I was aboard the USS Fort Snelling, LSD-30, which was part of the command group under the USS Boxer. We cruised across the Atlantic mainly by ourselves but the morning when we were getting close to the coast of Spain and the sun hadn't yet risen but it was light enough to see, I went topside and was blown away by the numbers of ships I could see in every direction. We were slowly moving with the other ships while a tin can (Destroyer) was maneuvering in between ships rapidly. During the landings I was a boat engineer on one of our LCVPs. A VP could hold up to 36 combatants. I recall that it was easy dropping the gate so the Marines could disembark, but it was hell cranking it back up by hand. It took so long that to this day I always think about the men who had to endure a real invasion during WWII. What was like to have all that ordinance coming your way and you're trying to crank up that goddamn gate? Of course it was worse for those landing.
I was 17 years old when I participated in Steel Pike 1. C/1/2 launched from the Terrebonne Parish LST 1156 in Amtracks. We were the first wave ashore and had to climb up some cliffs. I was the 1st platoon radioman so I reached the top first with LT Champion our PLT Leader and witnessed the two CH 34's as they crashed, it was terrible. It's a day I will never forget, Oct 28, 1964 I believe was the date as I turned 18 during the operation on November 2. After the operation we headed into the Med with the fleet for a six month deployment. Watching this was really great and I have always remembered the Marines who died that day and pray for them often, there is a cost for liberty and we must never forget it.
+be013fc I was transferred out of 2/8 in September 1964. My outfit was scheduled for the Med cruise following this exercise. I have often wondered if anyone I knew was killed in that mission. If you can remember their names I would love to know who they were. You can reach me at pba2352@gmail.com Semper Fi
I was a Marine aboard the USNS General W.H. Gordon. We left port at Morehead City, N.C. while only half laded to make it out to deep water to ride out a hurricane. That was not a good introduction to sea duty. We went back to shore after the night from hell and finished loading, then sailed to Spain and the landing. We had a pay call onshore and pretty much went right back to the ship, pulling liberty in Lisbon on the way back.
A little further investigation of the helicopter crash found the names of those killed: Sgt Earl Lee Tunmire, Sr, crew chief Cpl. Herbert Miller Cpl. David Dewvngerdt Cpl. Thomas McManus Pfc. Walter Campbell Pfc. Harry Hines Pfc. George Spence Pvt. Richard Pannozzo Pvt. Charles Porter
Every October I come back to this video. My grandmother (Moms Side) was one of those 9 killed. With her memory being completly gone because of her dementia I try to remember his story and keep his flame burning. RIP Walter
I participated in Steel Pike 1 as H&MS 31, part of the Second Marine Air Wing. We transported there via MSTS Geiger and on arrival, helped unload the "Pioneer Moon", a chartered cargo ship that had brought the portable runway decking and other supplies. I say we "helped", that is until the SeaBees arrived and told us in no uncertain terms to get out of their way and DON'T TRY TO HELP. LoL We returned to the MSTS Geiger and awaited time to board the landing craft to take us ashore. After going ashore to a beach of small BB sized gravel, we were transported about a mile inland to where they would install the runway and we'd put up the squad tents to live the next 3 or 4 weeks. We were in the Spanish desert, which was a very fine red powder that got on and in everything. We supported VMF 451 operation, drank Cruz deCampo beer for 5 cents a bottle in the evenings, fought off very large scorpions both night and day and then time to pack up and leave. We had 3 days liberty in Valencia Spain then back to South Carolina. Absolutely none of the scenes in this film reminded me of where we were, but I recall they were doing operations from Rota down to Almeria desert where we were.
I was on the USS Boxer and saw the smoke from the helicopter crash as our Marine Corps helicopter flew near the site. The USS Boxer (LPH-4), an aircraft carrier commissioned on 4-16-45 converted in 1959 to LPH-4, an Amphibious Assault Ship. The Boxer conducted intensive training in the use of helicopter-born Marines as an element of Amphibious Warfare.
I loaded out of Morehead city aboard the Grant County 1174, Bound for Almaria Spain to set up a SATS strip complete with arresting gear. Sure brings back memories.
My dad participated heavily in Operation Steel Pike while in the Navy Sea Bees. He has 100's of slides still from his years of service. 1960-1963 Secret Submarinr Service and 1963-1966 See Beas.
Brought back some memories; I had reported aboard USS WALWORTH COUNTY (LST-1164), a few months before we got underway from Little Creek, VA, for the exercise. Interesting and educational.
i was 17 and aboard the us sandoval i was on deck and saw the helicopters crash - i have had a wonderful life
I was aboard the USS Fort Snelling, LSD-30, which was part of the command group under the USS Boxer. We cruised across the Atlantic mainly by ourselves but the morning when we were getting close to the coast of Spain and the sun hadn't yet risen but it was light enough to see, I went topside and was blown away by the numbers of ships I could see in every direction. We were slowly moving with the other ships while a tin can (Destroyer) was maneuvering in between ships rapidly. During the landings I was a boat engineer on one of our LCVPs. A VP could hold up to 36 combatants. I recall that it was easy dropping the gate so the Marines could disembark, but it was hell cranking it back up by hand. It took so long that to this day I always think about the men who had to endure a real invasion during WWII. What was like to have all that ordinance coming your way and you're trying to crank up that goddamn gate? Of course it was worse for those landing.
Thanks for your service.
I was 17 years old when I participated in Steel Pike 1. C/1/2 launched from the Terrebonne Parish LST 1156 in Amtracks. We were the first wave ashore and had to climb up some cliffs. I was the 1st platoon radioman so I reached the top first with LT Champion our PLT Leader and witnessed the two CH 34's as they crashed, it was terrible. It's a day I will never forget, Oct 28, 1964 I believe was the date as I turned 18 during the operation on November 2. After the operation we headed into the Med with the fleet for a six month deployment. Watching this was really great and I have always remembered the Marines who died that day and pray for them often, there is a cost for liberty and we must never forget it.
+be013fc Semper fi and thanks for your service to our great nation!
+be013fc I was transferred out of 2/8 in September 1964. My outfit was scheduled for the Med cruise following this exercise. I have often wondered if anyone I knew was killed in that mission. If you can remember their names I would love to know who they were. You can reach me at pba2352@gmail.com Semper Fi
YAT YAS🐊🐊🐊
I took part as part of the Marine Corps forces, traveling on board the MSTS Gen Blatchford. Looks a lot like So. California Thanks for posting.
I was there.
I was THERE on the USS CHILTON APS 38
I went over on the Guadalcanal and came back USS Desoto county LST 1171
I was deployed aboard USS Suffolk County ( LST 1173) as a member of USN Cargo Handling Battalion One).
Thank you for your service to our great nation.
I was a Marine aboard the USNS General W.H. Gordon. We left port at Morehead City, N.C. while only half laded to make it out to deep water to ride out a hurricane. That was not a good introduction to sea duty. We went back to shore after the night from hell and finished loading, then sailed to Spain and the landing. We had a pay call onshore and pretty much went right back to the ship, pulling liberty in Lisbon on the way back.
Thanks for your service to our great nation.
A little further investigation of the helicopter crash found the names of those killed:
Sgt Earl Lee Tunmire, Sr, crew chief
Cpl. Herbert Miller
Cpl. David Dewvngerdt
Cpl. Thomas McManus
Pfc. Walter Campbell
Pfc. Harry Hines
Pfc. George Spence
Pvt. Richard Pannozzo
Pvt. Charles Porter
Thank you for your post, you are welcome to comment on our channel at any time. God Bless America!
Thanks for adding, remember that day well when the brought them in from the scene.
I new a few of those guys, ate chow with them at 3/8 mess hall in Lejeune.
Every October I come back to this video. My grandmother (Moms Side) was one of those 9 killed. With her memory being completly gone because of her dementia I try to remember his story and keep his flame burning. RIP Walter
Sgt. Earl Lee Tunmire Sr. was my brothers and my dad.
I participated in Steel Pike 1 as H&MS 31, part of the Second Marine Air Wing. We transported there via MSTS Geiger and on arrival, helped unload the "Pioneer Moon", a chartered cargo ship that had brought the portable runway decking and other supplies. I say we "helped", that is until the SeaBees arrived and told us in no uncertain terms to get out of their way and DON'T TRY TO HELP. LoL We returned to the MSTS Geiger and awaited time to board the landing craft to take us ashore. After going ashore to a beach of small BB sized gravel, we were transported about a mile inland to where they would install the runway and we'd put up the squad tents to live the next 3 or 4 weeks. We were in the Spanish desert, which was a very fine red powder that got on and in everything. We supported VMF 451 operation, drank Cruz deCampo beer for 5 cents a bottle in the evenings, fought off very large scorpions both night and day and then time to pack up and leave. We had 3 days liberty in Valencia Spain then back to South Carolina. Absolutely none of the scenes in this film reminded me of where we were, but I recall they were doing operations from Rota down to Almeria desert where we were.
Thanks for your service to our great nation Marine.
I was on the USS Boxer and saw the smoke from the helicopter crash as our Marine Corps helicopter flew near the site. The USS Boxer (LPH-4), an aircraft carrier commissioned on 4-16-45 converted in 1959 to LPH-4, an Amphibious Assault Ship. The Boxer conducted intensive training in the use of helicopter-born Marines as an element of Amphibious Warfare.
Thanks for your service.
I was with 3bn 8th regiment H&S co, as FAC, I witnessed the crash at close hand.
I loaded out of Morehead city aboard the Grant County 1174, Bound for Almaria Spain to set up a SATS strip complete with arresting gear. Sure brings back memories.
My dad participated heavily in Operation Steel Pike while in the Navy Sea Bees. He has 100's of slides still from his years of service. 1960-1963 Secret Submarinr Service and 1963-1966 See Beas.
God bless your Dad for his service to our great nation.
yeah that guy with his finger on the button is a basic infantryman after that......just saying.
Brought back some memories; I had reported aboard USS WALWORTH COUNTY (LST-1164), a few months before we got underway from Little Creek, VA, for the exercise. Interesting and educational.
I was aboard the Walworth 1164 saw the smoke from the crash. Brought back memories. Usmc cpl e. Pippio