What a sad day. One of my most treasured possions is a photo of you and Van standing sholder-to-shoulder in dress blue uniform. I also have two treasured possessions that are in my memorabilia area. One is the card and E-7 anchors you gave me on the Midway visit after learning I was selected. The other was a tie bar with an E-9 anchor affixed that Van had worn for a long period after being selected. He gave it to me with his thanks for a well done ORI inpection just prior to my retirement. They both meant more than I could ever express.
I hope Linda is handling Van's passing like the strong sailor she is.
Damed sad news.weve lost another SOSUS giant, and great shipmate.
Thanks James. It's been a while since we communicated. I hope Van's passing was with the whole family near. My best to you and everyone. Sad day when a mentor passes. I was just talking on the board here about your Dad when Nick Vanherpin passed.God Bless All... and Van... I'll be seeing you soon.
WE HAD ROOMS NEXT TO EACH OTHER IN THE ARGENTIA BEQ.VAN SHOWED ME THE SIGHTS OF LOCAL TOWNS PLACENTIA,JERSEYSIDE.THE NEWFOUNDLANDERS LIKED HIM.HE WAS ONE OF THE GOOD "YANKS".
I served with Van in Brawdy as his LPO in QA when he was an OTCS. He helped form the "soft and fuzzy" leadership style I developed. I have always been thankful for that year with him. RIP Shipmate! ✝️🇺🇸🔱🦅❤️
Van and I went through the Green Door and then Grand Turk or Nantucket or both in 1956-1957. That was a long time ago, but he was someone you could never forget.
OTCM Robert VanAlstine was my first watch supervisor when I reported for duty at NAVFACKEF fresh out of Fleet Sonar School in August 1969. He was STG1 VanAlstine at the time and he got me off to a great start as a Reader during an era of busy operations at Keflavik. He was my mentor and set an exemplary military standard for me to follow. Our paths met again when he arrived at COSL (CINCLANTFLT Base) in 1972 where I served 1970-72. I will always hold "Van" in the highest respect as it was a true honor to serve with him. May he rest in eternal peace.
Bill Turner former OT2
