Due to the extensive nature of the MASSEY history and the detailed recollections of those who served aboard her, we have broken up the ship’s history into several sections. Please click on the topic area for further detail on each aspect of the MASSEY’s history.
Note: The historical information provided on this web site is not the official history of the USS MASSEY. It is based in part on the recollection of many authors, some former Commanding Officers, all former MASSEY shipmates, who contributed to developing the chronology of events that marked some of the noteworthy contributions of this fine Man O’ War to our Navy’s history over nearly 30 years of active service.
Other Resources
Throughout our Internet travels, we have discovered some excellent resources that you might find useful. Please take some time to review the latest news briefs and peruse the sites below. If you have a suggested site for us to add, please contact us today.
U.S.S. MASSEY & Destroyers
- Tin Can Sailors
- Destroyer History
- U.S.S. MASSEY Profile (Naval Historical Center)
- U.S.S. MASSEY Photo Gallery (NavSource Online)
My name is George White, IC3 from 66-67. I was a member but haven’t received a news letter for quite a time. I had Gary Hodges phone number but he has moved to NH. I would to call him and explained why I have been in a nursing home for the pass year. If anyone has his number, please call my cell phone. (802-233-6563) or send me an email whitege73@myfairpoint.net.
George, Gary is on Facebook and I will try and get in touch with him and get his information to you. I remember you well but you were on the Massey after ‘67 as I didn’t come aboard until December 1967. I stayed on the Massey until my early discharge April, 2, 1971.
Hello Veterans,
My father was stationed on the USS Massey from 1959 to 1961. He was from Fruithurst, Alabama. His name was John Skinner. He told me, as a child, that he was nicknamed “Oscar”. He was a torpedoman. I lost him on April 13, 2001. He was a great man. I grew up hearing stories about his time on the ship. To all remaining veterans of this ship, and all veterans anywhere, I salute you, and thank you for your service.
I might have met your father 1961. He was probably under Lt. Toehlke, since he was part of the deck crew. Do you know more about where your father went on the Massey?
Hello my fellow Massey shipmates, I was a crew member aboard the Massey from August 1965, thru June 1968, along with my brother Bennie Cooke, and am now in the process of searching for fellow crew members who served aboard the Massey during that period.
The first, and only time I saw some of those faces was at the 2005 Massey reunion held in San Diego, California, which both my brother attended. I’m in the middle of a very important research project with a commander instructor at an intelligence university, about the Massey, it’s service in Viet Nam, and it’s involvement in the U.S.S Liberty incident. Please email, or call me at (301)752-4260. Lets talk! BTW, I’m sorry to say that my brother Ben, (The mail clerk) passed away at his home in San Diego last February 27th.
Charles, I served aboard The Massey January 1967 to October 1968. Are you ships serviceman who worked in ships laundry? I was SN Boatswain Mate and I operated the paint locker from Sept. 67 to Oct. 68. Contact me if I can be of any assistance with your project. E mail is Massey778@aol.com
I remember her while at Gitmo April 1967 as she was alongside us, and had to cross over to my ship the USS Coates DE 685. Ironically my name is also Massey.
I came aboard as an FTGSN after you returned from your WestPac cruise late summer of 1966. I was aboard for the yard period, the Gitmo refresher training, the ’67 Med cruise, and the Key West Sonar School training ship in the late fall of 1967. I was aboard until February of 1968.
Are you still alive? My name is John Hurtuk. We were FTG’s together. I was on the Massey 65-67. Sorry I was so rude to you. I always had a big mouth! I just got remarried April 28 in St. Martin of Tours. My first wife of 40 years passed from lung cancer 2 years ago. I was on 7 dating sites and it took 9 months to find a “hot” babe. I was in Berlin Germany 3 years with my 1st wife in 82-86 and we had a blast traveling Europe. I was then in the USAF and retired at March AFB Ca. in 89 as an E-7 Msgt..
JOHN HURTUK FTG BROTHER 65-67
Hey Charles , I served on the MASSEY Nov 66 to oct 68 I was in A gang and stood watches under way in Both engine rooms and fire rooms during my time. I also spend many days as a Boat engineer in port for the whaleboat or liberty launch.
Liberty ship was a mess. We were first on site ,Guns uncapped and GQ station manned. We were ready to fight.
I still am amazed by the Liberty crew and how they kept the ship afloat with the huge hole in the bow.
Tony
Charles, I was on the Massey December 1967 until my early discharge April, 2, 1971. I do remember you. I came aboard as a QMSN and left as a QM2.
Finally joined Massey Association Dec. 2018-on board during USS Liberty incident in Med. summer of 67. Lots of great memories with shipmates.
I am looking for information on my grandfather, Conrad Giguere who served on the USS Massey during the Korean Conflict (50′-53′). Any information or connection with fellow crew members would be appreciated.
Best,
Ashley
I will ask my Father N Law I know he served on this ship during Korea War
My dad was on the commissioning crew 1944-1946. His name was Richard Squires Collinson and he was a GM. He never spoke much of the war but I was told he was wounded with burnt hands and blinded for a time. I wonder how to find out more info on this does anyone know?
LeaRaye – We have one fellow member Jack Zigaros from the commissioning crew who was the ship’s pharmacist and may have treated your Dad. As an aside we have restructured this website so I have to figure out how to connect you to Jack directly. At the moment I don’t see how I can get your email address nor am I sure you will see mine once this is posted. Send me an email at dickpearsall988@gmail.com, Be safe. s/Dick
Does anyone know how I can get a Cruise Book from 1957-58, I would really appreciate that, thanks so much, Gary Katz,
My uncle Arthur A Mick was on the commissioning crew of Massey. He told me some stories, Apparently his time on Massey meant a lot to him. I took a trip to Bremerton Island WA just to kind of imagine what it was like to be there waiting for the new ship to be ready (1944). He was a very social fellow. I’m sure he knew lots of the guys. As I recall he was a gunner loader. I remember him telling me about the ice cream machine in the galley. He loved that. Arthur has been gone since about 1996, but I knew him for many years. I’m very happy you guys also honor our fathers and grandfathers.
I was a DASH ETR3 on the USS Massey 1964-1965. I am trying to reach both William Greaves GM3 and Carroll Hawkins AT3 who were on the ship during that period. Would appreciate any information.
Thanks
Bob Liposchak
Join the discussion…
nobody talks about the two Russian cruisers that tried to stop us on our way to help the u.s.s LIBERTY.or leaving key west,going to the Havana harbor to help Cubans leave cuba.took them back to key west.
Hello Bob. My name is Matthew Hawkins, one of Carroll Hawkins 6 children. Unfortunately Carroll passed in June of 2019. I came upon this website shortly thereafter, it would have been great to bring him to a reunion. I would love to speak with you and would definitely love to see the slides you mentioned in another post. I can be reached at 301 383 4916. My email is matthawkins1981@hotmail.com
I will never forget my times on the Massey, she was a great ship, and a great crew. I was aboard when Jayne Mansfield came on board in Holland, great memories, I was in ship’s office, with Chief Gearhardt, great guy, miss ya Chief. To all my shipmates, before and after my time, best of everything, you were part of the greatest ship in the fleet.
I was in the Massey crew in 1960 to 1962 as Asst. Eng. Off. under Pat Joynt, who now lives in Sweden. My Exec. Officer was Lt. Commander Robert Scott, the best of the best. My first Captain was Commander Rusk. My ports were Mayport, FL and Newport, RI. Among many sailings, were to the Canary Islands to cover one of the first manned satellite launches, up the Hudson River to Albany, many duties off the quarter of aircraft carriers, and to Guantanamo and off Cuba during the missile crisis.
Who can relate to this time?
My late father, Jerry Stephens, served aboard Massey in 1954, 1955, and early 1956. He was a fire control technician second class when he left the ship. If any knew him or has any sea stories from that period I’d sure love to hear from you.
My dad is a plank owner, you will see his name on the list of commissioning crew members. He is still living, and served on the USS New Jersey in WWII. He is an amazing man, and we are proud to be Navy! Colleen Balue McClintic, daughter of Thomas Balue
My father served around the 55-57 time frame, and was sent home when Hurricane Audrey struck and destroyed his home town of Cameron, LA. His name is Harvey Vaughan, and he served in the sonar crew. Anybody remember him?
My dad, Merlin Folmsbee was a First Class Machinists Mate. Anyone serve with him in WW2 & Korea?
I sailed on her for 2 years,and had a wonderful time. I’v been to several countries meet many many people and had the honor to help Jane Mansfield down the gang way in Ireland. In the north atlantic the ship recorded a 67degree roll. Of 43 days at sea we averaged 30 degree roll and cruised at about 3 knots . A lot of sour shoulds and backs from sliding in your bunk
This is what I recall 56 to 58
I was aboard the Massey 71-72 and live in Morgantown PA now. I was looking for Reggie Register BM and Sammy Graham BM. They were on the ship during the same time frame.
My dad was also a GM on the Massey commissioning crew,His name was James Hudson Clifton.
I have a pictue of the ship
he was the 5 inch38 gun captin
MY grandfather Robert (bob) Kimrey served on the massey during the Korean war. where is the ship located? because I would like to know and he is 80 years old
Jimmy, the Massey is no more. Sold for scrap several years back. I was on the Massey December 1967 until my discharge April 2, 1971. The Massey went reserve around 1970. Only 3 or 4 years later it was sold for scrap.
Gene I seen it getting scraped in Jersey city.
Hi, my dads name is franklin ferry hes 81now he was a cook n was in navy 5yrs.was 2yrs active n koriea. Just wanted to refresh his memory on his past hes not computer savy. So showed him pic of his ol ship. He enjoyed it. Wanted to know if any1 knew him. Was in navy around early 50s. Ty
I was aboard the Massey in 56 -57, in ships office, the chief then was Gearhardt, any one know what ever happened to him, I have never heard about him since, and I do belong to the association. Thanks,
My Dad is a plankowner and loves talking anout his shipmates. His name is Kenny Bourne. Shoot me an email and I would be happy to arrange a conversation.
Hello I am looking for anyone that was part of the commissioning crew and might remember my dad. His name was Robert N Fortmann and he was GM. It would be really great to talk to someone that knew my dad.