harry Arnold Rathke left a comment on USS Bennington CVS-20
"After we decommissioned the Bennington in Bremerton, I was then stationed on the USS White Plains AFS-4 for three tours to vietnam.and short trip to the Indian Ocean in Dec-Jan 1971.  "
Aug 21, 2019
Harry Arnold Rathke left a comment on USS Bennington CVS-20
"http://www.usni.org/magazines/navalhistory/2011-01/fire-down-below
Terry here is the story on the catapult explosion and fires."
Aug 21, 2019
Harry Arnold Rathke left a comment on Shellbacks
"Crossed the Equator twice on board U.S.S. White Plains AFS-4, once on Sept. 9.1970 and again on Feb. 8,1972 "
Aug 21, 2019
Harry Arnold Rathke left a comment on USS Bennington CVS-20
"Was on board from 1969 when she was in dry dock in Long Beach, California, till the last light went out in 1970 in Bremerton, Washington"
Aug 21, 2019
Harry Arnold Rathke left a comment on USS Bennington CVS-20
"I was a BTFN in # 2 Fireroom, did refresher training and started loading out for westpac cruise when we got the word that we were to proceed to Puget Sound to mothball the old lady."
Aug 21, 2019
Harry Arnold Rathke left a comment on Naval Training Center San Diego
"June 19,1968 Co. 423"
Aug 21, 2019