Just dropped by to say: I was a civilian engineer on board USS Worden (DLG 18) 1963-1964. I played many a chess game with LCDR Marcus Arillius Arnheiter who served on board at that time. What a piece of work. If I ever locate the book again (Arnheiter Affair) I'll finish reading it.

I have worked forty years as a civilian Engineer (Talos, Tartar, Terrier and the last 20 years in the AEGIS Program.) I've trained the "white hats", worked with them side by side, became a shellback with them, shared MID RATS with them, got the "Order of the Locks" with them, worked in the engine rooms and the fire rooms with MM's and BT's, worked the FCS / CIC spaces with ETs and FT's.

Met them on DD's, DE's, FFG's, DDG's, DLG's, DLGN's, CV's, CG's, LPH's, LST's, SSN's and BB's, I'm a plank owner on the USS WORDEN, (DLG-18).

My ONLY regret in my career is that I did not wear the uniform. I have all the respect in the world for all those who served shipboard, those outstanding guys that have "round the clock" duties at a pay rate of 10 cents an hour.

As for the men who served on VANCE, I'll always think of them as Sailors in the service of our UNITED STATES of AMERICA.

I don't have any material on Vance, but I work with many retired and ex Navy personell. If I have anything put into your logbook about Vance, then it is that she does have an impressive record, Marcus notwithstanding. I attribute that record to those men of the sea who kept her going and operating ------ the mates in the engine rooms, in the fire rooms, in CIC, on the bridge etc and all those manning their stations at GQ. They have a right to stand proud. I would go the war with those men!

I bookmarked the webpage and I'll visit it often. I logged your e-mail address in my address book, I'd like to keep in touch. Also, if any shipmates you know of are Ham radio operators my call is N3JAH.

Regards to you my friend and thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you,

I also attached a powerpoint slide show on a Mark 48 torpedo firing. The shot was an over the horizon shot.
Neil

Note from Joe: Neil has sent me a number of real action mpg's and PPS files. I will arrange this slide of the Mark 48 for the web site because it shows how Vance probably was sunk. Other files are large and crash many mail systems but if you would like to take a chance write to me.
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