44.
Dec. 5, 2020

My Uncle, Walter Shepard Sargent, was Executive Officer of the "Arky" on D-Day and served in various capacities from early 1941 to 1945. He was assigned to the Office of Chief of Naval Operations just before the Battleship transferred to the Pacific fleet and the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.  He visited us in Pennsylvania several times during WWII when the ship was in port being refitted with new antiaircraft guns.  We were so proud to see him in his wartime khaki uniform. I was named after him.

Walter Sargent Fisher
Ann Arbor, Michigan

43.
Nov. 21, 2020

My father served on the Arkansas during Second World War. His name was Charles C. Davenport, if any pictures or info comes up, I'd greatly appreciate it. He was proud to serve and had many memories this time in his life.
I thank you so much for all your service to our country.

Sincerely,
Barbara Ann Davenport Dallabrida

42.
Aug. 24, 2019

Just going through some old postcards that my Grandfather had from 1909 to  1912. One in particular was interesting but could not tie it to a ship, although when enlarged the name on the hat name tag seems to say Arkansas. Could be wrong, but thought worth checking on.

Thank you,
Linda Kintzing

41.
July 8, 2017

My father, Ralph Hitchcock, from Johnsburg, NY was on the USS Arkansas 1945-1946 and I have a group photo on deck with my dad, but I do not know the others and maybe someone may be looking on your site as I did and will get to see there loved ones photo. My father has passed away and was blessed to have him. He was 15 days shy of his 95 birthday. Our family has his ashes and when my mom passes we thought about our local military cemetery for their final resting place in Saratoga, NY area. Also maybe you have and share other photos of him and crew during his military time.

Thank You Kindly,
Michelle Hitchcock-Wallace
Chestertown, New York

S2c Ralph U. Hitchcock.

40.
June 29, 2017

I am looking for any information regarding C. P. "Chick" Carter, Jr., first name Clifton, I believe. He served in 1941, and was writing letters back and forth with my mother, although it doesn't appear they ever met in person. I believe they were "pen-pals". My sister and I have a few of these letters we discovered after Mother's death. Her name was Luella Faustini, and she lived in California.

We would like to know more about this kind gentleman, and if copies of the letters would be appreciated by any surviving family, we would be delighted to share them.

Thank you,
Alison King
Anchorage, Alaska

39.
Sept. 14, 2016

Our local "bulletin" carried the following story this week:
"George Franklin "Frank" Kelsey, US Navy, WWI, Gunners Mate Second Class, USS Arkansas.

The first Meeteetse (Wyoming) boy to answer the call of his country after the U.S. entered the war. He enlisted in the Navy on March 6, 1917 and died on December 28, 1919. He passed away at the N.Y. Naval Hospital. A few days previous, his parents in Meeteetse received a message announcing his serious condition, so they weren't entirely surprised at the news of his death.

According to the "Meeteetse News" of January 3, 1919, he was "just entering his young manhood, being about 21 years of age, of sterling worth and the pride and joy, as well as great assistant" of his parents. He leaves to mourn his sudden passing, father and mother, three sisters and one brother. The body was shipped for burial and expected to arrive January 5, 1919. Frank was born in St. Pete, Utah on December 3, 1897 to Benjamin Franklin Kelsey and Bolette Vance Kelsey. He is buried here in our cemetery, next to his parents."

There is no mention of cause of death. Also, the article says he was born in "St. Pete, Utah". there is no such place. I'm guessing they were referring to Sanpete County, Utah.

Jim Guelde
Meeteetse, Wyoming

38.
Aug. 2, 2016

My father, James Joseph Carney, was from Grafton, West Virginia. He enlisted in the Navy in August 1936. After completing boot camp, he was stationed on the USS Arkansas (BB-33) from 1936 to 1940. He retired on December 1, 1969, at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA, and held the rank of CWO-4. He was also on the: USS Hamilton (DD-141) - a few months in mid-1940. USS Healy (DD-672) - 1943 to 1945 (was part of the original crew). USS Stribling (DD-867) - 1945 to 1946. USS Essex (CVA-9) - 1955 to 1957. He is interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego (Point Loma), California.

Jim Carney, Jr.
Technical Sergeant, USAF Retired

37.
June 24, 2015

I just discovered the Maritime Quest message board! My dad, Richard Harold Fisher, served aboard the USS Arkansas (Battleship) during WWII. He was aboard on D-Day when the Arkansas supported the troops at Omaha Beach. He was an electrician and, although young, I believe he was already a Chief Petty Officer at that point. He kept a "diary" of sorts from June 5th until June 25, 1944. I have transcribed these "notes" from the electrician's notebook he kept in his pocket throughout. The notes are in pencil and are fading a bit, but I still have the notebook and it is readable. 

I would like this notebook to end up somewhere it might be appreciated (a museum?) and also would like to share the notes with other of Dad's shipmates or others who served aboard the Arkansas. Dad often said that being a part of D-Day was the most important moment in his life. So much is written and filmed about the soldiers and paratroopers who participated in the D-Day Invasion, but it seems there is not that much about the Navy. Dad's observations are not earth-shaking, but they are a first-hand account of what took place from hour to hour. I am willing to be in touch with other similarly-minded folks.

Thanks,
Barbara Arnold

36.
May 1, 2015
Announcing a new book By Ray Hanley and Steven Hanley "Arky"

From the her launch to her destruction with the atomic bomb at Bikini Island, this
book covers the record of the battleship Arkansas. It tells the story of the ship, but
it also tells the story of the men who served in her. Using several personal accounts
and diaries provided by former crewmen and relatives, Ray and Steven have combined
the operational history with the personal insights of her crew. The book is also well
illustrated with many unique photos, many never before published. If you ever
wanted to know what it was like to serve in a battleship from the prospective of the
regular sailor, this book should be in your library.

2015 Butler Center Books
166 pages, deluxe paper

Click here to order in the U.S.A.
www.amazon.com/arky

Click here to order in the U.K.
www.amazon.co.uk/arky

*MaritimeQuest contributed to the material in this book.

35.
Dec. 2, 2014

My father served on the USS Arkansas BB-33 from 1943-44. Can you tell me, are there are any reunions scheduled for the Arkansas or have they stopped those? Can you tell me if there is a place where memorabilia from the Arkansas is kept or stored that I might be able to view?

Thanks,
Charlie Bremseth

34.
June 2, 2014

I just came across your web page doing a search on the Arkansas. My grandfather John Lajzo served on the ship during WWII. Unfortunately he passed away in 1976. I was 3 and never got the chance to ask him the million questions that I have. Or to hear the stories. If there is any way you gentlemen could guide me in the right direction on finding information about my grandfather I will greatly appreciate it. Thank you for any help or guidance. He was from the Pittsburgh, PA area.

John Lajzo

33.
Feb. 26, 2014

My dad served aboard this ship. Does anyone maintain a USS Arkansas museum?

Thanks,
Tom Barbee

32.
June 24, 2013

My father served aboard the USS Arkansas (BB-33) from 1931 - 1935 and participated in cruises to the European and Caribbean areas as part of the U.S. Training and Scouting Squadrons. His name was Louis E. Ray, Prtr 2C, and worked in the Print Shop. I have many photos of life aboard the old "Arkie" and ports of call during his time aboard as well as other ships stationed at Norfolk NB during that period of time. I would love to hear from anyone who may have known him "back in the day".

Gary Ray

31.
June 6, 2013

My father would like to talk to any survivors or their children who are looking for information about the Arkansas. He served on the ship in 1945-1946. He has a book that he got on the internet called "USS Arkansas Pacific War Diaries" it has names dates and pictures and stories of people that serves on the Arkansas. We live in Hot Springs Arkansas my fathers name is James Elliott and listed in the phone book. He would be glad to talk and tell his story.

Thank you,
Jan Turner

30.
Feb. 18, 2013

Just for any BB33 survivors out there. Steve L. Krengiel passed away on February 17th 2013. He served on the BB-33 from 42-45.  He was the ship's cook aboard. His rank was SC 2nd Class.

29.
Nov. 24, 2012

My grandfather, L. E. Talbott, served on the Arkansas from October 1942 until October 1945. He was in Division F, Fire Control, Petty Officer, 2nd Class. He told many interesting stories over the years and I recorded them. I am currently completing his memoir of the war years. If there are any survivors of those years, I would appreciate knowing.

John Talbott

28.
Oct. 27, 2012

Several years ago I acquired a Capt's chest dedicated by the ship's carpenters of the USS Arkansas in 1946 just before Bimini. All mahogany, 36"W x 21"D x 17"H, original lock and key. Dedicated Capt's service record and other memorabilia. My Dad was  WWII navy, and I am a Viet Nam DAV and while I am attached to this chest, financial responsibilities require me to offer this for sale.  I would prefer that it go to someone who has connection to the Arkansas. Send inquiries to jomozolo@yahoo.com  

Sincerely,
John Mazzullo

27.
July 16, 2012

My father was on the Arkansas during WWII. He rarely spoke about the war at all. He passed away several years ago and we found pictures and medals that he was awarded. His name was Marvin W. Toplan. if anyone knew him it would need nice to learn his history.

Susie Gearhart

26
Apr. 30, 2012

Found your website today and would like to say what a wonderful idea and how happy I was see to see so many wonderful pictures and stories. My name is Donnie James Hazel and my Grandfather, James Paul Henderson served on the USS Arkansas from October 7, 1944 to December 1945. He was a BUL 2C Petty Officer. Below are some of the Muster Rolls showing my Grandfather on the Rolls.

James Paul McFaddin Henderson was born on February 17th, 1925 in Paintsville, Kentucky. He was born a McFaddin and in order for him to list he LIED about his age and used his step-fathers last name to enlist. The irony is that he kept the Henderson name from this point on and all his children bare the Henderson name. All because he wanted to serve his country. Also below is his WWII Draft Registration Card. My grandfather passed away on July 15th, 1998 and I and his descendents would be honored if you could share this on your site.

Thank you to ALL our service men and women who have, who are, and who will serve our country.

Sincerely,
Donnie J. Hazel
Fort Mill, South Carolina

Draft registration card.

Page 19 of the Dec. 31, 1944 Muster Roll of USS Arkansas BB-33.

Page 19 of the March 31, 1945 Muster Roll of USS Arkansas BB-33.

Page 21 of the July 1, 1945 Muster Roll of USS Arkansas BB-33.

25.
Nov. 11, 2011

My father served on the USS Arkansas from 1946-1947 he has a list of people who served on the ship at that time. His health is not all hat good but he would help anyone with the info if interested. His name is James Elliott he lives in Hot Springs Arkansas. He worked in the galley as a baker along with Bill Ringgold who also lives here. Thank you all for your support.

Jan Turner
Hot Springs Arkansas