I was on the Simon Lake the Americans took us on it when I was in Dunclutha children's care home the Americans were amazing that's the reason why I love Americans will never forget it.
I came to the States because of the Simon Lake. My Mom married a sailor, MM1 Wolfgang Sidor in 1968 and brought me, my brothers and sister to Norfolk, VA in 1970. In August 2019 I was visiting my Mom in Texas and I drove her past the shipyard in Brownsville and could vaguely see part of her that had not been dismantled yet. Mom lived in Port Mansfield, TX near South Padre Island with my step-father for many years. He passed away in 2017. What are the odds my Mom starting our American life because of the Simon Lake in 1968 and living not far from Brownsville and seeing it one last time before she passed away in Dec 2019? Thanks for posting this video, brought back many memories.
@@cjsb22lr Hi Chas - I do have 2 brothers, Ronnie and Stewart. Did you know them from school in Dunoon or from the US Navy? Unfortunately Ronnie died of heart complications in April 2017 just before his 63rd birthday, he was living in West Monroe, Louisiana. Stewart lives in Port Mansfield, Texas where my Mom was living before she died in Dec 2019. They both served in the US Navy for over 20+ years and retired as Chief Petty Officers. Feel free to reach out via my email if you want to find out additional info: ballison123 at comcast dot net Cheers - Bryce
@@bryceallison5462 Knew Stewart through the band he played in-------my pal Davie Pow played bass for them-------- met Ronnie once more when he came back to Gourock-- Stewart had just joined USN and was at Ft Lauderdale
Was on her twice 1/1/65 till 10/ 15/69 in Holy Loch, Scotland. Then 4/20/72 till 7/1/74 in Rota, Spain. She will always be near and dear to my heart. Gone but, not forgotten .
The Americans always came to Dunclutha children's home at Christmas and Bonfire night and spent loads of money on Christmas Presents 🎁 for all the kids and I was one of the kids and they came on Bonfire night and brought all the fireworks and hotdogs 🌭 and other eatables never forgotten it.❤
Thanks for making this video, documenting the Simon Lake's history. I served on the tender Orion 86-88 in La Maddalena which was the oldest tender at the time. These ships have serviced many subs as well as surface ships in multiple ports.
Thank you for this video. ALL naval ships have a story to tell, have a history to share, a purpose for being, a character that is all her own, and all are deserving of treasured memory not to be forgotten. Sail on, Simon Lake.
WOW! I was on the Simon Lake from 94-97 in La Maddalena Sardinia. This is very haunting to see this ship again headed to its demise. So many good memories. Thank you for sharing this.
@@edjss Man that brings back some memories. My brother in law was stationed on the Orion before I was on the Simon Lake. I served previously on a Destroyer so I spent over three years at sea and a couple shore stations overseas. When I arrived in La Maddalena we obviously had an important role and we deployed several times over 5 years but La Madd itself was like living in a dream with regard to liberty and living off the ship. Truly a period of my life I will never forget. Thanks for sharing that link.
Came aboard her aug. 76 in Rota,Spain and left her in oct.79, for three years and two months this was home for me, kinda tough to see this as I’m sure it is for most who served aboard her.
Saw her Holy Loch I young app when Americans preparing leave Many folk met said enjoyed time & going miss Scotland esp Roll Square Sausage ,Potato Scone (tattie scon) & Irn But .First time I'd ever tasted Hershey Bar choc One Americans gave me bar taste ,seeing like himself I had had sweet tooth not too long after kindly gave me half box full Hershey Bars. Now available Glasgow I always pick up bar or two reminds me Holy Loch Americans Always be Good Strong Allies Stay Safe America
I was an MT2 (SS) and sailed across the Atlantic from Charleston to Rota in November 1972 on the Simon Lake. I had made 6 Polaris patrols on A3 boats but was not shipping over and not eligible for Poseidon school. I had an apartment on the beach with my wife so tender duty was like shore duty. I did enjoy my short duty on the Lake.
Did numerous tours on The USS James K Polk SSBN 645 and we did I think around 4-5 crew transfers there in Holy Loch 88-91. I really can't say I enjoyed the tender, life on Sub was so much more subdued compared the chaotic life on the Simon Lake. Holy Loch was always dreary and whenever we flew over to relieve the Gold crew we knew it was weeks of boredom. Yeah we went to Glasgow one time and saw some Castles. The weather was always cold. Looking back on it now I should have taken in Holy lOch more but when your 21 this was not the place to be be for fun. But I don't regret it one bit. It forged memories with crew mates for a lifetime
Thanks, that was a nice tribute. I used to go look at the ships in mothball when we were in Bremerton, and wonder about their stories. My uncle was a machinist aboard tenders, dont know which ones.
I saw her Sister....USS Canopous at Rota Spain. Sub Tenders had Marine Detachments along with Carriers and Cruisers. Canopous was the first ship to have women. All 5 got pregnant within the first 6 months. She was called "The Love Boat" after that. I watch these and get a little down. These ships served their country so well and just get trashed at the end. It doesn't seem right.
I was on the USS LY Spear, sister ship of the Lake. Worst duty station of my 20 year career. To this day I still have bad dreams. Not anything like PTSD but just a terrible time in my life from 92 to 94
Very nice. 07/1991 to 05/1995 (Holy Loch, Scotland (Site One base closure) > Norfolk, VA (conversion from FBM to SSN tender) > La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy (relieved Orion AS-18).
I miss seeing her on the Holy Loch. Still looks odd to this day not seeing her or one of the other ships residing there. Did anyone know a Will Gerhart, who would have been at Holy Loch in 72?
La Maddalena 1997-1999 (then to USS Emory S. Land AS-39 in 1999). Miss the old girl... we did the Gulf in 1998, and many other port calls... I was a mechanic at 31 Fox Hydraulic Shop first, then R-7 Repairs Planner... great memories, in my channel I have a video of pictures of our port call to Nice and France in 1998.
Something doesn't add up here. I know that the Canopus AS34 relived the Lake around 1970. I was on board and rode her after her yard period in Bremerton. Neither of these should have been scrapped. I would have converted them to service ships that would respond to disasters. I suspect the Navy will be sorry if a sub needs help in the North Atlantic.
I hate to see these ships go. It makes me feel old because I remember the years they were commissioned. My ship, CVN69 Eisenhower is not many years off retirement. When I think of the tens of thousand or hundreds of thousands of men and women who have served on these ships of their helping to defeat the Soviet Union and keep the free world free…. I’m at a loss for words.
I was on her when they shut down Holy Loch worked in R3 as an IC Man. Ah Scotland all the sideways rain ; ) I'll never forget the navy trying to bust us young men for sexual harassment. They had a dark haired alpha Woman under cover just wandering about the ship trying to lure guys into hitting on her. She tried to get me in a stairwell one day and I told her there is nothing else I would want however I'm not ready to leave the navy yet lol soon as I turned away and exited the stairwell the "dog" tried to hold me up for arrest but she made him let me go being that I did nothing. Oh and that BS by navy command was one of the many reasons I left the submarine service after 11yrs in December 1997.
@Adirondack Homestead I spent two years on that ship as a welder. Left the service in 2019. That ship is honestly pushing her life span, to put it nicely.
@Adirondack Homestead We were supposed to leave port for a cruise twice during my two year stay. Both times it was cancelled due to mechanical issues, usually involving the boilers. One time the contractors that were working on them were sent back to their home country becuase they were there illegally. Don't ask me how, but obviously it delayed the work even further. The ship layout sucked as well, especially during DC drills. Thank God we never had an actual emergency, because I guarentee you someone would've died.
I was on the Simon Lake the Americans took us on it when I was in Dunclutha children's care home the Americans were amazing that's the reason why I love Americans will never forget it.
I came to the States because of the Simon Lake. My Mom married a sailor, MM1 Wolfgang Sidor in 1968 and brought me, my brothers and sister to Norfolk, VA in 1970. In August 2019 I was visiting my Mom in Texas and I drove her past the shipyard in Brownsville and could vaguely see part of her that had not been dismantled yet. Mom lived in Port Mansfield, TX near South Padre Island with my step-father for many years. He passed away in 2017. What are the odds my Mom starting our American life because of the Simon Lake in 1968 and living not far from Brownsville and seeing it one last time before she passed away in Dec 2019? Thanks for posting this video, brought back many memories.
you got brothers called stuart and ronnie??
@@cjsb22lr Hi Chas - I do have 2 brothers, Ronnie and Stewart. Did you know them from school in Dunoon or from the US Navy? Unfortunately Ronnie died of heart complications in April 2017 just before his 63rd birthday, he was living in West Monroe, Louisiana. Stewart lives in Port Mansfield, Texas where my Mom was living before she died in Dec 2019. They both served in the US Navy for over 20+ years and retired as Chief Petty Officers. Feel free to reach out via my email if you want to find out additional info: ballison123 at comcast dot net Cheers - Bryce
@@bryceallison5462 Knew Stewart through the band he played in-------my pal Davie Pow played bass for them-------- met Ronnie once more when he came back to Gourock-- Stewart had just joined USN and was at Ft Lauderdale
Thank you for your serice
Was on her twice 1/1/65 till 10/ 15/69 in Holy Loch, Scotland. Then 4/20/72 till 7/1/74 in Rota, Spain. She will always be near and dear to my heart. Gone but, not forgotten .
I saw the Simon Lake when I was on a sub in Holy Loch and the Simon Lake was our tender.
The Americans always came to Dunclutha children's home at Christmas and Bonfire night and spent loads of money on Christmas Presents 🎁 for all the kids and I was one of the kids and they came on Bonfire night and brought all the fireworks and hotdogs 🌭 and other eatables never forgotten it.❤
Who replied to this let me know Please.
I was a cook on Simon Lake in 1995-1997 in La Maddelena Italy. Fond memories.
Thank you for your service
Thanks for making this video, documenting the Simon Lake's history. I served on the tender Orion 86-88 in La Maddalena which was the oldest tender at the time. These ships have serviced many subs as well as surface ships in multiple ports.
Thank you for this video. ALL naval ships have a story to tell, have a history to share, a purpose for being, a character that is all her own, and all are deserving of treasured memory not to be forgotten. Sail on, Simon Lake.
WOW! I was on the Simon Lake from 94-97 in La Maddalena Sardinia. This is very haunting to see this ship again headed to its demise. So many good memories. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for watching and thank you for your service.
czcams.com/video/HJO-2Tceujg/video.html
czcams.com/video/HJO-2Tceujg/video.html
@@edjss Man that brings back some memories. My brother in law was stationed on the Orion before I was on the Simon Lake. I served previously on a Destroyer so I spent over three years at sea and a couple shore stations overseas. When I arrived in La Maddalena we obviously had an important role and we deployed several times over 5 years but La Madd itself was like living in a dream with regard to liberty and living off the ship. Truly a period of my life I will never forget. Thanks for sharing that link.
I might have made you eggs for breakfast on the ship 😊😊
Came aboard her aug. 76 in Rota,Spain and left her in oct.79, for three years and two months this was home for me, kinda tough to see this as I’m sure it is for most who served aboard her.
Saw her Holy Loch I young app when Americans preparing leave Many folk met said enjoyed time & going miss Scotland esp Roll Square Sausage ,Potato Scone (tattie scon) & Irn But .First time I'd ever tasted Hershey Bar choc One Americans gave me bar taste ,seeing like himself I had had sweet tooth not too long after kindly gave me half box full Hershey Bars. Now available Glasgow I always pick up bar or two reminds me Holy Loch Americans Always be Good Strong Allies Stay Safe America
Thank You
Thank you.
I was an MT2 (SS) and sailed across the Atlantic from Charleston to Rota in November 1972 on the Simon Lake. I had made 6 Polaris patrols on A3 boats but was not shipping over and not eligible for Poseidon school. I had an apartment on the beach with my wife so tender duty was like shore duty. I did enjoy my short duty on the Lake.
I was on the Canopus AS34 in Holy Loch then steamed to Charlton S.C. For a dry dock refit then to Rota Spain ! It was the best of times. GO NAVY 🇺🇸
Simon Lake was my last command before I retired and the last ship at COMSUBRON14 (Holy Loch). Lots of memories.
Did numerous tours on The USS James K Polk SSBN 645 and we did I think around 4-5 crew transfers there in Holy Loch 88-91. I really can't say I enjoyed the tender, life on Sub was so much more subdued compared the chaotic life on the Simon Lake. Holy Loch was always dreary and whenever we flew over to relieve the Gold crew we knew it was weeks of boredom. Yeah we went to Glasgow one time and saw some Castles. The weather was always cold. Looking back on it now I should have taken in Holy lOch more but when your 21 this was not the place to be be for fun. But I don't regret it one bit. It forged memories with crew mates for a lifetime
I was on her sister ship Canopus. We relieved Simon Lake in Holy Loch in 1970.
Thanks, that was a nice tribute. I used to go look at the ships in mothball when we were in Bremerton, and wonder about their stories. My uncle was a machinist aboard tenders, dont know which ones.
Thanks for the great comment
I served on the Simon Lake from 1982 to 1985. Also on Squadron 16. Then the Oak Ridge dry dock all in Kings Bay. Miss that time. ⚓️💙☺️
Hi B...Probably saw u there. Was W-4 div 79 to Jan 85. Take Care.
I served in the Rubber and Plastics Shop, and cross decked onto the Canopus when it arrived…
Scrapped while so young. My father served aboard her, and was a Plank Owner on the Simon Lake.
i was in LA Maddalena in 1999 and i seen the rotation USS SIMONE LAKE(OFF) and USS EMORY'S LAND(IN)
I saw her Sister....USS Canopous at Rota Spain. Sub Tenders had Marine Detachments along with Carriers and Cruisers. Canopous was the first ship to have women. All 5 got pregnant within the first 6 months. She was called "The Love Boat" after that. I watch these and get a little down. These ships served their country so well and just get trashed at the end. It doesn't seem right.
I was on the USS LY Spear, sister ship of the Lake. Worst duty station of my 20 year career. To this day I still have bad dreams. Not anything like PTSD but just a terrible time in my life from 92 to 94
I was on Canopus AS34 in 1970 when we relieved Sion Lake in HOLY (NOT HOLLY) LOCH!
Narrator: Holy Loch, not Holly Loch.
Very nice. 07/1991 to 05/1995 (Holy Loch, Scotland (Site One base closure) > Norfolk, VA (conversion from FBM to SSN tender) > La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy (relieved Orion AS-18).
czcams.com/video/HJO-2Tceujg/video.html
I was on the 'Lake' 4/68-6/70 in the REB (re-entry body) shop...the area just below the missile break.
Noooooo ! that hurts. i kinda grew up on her in La Madd. my first ship ! "the battle tender."
I miss seeing her on the Holy Loch. Still looks odd to this day not seeing her or one of the other ships residing there. Did anyone know a Will Gerhart, who would have been at Holy Loch in 72?
I was an MM in the Hydraulics and Pneumatics Shop '73-'75 in Rota.
La Maddalena 1997-1999 (then to USS Emory S. Land AS-39 in 1999). Miss the old girl... we did the Gulf in 1998, and many other port calls... I was a mechanic at 31 Fox Hydraulic Shop first, then R-7 Repairs Planner... great memories, in my channel I have a video of pictures of our port call to Nice and France in 1998.
Thank you for your service
Thats where i was born in greenock Scotland across from duhnoon she was my fathers first ship
Something doesn't add up here. I know that the Canopus AS34 relived the Lake around 1970. I was on board and rode her after her yard period in Bremerton. Neither of these should have been scrapped. I would have converted them to service ships that would respond to disasters. I suspect the Navy will be sorry if a sub needs help in the North Atlantic.
Results not excuses
My ex husband was stationed on the USS.SIMON LAKE AS-33 72/75 Does any one remember Charles McDaniel Thank you all for your service
I hate to see these ships go. It makes me feel old because I remember the years they were commissioned. My ship, CVN69 Eisenhower is not many years off retirement. When I think of the tens of thousand or hundreds of thousands of men and women who have served on these ships of their helping to defeat the Soviet Union and keep the free world free…. I’m at a loss for words.
Kings Bay, SUBRON 16...
I was on her when they shut down Holy Loch worked in R3 as an IC Man. Ah Scotland all the sideways rain ; ) I'll never forget the navy trying to bust us young men for sexual harassment. They had a dark haired alpha Woman under cover just wandering about the ship trying to lure guys into hitting on her. She tried to get me in a stairwell one day and I told her there is nothing else I would want however I'm not ready to leave the navy yet lol soon as I turned away and exited the stairwell the "dog" tried to hold me up for arrest but she made him let me go being that I did nothing. Oh and that BS by navy command was one of the many reasons I left the submarine service after 11yrs in December 1997.
Frank Cable Charleston sailor. 1989-1993
@Adirondack Homestead I spent two years on that ship as a welder. Left the service in 2019. That ship is honestly pushing her life span, to put it nicely.
@Adirondack Homestead We were supposed to leave port for a cruise twice during my two year stay. Both times it was cancelled due to mechanical issues, usually involving the boilers. One time the contractors that were working on them were sent back to their home country becuase they were there illegally. Don't ask me how, but obviously it delayed the work even further.
The ship layout sucked as well, especially during DC drills. Thank God we never had an actual emergency, because I guarentee you someone would've died.
MM2 88-91
Boat and crane maintenance Div Off.
i was in crane division in 86-87
Better this old warrior becomes an artificial reef as opposed to being cut up for scrap.
Haze gray & underway one more time as razor blades....
YOU ARE THE FRIST TO STILL WEAR MASK.. WOW IN ALL CHURCHES WOW .. WHER EIS YOUR FAITH OF YOUR GOD..