Ship’s Scuttlebutt

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Shipmates please use website page: Crew Register/Update, to add or update contact information.  This page is for:    1. any shipmate who is not on our roster and mailing list to enter their contact information, and 2. current shipmates whose contact information has changed to update their information.

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June 8, 2022, From Fred Gehrisch, ET2 66-68

Veterans Burial Benefits and Assistance

Click on the link to download information about Veterans Burial Benefits and Assistance.

Burial Benefits: Download

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January 20, 2021, From William Sohn, IC3 64-66  

I’m looking for any information from shipmates who dealt with or are currently dealing with mesothelioma.  My email address is: [email protected].  

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September 26, 2020, From Frank Stepka, SN, 1970 - 1973

Frank received the below newsletter from his VFW post about Agent Orange and wants to pass it along to the crew.

Agent Orange Newsletter: Download

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May 16, 2020: Note from Jim Goodspeed, LT, 1963-1966 about Agent Orange.

All Basilone crew members who served on board during Vietnam cruises have been exposed to Agent Orange. They should all register for VA health care and take the Agent Orange screening. Even if they have not been diagnosed with one of the fourteen presumptive disorders they may be affected later in life. 

Presumptive disease may occur as much as 35 years after exposure.  To see the list of presumptive diseases go to: www.va.gov and search on Agent Orange.

 Crew members who want to file an initial claim for an herbicide-related disability can use VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits or work with a VA-recognized Veterans Service Organization to assist with the application process.  Crew members may also contact their state Veterans Affairs Office.

If for some reason this fails or you are having problems getting help, then contact Jim Goodspeed.    Jim is a certified Veteran Service Officer and can provide guidance and counseling to help crew members with this process. Questions may be directed to his email [email protected].

Please note that Jim’s access is limited and unreliable and it may take him some time to get back to you.

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May 3, 2020: For those shipmates who were on the Basilone when we went to Vietnam in 1966 and are going to apply to the VA for Agent Orange benefits. You will need a copy of the deck logs from our time in Vietnam. Use the download below to obtain the deck logs.

USS Basilone Deck Logs from Vietnam during 1966 Cruise: Download

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March 23, 2020:  For those shipmates who were on the Basilone when we went to Vietnam in 1972 and are going to apply to the VA for Agent Orange benefits.  You will need a copy of the deck logs from our time in Vietnam. Use the download below to obtain the deck logs.

USS Basilone Deck Logs from Vietnam during 1972 World Cruise: Download

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