Leaving the Holy Loch
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- I just found old footage of when the Simon Lake left Holy Loch Scotland. A very sad day for a lot of us. A friend took the footage and I have had it tucked away for years. It was shot with a Sony handy cam.
I cry EVERY TIME I watch this. We miss you all so so much.
From my bedroom window here in Sandbank I look over to where the ship would have been.
My uncles Tom Ahern and Tom Green both worked on the ships.
We got to go on a couple of times.
America is a place I love dearly
Our classmates and families were American.
I miss seeing The Shore Patrol and Eagle Court and Waverley Court.
I was 15 when you left. Will never forget that day.
We love you and loved that you were such a significant wonderful part of our lives.
Please come back HOME!! ♥️
Aye, 'tis home. Was aboard the Lake when we closed the Site.Took my second wife to Scotland for our first anniversary in '16, spent a week in Arrochar. Couldn't find Anselmo's (!) because driving in town made me nervous, ate at the Bluebird. Pamela, sweet Irish lass that she be, is determined to come back to Scotland. It pulls at the heartstrings, it does.
@@ssbn6175 Anselmos is right in Dunoon up a side street then take a left. Still going strong but under new management. That's a ahame you missed it. Haste Ye Back!
@@jillmartin543 , t'were The Swallow Cafe on Argyll. So much for me memory. We didna have internet when we visited, and I have a hard enough time driving in any sort of town to begin with...let alone shifting with the left hand! We'll be back as soon as this silly 19 thing dies down.
@Jill, Lovely comment. I was on the Simon Lake and fell in love with the Scottish people. Years later I worked in Hollywood and wrote a film script based on my experiences in Scotland. Great memories. All best wishes, Jill..
Was in and out from 1987-1991...wonderful place.!
I returned to Dunoon for a visit in 2010. The town is absolutely thriving! They have fond memories of us "yanks" there and gave me a warm welcome.
I was on the Simon Lake when it left Scotland. I still miss Scotland and it's people and culture.
Thanks for posting! Brings back some awesome memories! I was a crew member onboard the USS Hunley from 1986-1989. I remember leaving Holy Loch after you (USS Simon Lake) relieved us. Some of the BEST times of my life were spent in Holy Loch and throughout the UK. Although I left the Holy Loch that day so long ago, the Holy Loch has NEVER left me!
One of the lower days of my life was leaving Holy Loch for the last time, and I was on a sub. The people and countryside were beautiful. Such a sad day when the U.S. Navy left for the last time.
One of the fondest memories of my life was when I was shown around the ship by my nephew. I was treated like royalty,met great people and was most impressed by cleanliness onboard. When the ship sailed out for the very last time,it brought a tear to my eyes watching it on tv. You people left behind memories that i will never forget.
I was in Dunoon, stationed aboard the Simon Lake from December 1987 - December 1989. I was 18 years old, and had never been out of Paducah, Kentucky. The drinking age was 18, the accents were surprisingly similar, I found a great house on Cromlech Road and had an absolute blast. I truly felt at home there.
I remember this day very well. I was the Communications Watch Officer on watch as we pulled anchor and pulled from our mooring out to sea. In fact, I was on the sky bridge when this footage was taken. I can appreciate it was a sad day for you but it was a joyous day for me and several other of my shipmates. We were going home to the USA after being overseas for nearly two years ourselves. Our dollars just did not go very far over there. But was an amazing experience, loved the country, so thankful for the opportunities it provided, but was very ready to get home to the US.
I was there from 77 to 80. Wife was from Scotland and son was born in southern general in Glasgow. Beautiful place.
WoW! This is too cool. We were in Dunoon from 89-92, one of the last families there. My former husband was on the Simon Lake. Our son was born in the Dunoon hospital and we named him Colin Loch after Holy Loch. I cried for a year when we left. A new friend suggested I check UTube for the BC video we were in about the closing of the base. I didn't find that, but this was even better, great to read all the posts from everyone who shared the experience. Cheers!
this footage is so emotional for me. My father bobby joins was on the ship when it left and was never to return top scotland again. At the age of 9 i had to come to terms with never seeing my father again but thankfully we are back in touch. He will love this footage thanks uploader.
20 years next month folks, March 6th 1992 will forever be etched in my memory.The times I stop at Gourock,and look across and can still see the ships there.As I mentioned in an earlier post.You will never be forgotten here in Scotland.You left us all with sad hearts but fond memories.Have a look at Site 1 website,great pics,enjoy!,and thanks for the memories.
Tears. Duty in Holy Loch was a pleasure. This was the land of my ancestors (MacKinlay). I often walked the woods soaking in the feeiing.
mpullen99 Just found this footage. I moved to McKinley's Quay 2 years ago and often wonder what it would have been like looking over the Holy Loch from my window then. The locals certainly have found memories.
thank you for sharing this my wife and i were stationed from 90-92 we both enjoyed this video and it brought back so many memories of past friends and how much we miss dunoon and how we miss it,
We lived in Sandbank also, 1967 - 1969. Just returned last year for our 45th anniversary ... awesome trip. Miss Scotland. Want to go back again and stay forever.
Thanks for the wonderful video. I served aboard the USS Simon Lake for only a short time (1987-1988). It surprises me about how often my thoughts wonder back to that time in my life. My crew members and citizens of Dunoon are a good and memorable bunch of people. I'll show your video to my kids and share it with those from the ship with whom I am still in contact.
I just came across this video via facebook - I was the DAPA (Drug and Alcohol Program Manager) for the ship when we left Scotland. I joined the crew in 1989 initially with the Electronics Repair division. Not only was it three years of great duty, but I met my future wife on board this ship, so it holds a very special place in my heart
My dad was a petty officer in the Navy stationed on the Simon Lake in Holy Loch during Vietnam. Thanks for posting. I will share this video with him.
I was a plank owner on the Lake, Special Sea and Anchor Helmsman, steered her from her first day in Puget Sound until we arrived in Holy Lock in 1966. I was a 2nd Class Torpedoman and we did a lot of loading and off loading the fish for the fleet. We kept the weapons deck checked and in fine working order. No matter where she served after that, I can't believe there was ever a better run ship. Proud to have served.
wow that is awesome, thanks, I left in 73 but I can only imagine just how emotional this was to witness or be a part of. What a great part of our lives.
I loved my time at HolyLoch, and Dunoon/Ardnadum. I was on the Uss Holland from 1978 -80. Always enjoyed taking the Highland Road from HolyLoch to Dunnooon. And taking the ferrie over the Firth to catch the train to Glasgow. Met a woman down at Dunoon from Blackpool during my time there, almost married her. I still miss seeing the snow capped mountains in the distance in winter, and the beutiful spring/summers. Many times have I wanted to go back, just to visit and remember.
Hello shipmate. I was there on the Holland AS-32 - Thanksgiving night to August 1980. S-7 Div. Automatic Data Processing. DP3 Forbes. Loved Scotland, my family home a few generations back. I feel the same, and did a lot of the same too. I go back to Scotland, with my wife, for the first time since then, in the first week of July 2020.
my husband was on the USS Holland, he left to return to the states in 1980, with a Scottish wife lol, still here in the states and married 40 years.
Love the video! Holy Loch looks the same, Western ferries look the same etc. Still miss the ship and dock, plus the American personnel that came with it. Fun times at the Ardanadum bowling alley and cinema. The town's never been the same since. Come back.
Teresa Butz Thanks again so much for the video it brings back so many great memories of Scotland and the people and places and makes me want to go back in that land of mist and water and castles and folk stories and song.
thx for your service some u guys , my nana in scotland took me round this base in the mid 80s , little tour ferry use to take u round the holy loch base, it was a sight i will never forget giant los angeles attack being serviced for repairs on hull, that giant screw on back wow. i now live in the US finest country in the world, god bless US and my ole country scotland.
I rode it back. I lived in that mansion in the back of the loch north side.. that had about 8 apartments in it. As i recalled there was a piper playing bagpipes when we left? Or was that one of the tender trips out to dump tanks. USS Holland (AS-32) 81-82 , USS Simon Lake, 1990 - 1994 Thanks for sharing this. I'll dig up mine sometime and return the favor.
Well, it's been six years since your post but...yes, the Lone Piper stood atop the Western Ferry as she crossed our wake, saying goodbye. A sad and poignant moment that will live in my memory forever.
1988...
Met my husband there...
Married 33 years this July.
Jack boswell MM2
Karen Smyth....:)
Just got done showing our God daughter 6 years old her uncles ship.
Showing her a little bit of my home country.
She's loving it....
I was also here except on the Hunley and we turned over to the Simon Lake. I so miss my time there and hope to one day return. Great memories! !
+S G My dad was on the Hunley. I believe in '84
Was statioed onboard USS Simon Lake at this time , Got to the ship in Jan 1991 and then took the ship back to the states March 1992. Alot of great memories, traveled alot of places before we got back to the states. Was a SH3 when we left port.That was a very sad day. Thanks for the memories, such a long time ago I have good pictures of time
Many Many Thanks,,so Many Memories,and I'm sure every US Sailor who ever was there,will ALWAYS have fond memories,,,,,from your site,I also found one other that was " putting dunoon back on the maps ",,,so many places I usto see everyday,including the bar at the time was called " The John Paul Jones " ,,the Argyle hotel and many other things,,anagin,Many Thanks for sharing this with me,,Take Care My friend,,,Be safe and Well and Keep Smiling Always L.Repp
Deployed many times out of Squadron 14 from Holy Loch. Great place. Thanks for finding the old video.
Thanks for posting, we left in "66 and have made it back a couple of times since then, (the last was 2000). Sure miss the people and the good times! :)
great memories !! I miss Dunoon everyday Edinborough was my favorite place to visit. !!
Beautiful absolutely stunning. I’ve got to visit there and spend a couple weeks exploring before I die.
USS John Marshall SSBN611(B) 1964-1969 Dunoon and the Loch , always a very special place for me!! Have always wanted to get back......maybe someday I will!
I was part of the Simon Lake crew when it relieved the Hunley in Holy Loch(87?); didn't realize then that it would be the last tender there. It was very nice memories there and I had to leave in Dec 1989 but I always wondered about how the ship left. Thanks so much for sharing this video.
Very sad day thank you for sharing this
Remember buying the pickled eggs at the landing while waiting for the boats to take us to the tender. There was a green fog in the boat.
Jees, remember walking from the landing to Dunoon (I was cheap and didn't want to pay a taxi fee). I felt the old world while walking through the woods. BTW, I am now a Druid by religion and feel the nature. Perhaps sometime I'll return to walk the woods.
I LOVED the pickled eggs at the landing! For me that was 1973 - 1975 SSBN 630 John C. Calhoun.
Beautiful absolutely stunning. I’ve got to go there once before I die.
My father was stationed on the Uss cannopus and the Uss holland.we were there 74-77.I have always wanted to go back to visit.I was very fortunate to be a navy brat.
I'm a Glaswegian, I remember being on a cycle run along Holy Loch and seeing the US naval stuff out in the Loch. Takes me back to my youth! It may have been necessary for a while, but glad to see the Loch largely clear of naval shipping nowadays ( we have enough of out own, next Loch along, upriver, where US boats occasionally visit, and the Helensburgh pubs welcome them !!) I remember that houses around Dunoon became a bit cheaper after the US sailors left, giving some locals a chance of their own place. Glad some sailors have happy memories however, its truly a beautiful place
Lived in Dunoon [Holy Loch] husband was in the Navy on the Hunley. lived there for 3 years. I love Dunoon, met the greatest people and just loved the land and the old castles, the ferry rides were great as was the Ale. First time i had strong bow cider. I wish i could have lived there forever.
There used to be a U S Naval Base in Dunoon mixed in with the other buildings with no gate to pass through. I was stationed at RAF Machrihanish to the south and I would make an official trip to Dunoon weekly. I left Scotland on my 45th birthday on 22 April 1993. The thing I miss the most are the annual Cowal Highland Games where pipe bands from all over the world show up.
I joined the first crew in November of 1964, a plankowner. The Simon Lake was my second ship, I left it in the summer of 1966 in Scotland returning to Charleston on the Hunley. The ship had a lot of notable achievements, too numerous to mention here. Captain Osborn had us tie up and drill as though we were as sea. He called it a fast cruise, as in tied fast to the pier. The ships paper took that name. I was the special sea and anchor detail helmsman from the day I went aboard until I left.
I was on Canopus there in 70-71. We relieved Simon lake. A very special place in my heart for the people.
Boy does this bring back memories. I took the Holland into Holy Loch back in 1975
served on the Holland from 79-80
Thanks. I came onto the Holy Loch on Simon Lake the first time she was stationed there. Leaving was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do.
Beautiful place and people. Was there on the Holland from November of 75 thru May of 77.
I've been on that ship in Sardegna. very hard duty. Later saw her upon return to the Sates and witnessed Decommissioned in 1999.
Just found this footage. I moved to McKinley's Quay 2 years ago and often wonder what it would have been like looking over the Holy Loch from my window then. The locals certainly have found memories.
my grandmother was there the ship left in august 1969 she is from Glasgow Scotland and her boyfriend was on that ship she was there when it left
Was there from around 86 to 89 stayed there when the Hunley left, had some very memorable times there, a very unique place whether you liked being there or not...😀
served on USS Canopus 1992-1995, great experience loved Scotland
Stationed on her 1983-1985, from King's Bay, Ga to the yards in Pascagoula, MS. Had many friends who took her through the yard period and then to Holy Loch.
wow i just did the math 20yrs ago we left from this great place i cant believe its 20yrs thanks for the video ive watched it like 30 times.
I was there in 1988 to 1991 on the USS DANIEL WEBSTER (SSBN-626 Gold).
Worked in R-5 '90-'92 and had to take water and soil samples every time it left to sea even its last departure. Staying behind was strange to see it leave.
Reminds me off my home left in1964 like this video
I'm so excited to find these videos! My dad was stationed aboard the USS Holland 1979/1982 he, my mother and myself loved the Scottish people and had a great time lots of lifetime memories and great friends made there, I wish I had found them sooner, my dad passed away ten months ago, he would have loved it! Does anyone have video of the Holland pulling out? Sure would love to see thar
I was a Signalman on board the Holland from Dec 79 thru Jun 81 (also served on Shore Patrol for 9 months),, it was a large ship with a lot of people, but i'm sure our paths probably crossed sometime during my time there, I'm sorry for your loss
@@xmas8155 my husband served on shore patrol a few times in 1979/1980 while he was on the USS Holland, he returned state side in August 1989
@@sallycroke8415 it was a great time over there and i really miss the fish and chips (and i bet he does too) if he ever found himself riding in the shore patrol van, he might have been sitting next to me..
@@xmas8155 he was back one time when my mom passed, i have been back a few times, need my passport to go visit my sisters, i have all my family in port glasgow and greenock,
I served aboard the USS Canopus AS-34,,and we relieved the Simon Lake in 1969,,Fond memories,and I wish I had some way to down load the pic in my year book,of both ships tied to each other,,,anyway,,Miss is and think of it always,,,the Canopus was just cut up into razor blades and is on UA-cam Ghost ship ,,,Thanks for the memories L Repp DC2
nylononly ...i was on canopus from early 1970 till the end of 1971. Worked in the NDT lab. Loved my time in Scotland also
@nylononly...just read your post about Holy Loch. I was on Canopus. You mentioned wishing you could download both ships tied together. I bought a 1970 cruise book. It has that pic in it. I took a pic of that in the book and can show it to family and friends now. Try that if you havent already. Thank you for your service! ⚓️
Thanks for posting this, I love Dunoon and the holy loch
We rode the last boat to the ship before departure. I was stationed there from 1990 - 1992. Norfolk sucked.
Hey brother, Shawn here.. glad you found my video.. miss you!
I served on the USS Henry Clay that was tied up to a tender (can't remember the name) a time or two back in the late '70s through the early '80s...
I was on the USS Andrew jackson over there in 1985 and visited the guys and girl in the IC shop. I was a IC2 (SS) and spent 2 years under the ocean on that submarine .
I loved going down town to Danoon scotland playing Snooker and drinking at local
bars I miss those good old days.
I was there watching the ship leave, I decommissioned the base there.
What all did decommissioning the base entail? I was there as a dependent from 72-78
I was stationed aboard the Simon Lake from 1969-1972, serving in R-4 Division. That was during its last 7 or 8 months in Holy Loch and its return stateside, ultimately to Bremerton WA where it was refitted for Poseidon missiles. I was discharged after it returned to the East Coast, did a training cruise down at GITMO, and bounced back and forth between Charleston and New London. FYI, to the best of my knowledge, Sony handycams were not on the market until the 1980's, so this had to have been shot after its second stint in Caledonia.
I had a Supply Officer on the USS Sam Houston SSB(N) 609 Blue crew that transferred to Holy Loch in 1979 or 80. I don't remember his name but he played the bagpipes and was very excited to go there. I don't know if he was still there when they left for the states or if he had retired by then.
lots of memories
I believe when Canopus sailed out in 1976, we Manned the Rail.
I was out of the Navy when she was decommissioned but had a friend who was still in wand was able to get me on the base for the decom. ceremony. I have pictures and video of that too. Great command.
@dale3858 The song is called Caledonia by Dougie MacLean. The Romans called Scotland Caledonia 2000 years ago.Duncan.
I was in R9 Div 31F when we left there.
The "Polaris Regatta" will be celebrating it's 50th anniversary next weekend 11-12 September 2010, at the Holy Loch Sailing Club. It was originally sponsored by the US Navy. I went to Dunoon Grammar School 1969-72.
The place has changed a lot since y'all left.
Served on Canopus AS-34, '73-'75. Rode James Monroe SSBN 622, '87-89 out of Holy Loch, brought her back to States for decomm.
Retired in '89 after a lot of patrols out of Holy Loch. Worst view was the turn by the point and into the Firth.
My all-time favorite memory was when the Repair Officer had the entire Repair Department assemble in the Mark 48 torpedo shop after we left Palma. I was unlucky enough to be standing right in front of him when most of us were trying not to laugh about what he said. Remember that?
Aldo retired a couple of years ago. On his retirement he mentioned that you were the best neighbours he ever had.
Will Gerhart, was stationed there 1972/73. Anyone seen him?
The holy loch is my home
I wonder if that area had much industry there after the navy left the area?
he was a marine gun sargent his name was Donald bryant
PIQUA IS PULLING THAT BABY OUT
Charlie Salsa i was on the Piqua 87-89
When Holy Loch was decommissioned the shore base commander CMDR Williams commissioned a local artist. Today now I still have the print framed.
Does anyone know or heard of Rick Antosh? He was on the U.S.S. Simon Lake.
1:28 - It's me!
Well I worked with a the guys in the IC shop and really liked it there I fished there to a few times cought some fish never eat them . I do not remember and of theose chemicals being discharged from my submarine but maybe it was from a different submarine earlier than when I was there . Th Simon Lake was there when I was there and did not nuclear power but did have the missiles that loaded on board the submarines . I can tell you there was a ton of dishes thrown overboard all the time
@TJTropea As I mentioned to DisneyPrinces71, I'll get some new video of the Holy Loch & post. Will try and remember to get a shot of your place for nostalgia =)
@DisneyPrncess71 That's the same time I was on her. I was in R3 Motor rewind then R3 tool issue. Mmm... places like- Lisbon, Portugal; Palm, Mallorca; Trondheim, Norway; Hallifax...
I'll need to post some new video of the Holy Loch these days soon
Just wondered if anyone can tell me where the Naval commander lived in Dunoon.
The Captain of one ship lived at the lighthouse past Dunoon going down the Clyde.
THERE IN THE 60'S
Been there done that, AS34 and SSBN 645 some good times.
Also on the 645 (gold) from 87-91
Hi there - I'm trying to locate someone who was in Dunoon somewhere between 1987 and 1989 (he would have been around 15 - 18 then). His name is Gary Howison. Do you by any chance know him?
@adcap33 Was it ever allowed back in Palma?
okay go to facebook and go to uss simon lake as-33 joins us and let everybody know what you r doing now,
Anybody know the song???
Do you by any chance know Gary Howison??
pascagola ,cuba,charlseton ,holyloch, whath goodtimes enfn chaffee r9 r10 div. would not trade them for the world
Are the Dunoon Dollies still thriving???
no they all change, just got back, uss holland
OOPs! There goes all that Yankee $$$!
I was aboard