A Plank Owner’s Poem

A big thanks to Mike Young, U.S. Navy Vet, J.F.K. Plank Owner, who sent us this poem!

I can’t give much, I’m not a wealthy man…
But I will try to give what I can …
a little here A little there….
to bring My Ship back to where …
I can once again, walk Her decks…
Where People will come and strain their necks…
To see Her size and Her Glory…
And Us Old Shipmates can tell our stories…
I for one cannot wait…
To go aboard with My Shipmates…
So for this wonderful cause, I will give….
whatever I can for as long as I live …
I also hope, when She gets here ….
Although I do not live near…
I will come to help work on Her …
that’s a promise …. Yes sir…
Just let Me know, what I can do …
I would like to be part of the Crew…
Once again like the old days…
when We sailed on Her over the waves …
Although the Sea, She will ride no more …
it will be Great to have Her at shore ….
I hope You like this Poem I wrote…
I’ve written lots about My Old Boat ….
anyway Here’s My little bit…
I wish there was more, of it…
Thank You for all the time You spend…
To help save and preserve My Old Friend…

 

14 comments

  1. looking to buy a plank served in 4th div, f troop with mike young ray holwiller ray manning nd mmy best friend ski bob kowlsk

  2. I am a plank owner , 1967 – 1970 , I was in p-1 div. coming off USS FORRESTAl . Arresting gear pri fly operator; one man operation during my tenure; two before me and two after I left;. I would like to find a “GEARRAT” badge,mine is gone. Great ole ship, Great shipmates. Lots of memories…..

  3. I am a plank owner , 1967 – 1970 , arresting gear pri fly operator; one man operation duing my tenure; two before me and two after I left;. I would like to find a “GEARRAT” badge,mine is gone. Great ole ship, Great shipmates. Lots of memories…..

  4. 19 1/2 years of service.
    Royal Navy Admiral Louis Mountbatten said ” you never forget your first ship”.

    My first ship as a yardbird in Alabama. My last ship at sea. Bosnia ops for the Roosevelt loaning our Tomcats until we became dead in the water (Sargasso sea). Rescued by a cruiser who offered a tow (hull #50) until she came back to life!
    You got trouble with the enemy? Call John F. Kennedy!
    You need bastards gone? Call Big John!

    …So hold your flag, and wave it high, ’cause JFK is sailing by.
    60,000 tons of Red, White and Blue… protecting our country…for me and you.

  5. was with attack squadron V A 81 during shake down,first GITMO and rosie roads and first 9 month Med cruise. Would love to see her here in Rhode Island.Would like to attend a meeting in North Kingstown. Can someone let me know where and when! Thanks

    1. Thank you for your support! Volunteer meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7PM. The next few meetings will be March 20, April 17, and May 15, 2018. We are located at 6854 Post Road in North Kingstown. We look forward to seeing you there!

  6. Wonderful poem. Does anyone know where I can get a plank owners certificate for the USS John F Kennedy CVA 67. Or did they give them in 1967 to the crew. My sons father BT1 Ronald W Fowler was a board when it was put into Commission in Newport News Virginia. Thank you for anyone’s help

  7. I had thought the effort to bring cv 67 north had been lost…. can someone forward me some info.
    Thanks
    Bill Seeds
    1980 -1984

    1. Hi Bill,
      There was an effort in ME to bring it, that has been suspended and they have agreed to back the effort to bring it to RI. We are currently active in that multi-phase application to the Navy. For more details, please see our NEWS page and be sure to join our e-mail newsletter!

    2. Bill seeds, maybe you know my dad. His name is Miguel cintron. He was there 1980-1984 as well.

      But I would also love information. I know my father would love the chance to get back on the ship to relive his memories. Please send any information. Thank you

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *