Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

I am still searching for pics of Loney, Sandoval, Benedett and any air force guys that have passed since or was KIA.

If anyone can help please send pics to me. That includes marines that have passed since.

Thanks Al
Semper Fi

Watching the news about the pirated Maersk Alabama being "the first pirated American vessel in 200 years," I wondered how the Mayaguez Incident only 34 years ago did not qualify as piracy.

Is the taking of the Mayaguez considered naval warfare rather than piracy? Or because they took the crew without commandeering the ship? Gerald Ford used the term "piracy" during the incident.

Not stirring up anything here, but the fact that the Mayaguez Incident is relevant to current events seems to be lost on the media.

If anybody has a pic of the following marines please send me email with the pic I am doing a tribute to our fallen brothers. I need the following Loney, Garcia, Copenhaver, Jacgues, Rivenburgh, Benedett and Sandoval.

Thanks and Semper Fi
Al Mahan

I was assigned to the Security Police Squadron at NKP in 1975. I knew and worked with several of the men that were on that chopper when it went down. Earlier that day we had taken a break and were playing a rather rough game of water polo in the little pool near the flight line. Hamlin, Hankamer and a few more were there. They were good men.

Thank you to all who have shared pictures and stories about my brother, Dick Brims. They have touched me and inspired my son (one of America's newest Marines) to follow in his Uncle's footsteps flying helicopters.

God bless you all and thank you from the bottem of my heart for your service to our country.

A hand salute to all (Marine, Air Force & Navy) who were there, thank you for your service to our nation. And more so to those whose names appear on the wall. I was on board a Navy supply ship (U.S.S. Vega) that was sent along with the U.S.S. Holt as part of the Navy support contingent for the incident. For years, when I have mentioned the Mayaguez Operation to people, most of the time they have no idea what I’m talking about. Now I can send them to this web site.

Many regards,
David E. Swaim – IC2
U.S.S. Vega AF-59 (1975 to 1977)

May God bless Ed Freeman, who recently passed away. Without a doubt, one of our biggest heroes.

Got a phone call from Al, will try to make the next reunion. Have been contacted by a Spectre crewman and Jolly mx guy here in CA, will get them to check out the site.

A Reply to Guest Book message HORTON. Yes, efforts are underway, this is an ongoing project and we could use everyone’s help.

Missing from the Participation List is crew information of the Air Forces OV-10s (Nails 47, 51, 68, 69), AC-130 (Spectre’s 11, 21, 61) and the F-111s. The Navy pilots on the A7 Corsairs, F4 Phantoms, those on the ships of the Wilson, Holt, Coral Sea. For the ground forces, we are identifying which chopper you where on, both insertion and extraction. Also, a big importance is for all of us to reach out to the wives and family members of those that have gone before us.

Telephone calls from Al (Sgt of Arms/Hospitality Chairman) have begun; your fed back is welcome.

There are several brothers and sisters that are in need of our concern and prayer. To mention a few Jeff Kern (Marine) diagnosed recently with Lou Gehrigs disease. Jesse DeJesus (Air Force) his wife Jane is battling terminal cancer and Bob Douchniak (Marine) spinal cord injuries. Heart problems, diabetes, liver and a variety of illnesses (not mentioning the PTSD) are affecting many. Numerous are struggling financially. So please keep them in your thoughts and prayer.

I thank for this opportunity of learning and being apart of your piece of history. The Battle on Koh Tang Island and the rescue of the SS Mayaguez and its crew formed A TRUE BAND OF BROTHERS.

THANK ALL OF YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR COUNTRY IT HURTS TO KNOW THAT YOU ALL SUFFERED IN MANY WAYS. I THINK ITS WONDERFUL THAT YOU ALL HAVE FOUND EACH OTHER AND ARE MAKING EFFORTS TO STICK TOGETHER. KEEP UP THE SUPPORT AND GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.