I was a Second Class Aviation Storekeeper who got to go to OCS and as an Ensign was assigned to Gurke as Supply Officer. We had a good ship and a fine crew. In 1957 we, along with the Henderson, Sutherland and Rowan, set a Naval record of the number of miles steamed in one year. I remember it well because in June of that year I got married and I almost forgot what my wife looked like!
We had a wonderful general mess that was the envy of every other ship in the division. On Sundays we had brunch from 0600 to 1200 with eggs to order, two or three different types of pancakes, ham, bacon and steak and lots of fruit and cereals, hot and cold. You could eat all you wanted as many times as you could belly up, and we still stayed within our allowed rations.
I’m afraid that my health won’t let me attend any reunions you may have, but you may rest assured that my thoughts are with all who were in the crews that made that ship the favorite of the three ships on which I served.
Please accept my thanks for all you have done to keep the spirit of that great vessel alive.
Have a great reunion.
All the Best,
H. Clark Wright
USS Gurke Supply Officer 1957 – 1958