Capas Tarlac - Message Board

Capas Tarlac NRTF
- MESSAGE BOARD -

61 Messages Since 5-2-03

Posted 5-2-03
Richard K. Cole, Jr. L/Cpl, (EAS-88) "C" Co., 1984 - 1986
colerkjr@yahoo.com

I am looking for any former or active duty Marine who was either at NCSP or NRTF during that time and also the morning on which Greg Coleman was killed, October 31, 1985. I was on "stanby-react" that morning and will never forget. I remember all of them. Cpt. Huguenin; 1st Lt. Reese; 1st. Lt. Gordon; 1st Sgt. Hubbard; Gunny Bratton (do you know he is a sergeant major now?) SSgt Webb; Ssgt Geltmacher; Sgt Small; Col. "Ballistic Bill" Sweeney.

I have yet to see or hear of anyone knowing exacly what happened, and I have often wondered what was made of it after those of us who saw it were gone. I will never forget Hubbard yelling for a poncho. It was good duty though, and I was proud as all hell to have served there. There were plenty of times we could have been killed, but we didn't. I had one of the last birds (C-141) out of Clark AFB. We landed a few hours later in Guam in time to watch the Challenger explode.

Posted 11-2-03
Steve Weber, RM2, Stationed at NRTF, 1972 - 1975
sweber@scicable.net

I worked at the main facility and ran watch at "Bullhorn" until it was turned over to the locals. Would love to hear from anyone stationed there during that time. "If I had my life to live over again, I'd be a plumber." Einstein

Posted 11-2-03
Rick Rice, Radioman, 1970's
rickrice@rickrice.net

My name Is Rick Rice. I was a radioman at Capas Tarlac in the 70's. Had a blast there and wish a million and one times I had never left the P.I.

Posted 11-2-03
Patrick Caporale, RM3, 1970 - 1972
Patcaptefl@aol.com

I was stationed at the transmitter facility for 15 months and would be interested in contacting any other sailors who were there at that time to exchange greetings and news.

Posted 11-28-03
Carleton Bucknam, 1981 - 1985
buck5185@yahoo.com

My name is Carleton Bucknam. I was the Director of Public Works aboard the base for four years, beginning in April '81 and ending in June '85. I am currently retired (Nov. 3rd, 2000) and live in Las Vegas Nevada.

Posted 2-22-04
Hector Salinas, L/Cplk U.S.M.C., 11/80 thru 04/82
Hsalinas@penhall.com

Can't forget those lonely nights on post at the gate, with Sgt. Motta coming out and asking if you had chose to lock and load or not, for the simple reason that the P.C. that was suppose to show didn't. I believe that time at Capas was of better quality then being back at N.C.S.P. trying to suck up to Cpt. Gillette and his band of cloney's. Charlie Company was great and all the Bad apples seemed to end up at Capas. I must have been part of that group that was destine for patroling Capas and standing guard there. Let me tell you, nobody can take away the memory of those beautiful nights, so quietly spent, just gazing into the sky. Unless of course you remember the night when a band of N.P.A. came chasing after the Mayors wife and kid and her house boy drives into your post for HELP....!!! Wow. Tell ya more later.

Posted 8-23-04
DTCS(AW/FMF) D. S. "Jong" Gamboa
gamboads@nnd10.med.navy.mil

I grew up in Patling (O'Donnell), Capas, Tarlac. Patling was sandwiched by Crow Valley and NRTF Capas. Had fun saying "Hello, Joe" to all of you guys when you passed by my barrio.

Posted 8-23-04
HMC Tim McCracken (Ret), 1982
odtpd@charter.net

My name is HMC Tim McCracken (Ret) - I was there in the "Multi-Purpose" Building in 1982. How can I not forget Capas - I met my wife there and we are still happily married after all these years. I retired in 1992 after "Desert Storm" and am currently a Production Planner Scheduler for the worlds largest slot machine manufacturer. If you remember me - drop me a line.

Posted 8-29-04
Glenn Parks, SGT., USMC, 1971 - 1972
GPARKS702@aol.com

Marine Security Detachment from Detached Guard Company at San Miguel. Patrolled all areas within the base, antenna fields and buildings. Loved it out there. great chow from the messhall (damn mess chief only had two albums for music - glen campbell and gary puckett, and played them over and over again, lol). Great sailors to work with, no problems.

Posted 9-6-04
Ken Bollinger HMCS (RET),
Capas, Tarlac Clinic from November 1987 thru 1989
kenbollinger@cox.net

My name is Ken Bollinger HMCS (RET). I worked at the San Miguel Clinic from November 1986 thru November 1987, then at Capas, Tarlac Clinic from November 1987 thru 1989. I am currently residing with my family here in Oceanside, California. Hope all my fellow shipmates that served in the Philippines are well. I am planning a trip back next January 2005 in what might turn into an annual ritual for me now that I am retired.

Posted 9-6-04
Mike Walker, ET1, 1970 - 1971
rags1488@aol.com

I am Mike Walker. I served at the Naval Station from 1970-71. I was an ET1 and my duties were to fix and repair the transmitters there. I am looking for information on the fire fight that happened while I was stationed there. Chief Kruck was killed in the fire fight that happened at the civilian cafeteria. Anyway please post a message or email me. Thanks

Posted 2-13-05
Tess (Tanedo) Soto Civilian Employee, Recreational Services Facility 1977 - 1984
ttsoto@msn.com

Hi, I did not served as military personnel in Capas but as a civilian employee at the "Multi-Purpose Building." My office was located next door to the Security Office. I think I remember Tim McKcraken and I definitely remember Mr. Bucknam. As a matter fact we saw each other in Bremerton sometimes in 1992. He was passing by my neighborhood and I was working in the yard and he recognized me. So he stopped by and we talked about the old days in Capas. Hi Mr. Buck! Anyway, for those of you who were stationed in Capas during the early 70's you probably remember my sister Eden and my brother-in-law David Bishop. Eden used to work in the galley and that's where they met. For those of you who were there in the early 80's you probably remember me and my sister Rowena. Rowena used to work in the Admin Office. It is indeed a small world. There are a lot of people from Capas who retired and settled here in Bremerton.

Posted 2-13-05
Rowena O. Tanedo, Admin Secretary, 1981 - 1984
rowenalittle@comcast.net

My name is Rowena Little. I was an Admin Secretary in NRTF from 1981 to 1984. I also have two sisters that worked in NRTF, one from 1972 to 1977(78) Mess hall and the other 1977 to 1984(CRS). One of my sisters married ET Bishop. I also married one of the GI that was stationed there QM P Ramsey in 1983, unfortunately we are now divorce. My memories when I was working there were good and fun. I remember all the fun that we had, like 4^th of July and the open gate for everyone. I used to take my friends on base, went swimming and we watched movies where the Shipwreck club was. One of my friend married ET McCaslin. During our Home town Fiesta (September 10) we invited GI’s and civilian employees to come in our house to join our festive and drink lots of San Miguel beer. I went home in 2000 and visited NRTF, buildings were all thorn down and nothing but houses, which made me sad. I do know Mr. Bucknam and Tim McCracken. Mr. Salinas sound really familiar, but could not really remember what he looks like. Keep in touch. Hope more people will open this website and post their messages. God bless.

Posted 2-23-05
John Hicks, SN, NRTF Capas, 1970 - 1971
jrhmcpo@yahoo.com

Have many great memories of my time in Tarlac. Number one was the Friday Happy Hour at the club (5 cent beers, 10 cent mixed drinks) followed by the bus to wonderful downtown Balibago. Many incidents during this period - firefight that killed BMC Kruck and numerous incidents by local rebels against Marco's Government just prior to martal law. Retired from Navy as a Master Chief PN.

Posted 4-14-05
Doug Lattimer, Radioman, 1983 - 1985
ddouglatt@msn.com

I worked on the transmitter deck. Man what a time we had out there! My first tour and loved it. It was crazy.... Jay "bird" Hamm, Greg Perry, Fred B, Eric N, Parker, "Naz" and all the rest. Any of you out there drop me a line.

Posted 4-14-05
Lt Jones OIC navy base 1987-1988 (Son Of Capas)
jj333@cox.net

Hi all, the last time I saw the base there was a big plant in the old antenna field… the anchor was still at the main gate. Anyone who has pictures please post them if you can. Miss the place.

Posted 4-20-05
Frank Russell, ETN2, 1974 - 1975
fortifyusn@msn.com

Had a good time at NRTF. I Miss Angeles City and the people there. Spent a lot of time exploring the night life. Remember many good frineds, both American and Filipino. Danny Byrd and John Trent were good running buddies. I rmember when the Marine took the guards hostage and all the brass showed up to solve the problem. Also when the front gate got shot up by the guys on the motorcycle.

Posted 9-18-05
William Peel, 1977 - 1979
whpeel1@earthlink.net

I was an ET-2 at Capas in 1977-79. I remember Tess and her brother in law Dave Bishop, we worked together for a while. I went back to the PI in 2000 and I couldn't get to Tarlac because the road was out. I couldn't believe how much it had changed since the Volcano.

Posted 9-18-05
Art McCormick, RM3, 1969 - 1970
Amccorm559@aol.com

Mostly played softball with Joe Bennetti, Steve Messanato, Venable, Cooper, "Mex" and Mr. Hughes with Chief Glaze coaching. I forgot more names than I remember and I am not sure about the names I remember. Roommates were Joe B., Stud Grover and Stump.

Posted 9-18-05
Colonel William T. Sweeney, USMC (Ret.), 1984 - 1986
Commander, Marine Security Forces, Phillipines
Genuine Stud Warrior!
asweeney99@hotmail.com

Greetings from "Ballistic Bill" Sweeney, Colonel USMC (Ret.)!! Good to see your messages. I hope you've all been fortunate in responses from our former brother Marines. We were the finest command in the Pacific thanks to all the Marines' outstanding performance of duties. You are all Genuine Stud Warriors of whom I am very proud! Semper Fi!

Posted 9-18-05
Mike Kiefer, YN1, 1968
olebuzzard@seacove.net

I remember names like Gabrenas, Fithian, Reagan, ENS Weaver, Barrera, Marshall, Lt Kirkwood, CWO4 Wertz, K.O. Bates..the pistol range, the new barracks and The Hilltop. One night someone apparently didn't tell the filipino thief which transmitters were on because he hacked into a heliax cable and was blown right out of the hole he had dug to get to it.

Posted 9-18-05
Roger Wynns, ET2, 1969 - 1971
roger@tisinc.net

Hi everyone. I was on duty the night Chief Kruck was killed. He had just asked me if I wanted to go with him to make the rounds and I had declined. He strapped on his 45 and left and about 20 mins. later all Hell broke loose.

Posted 4-18-10
Jim Harbeck, CYN3, 70-72
j.harbeck7@verizon.net

I got to Capas the day after Chief Kruck got killed. I was a Reserve so having come straight from the States and then 3 weeks at San Miguel I was sure wondering what I was getting myself in for. I started out working in the OPS office with Chiefs Goldberg, Glaze, Mitchell, and I can't remember the other Chief's name...me and Ray Ingel with those 4 Chiefs. Man, could those guys drink coffee and tell sea stories. I remember Chief Goldberg telling how if you gave him a list with enough adjectives he could write a quarterly report on anybody. I remember John Hicks in the Admin Office before he left along with Ray Inman. When Inman left I took his spot in the Admin Office. I loved 4 wheeling in the jeeps...driving those night patrols. Another memory: the morning they blew up that antenna just east of the MultiPurpose. I saw that Lt. Jones has written here, and it said he was OIC in the late 80's, but Lt. Leroy Jones was the OIC when I first got to Capas. I really liked our golf tournaments up at John Hay. I've got lots of memories of steaming down in Angeles...I got that out of my system over there. The best to all of you. It would be great to hear from others from my era as I didn't keep in contact.

Posted 4-18-10
RMCM Andrew (Tony) Herman, AOIC, Feb 1987 - Sep 1989
hermana001@hawaii.rr.com

I saw some familiar names on the message board including LT. Fred Jones, OIC 87 - 88. Enjoyed my 30 months in the 880 acres of rice paddies and snakes at Capas. Do not remember how many miles I put in running that 5 mile perimeter around the antenna fields. Made many good friends at Capas including RMCS Wilson, ETC Mark Hayden, OSC Randy Cook, CWO4 George Sullivan, MSCS Medina and many others. I finally retired at 30 years in 1990 and appreciate the retirement party held in Angeles City in 1990. Took some work with TAD orders, a flight to and from Cubi Point due to the terrorist threat but it was worth it. I now work as a CSC contractor for the Navy at Pearl Harbor. Drop me an email.

Posted 4-18-10
Steve Clark, 1979 - 1982
sclark13@sc.rr.com

Was stationed at Capas Tarlac from 1979 to about 1982. Was RM2 at the time.

Posted 4-18-10
LT Tom Stroble OIC USNRTF, 1983- 1985
tom.stroble@sbcglobal.net

What a wonderful time and great duty station. The very best to all that have served. Very respectfully, Tom Stroble, LT USN (Ret)

Posted 4-18-10
Manny A. Cajuguiran, SMSgt (USAF, Retired)
Manuel.A.Cajuguiran@nga.mil

I grew up in Manga, Capas Tarlac. We can see NRTF from our backyard. Also, when I stationed @ Clark (77-81) I usually go to the Navy PX and picked up Ronrico 151 and other goodies. Dakal pong salamat!

Posted 4-18-10
P Hill Embree, 1979 - 1981
embreepn@msn.com

I was station at CAPAS from Jan 1979 to June 1981 I am looking for anyone who may have served during that period.

Posted 4-18-10
Robert Kushlan, RM1 (Ret), 1963 - 1964, 1973 - 1974
rkushlan@yahoo.com

My name is Robert Kushlan, RM1 (Ret). I had served at Capas in 1963-64 and 1973-74. I worked with the transmitters mostly, but had fun too. I still remember those huge LF xmtrs that we only had to do PM's on once a week. The rest we just changed freqs every once in a while. If you would like to get hold of me.

Posted 4-18-10
Jim Harbeck, CYN3, 1970 - 1972
j.harbeck7@verizon.net

I'm Jim Harbeck, CYN3, 10/70-5/72. I was in the Ops Office for my first 6 months, and the Admin Office for the rest of the time. I'd love to hear from other shipmates. I've written to Pat Caporale several times, but his email address doesn't work.

Posted 4-18-10
Emilio Sinlao, MR2, 1983 - 1986
sinemi@yahoo.com

I worked at the antenna maintenance shop (Line Cage) for 3 year wonderful years, Capas was CLUB MED. When friends ask me, what's my favorite place and time? NRTF Capas. In 1999, I have retire after 20 years service, residing in San Diego CA. From time to time I would come accross shipmates from Capas and it will make me very happy and brings back memories.

Posted 4-18-10
J. A. Cook, NCSP San Miguel > Drug And Alcohol Program Advisor
ja.cook@ngc.com

For 2 years in the late 1970’s, I was an ET1 and the DAPA for NavCommStaPhilippines. That job put me in the Human Goals Division, with the Command Master Chief Petty Officer (the boss), the Equal Opportunity Representative, and the Command Career Counselor. We went to the Transmitter Facility at Capas on a scheduled visit about every three months to present the Navy Equal Opportunity, Military Rights & Responsibilities, Drug Awareness, and Overseas Diplomacy training required by the Navy at the time. Anybody remember Big Nancy? Long live the memory of the Fire Empire.

Posted 4-18-10
Al Hays, RMC, 1972 - 1973.
alhays@msn.com

I was on my way to NCS Phil with my wife and kids when I got a sudden change of orders to NRTF Capas, by phone, while in the lobby of Clark AFB terminal. I was told of a tragic care accident in which a number of Tarlac sailors were killed and a few warm bodies were needed as replacements. As an RMC with crypto repair & TTY NEC’s I was lucky enough to land a job on the Line Crew with collateral duties in Public Works, Grass Cutting, Pistol Range development, Golf Driving range development, Swimming Pool development, Gazebo development. I never did get a “real” job and spent much of my time staying out of the way of people that did have jobs. I remember the German Sheppard I was “assigned” for security duty. Every time I had to put up a flare the dog disappeared under my Bronco/Scout. I always got a chuckle sneaking up on the fence line running along the highway at night while on patrol. I got to see some really strange goings on along that particular fence line, harmless intruders no doubt. I remember Senior Chief Nichols, LCDR Gerber, Ens Romero, Larry Fermi (?) (who probably never new I almost shot him once by accident, shouldn’t be sneaking around in the dark, right?) and the Little Shipwreck Club. I could tell I was well loved by the “crew” by the cobra that found its’ way into my office and the baby one that found its way into my desk drawer a few days later, generous gifts. I met RM2 (?) Chris Whatley at Tarlac and later ran across him again at NAS Whidbey Island where I sponsored him for his Chief initiation. Chris later retired as RMCM. He and I, plus a few other old Navy buddies, still camp together at least once a year for a week or so.

Posted 4-18-10
Frank Lawhon RM3, 1963 - 1964
captfrankdeepsea@yahoo.com

I was there in 1963 to 64. ON board when commissioned, there was only one building there then. We the crew there built the barracks and club. I am Frank Lawhon RM3, some of the crew were Cardwell, Carrera, Moniz, and my main side kick, Homer Connell. That place was some wonderful duty. I sure would love to have seen it before it was closed. any one interested, please get in touch with me.

Posted 4-18-10
Charles Cooper, 1969 - 1970
chazbo48@hotmail.com

My name is Charles Cooper. I was stationed at NRST Capas 69-70. I was on gate duty when Chief Kruck was killed, along with some PC, I believe. I also photographed the bodies of the civilian guards killed on the road to Camp O'Donnell. There was also a service member from our base killed in Capas while I was there. I worked in the base office and played on the softball team. Most of my photos from my time there were ruined in a flood some years ago. I was friends with Pat O'Boyle

Posted 4-18-10
John Morgan (Bumper), ETR3 - ETR2 1964 - 1966
bumperm@att.net

When I got to "Tarlac" there were some 24 people stationed there. When I left two years later, there were over 40 IIRC. I haven't been able to find much on-line about Tarlac . . . until I found this site.

Posted 5-26-10
Harold Pridgen, 1984 - 1985
pridgenharold@windstream.net

I would love to hear from anyone who served with me at Capas. and anyone who worked there in 1984-85

Posted 5-26-10
Niutao Tuimavave, PFC 11/20/80 - 02/15/82
Bdvcarrera@aol.com

It would be good to hear from anyone that stood Post Papa Mike 7, the Mango Grove from 12 to 04 am or walk the Antenna Field at Capas Tarlac. Never did see that glowing white lady. Capas Tarlac was a great get away. Like everyone else who served there, best duty a 19 year old could sever in. Semper Fi. Tomb

Posted 5-26-10
Cirilo G. (Tom) Tomines, 1982 - 1989
Civilian Employee, Electronics Technician
ctpretoria@gmail.com

I worked at the main deck transmitter facility from 1982 to 1989 as an ET together w/ Mr. V ( Baldomero Vasquez), Alex, Mr. Areza, ET1 Mark Hayden and Ltjg Heinemann. I was there when they dismantled the big (2) antenna Nord 1 and 2 and I am one of the first batch that was evicted from working there due to re alignment of the bases, I am on duty that time when Greg Coleman killed near the cemetery. I still remember, I do PMS AN-FRC-52 radio @ Mr. Bucknam’s haus at CARMENVILLE, ANGELES CITY.

To: Ken Bollinger, I still have the ID that you gave me, the CPR training and the First Aid training. Its fun. I still remember you, Weng…

If you happen to know the where about of these guys, MR. ALEX ACAPUYAN, ENG’R GROGORIO BUCSIT, ENG’R NELSON MAGDALERA, Mr. EDGARDO HUET, Mr. FLORENTINO CAVA, Please send me email.

Posted 5-26-10
Greg Perry, RM1, Transmitter Deck, 1983 - 1985
gr.perry@mchsi.com

Great Great duty station, many good memories of the people and places there. We lived on Clark in AF housing. Lcdr Garcia and Ltjg Stroble were OIC’s when I was there. The only time in the Navy that I fired a weapon since RTF Orlando was at Capas, all of us had to qual. on the M-14 (sweet) and .45 pistol & 12 ga. Shotgun. In the Navy RMC Miller, RMC Vidrio, RMC Sandoval, RM1 Jay Hamm, Bob Ranger, Doug Lattimer, Brad Neal,Tom Penk,Doug2, Naz, Ron Armidstat, Craig McCasslin, MSC Patricio , RM2 Margie Buggs, to name a few ! (and many more) I also was at VQ-1 detachment Cubi Point several TAD periods during 76-79, (Hello again to VQ-1 shipmate then MS2 Tony Patricio, he showed me the ropes in PI) Stationed NTCC Cubi 1979-1980 transferred no cost swap to NCSP San Miguel 80-83, and Crypto Repair Facility SRF Subic 1988-1989 tour cut short , got Medevac’d to Navhosp Balboa.

Posted 1-16-11
Ralphie Sabelhuas, ETC, 1975 - 1976
twoclickswest@yahoo.com

Ralphie Sabelhuas, ETC, 1975-76. I recognize several names but am surprised at how many other names are missing. Chief Nick ran things when I was there, so there really wasn't much left for the rest of us. I counted slots and fixed a few things and mostly tried to stay out of the way. I had duty the night the Marine from San Miguel went nuts, popped off a round and took another Marine and a couple of civilian guards hostage. Heard from Chief Kaplin once after he retired, said he and Lucia finally split the sheets. Ran into John Hays somewhere, can't remember where. Don't know what happened to Chief Alexander after he got pulled back to San Miguel. Don't know what happened to Tiny, Stingley, or any of the line crew guys. Dudes, it was R&R plain and simple except for the cobras and getting shot at now and then. Still remember line crew guys rustled the mascot goat from the bombing range guys and bbqed the little sucker hehehe. Bombing range guys thought they'd get even by stealing the anchor from in front of the MP building, like any of us really gave a crap what they did with the anchor hehehe. It was definitely the best of times.

Posted 1-16-11
Ramos Sam, Lcpl, C co., 1985 - 1986
SRamos@jensenprecast.com

Hey, CHINO here just saying hi to some old friends out there. Capas was my main home after that big fight in Sam Miguel.

Posted 1-16-11
Lonnie Hanks, ETN-2, 1975 - 1977
lonhank@yahoo.com

I was at Capas from 1975 to 1977. Now retired ETC. What a great tour of duty. Would like to go back and see the place. I know it has changed a lot. Anyone there during that time give me an email.

Posted 1-16-11
Jong Gamboa, HMCS(AW/FMF), USN, Ret
Democrito.Gamboa@med.navy.mil

I was born in 1956 and grew up in Patling, Capas, Tarlac. I finished High School in Capas, Tarlac. As a little boy growing up in Patling (O'Donnell), I remember waving and saying "Hello, Joe!" to the American Gis as they pass our barrio on their way to Crow Valley. I lived there until 1974 and then went to college in Manila and Baguio. I joined the Navy in 1981 and was actually stationed at Naval Hospital Subic Bay from 1985 to 1989. Finally retired in 2007 (26 years of active duty!) and settled down here in Beaufort, SC. Still working as a Federal Government employee (GS-12) and still having fun but misses Patling so much. Hope we can visit soon.

Posted 4-8-12
Morris Hervey, RM2, 02/1968 - 10/1969
morris.hervey@att.net

Hi to all who served at NavRadSta(T) Tarlac, Capas. I arrived in early '68 and started working at "Main Deck" as a watchstander, then later to "Bull Horn" as the watch supervisor. Does anyone else remember the night the Huks broke into our armory and stole some M1s and a B.A.R.? Three of our civilian guards were murdered going home after shift just before I left for the States. Has anyone, besides me, every pulled an antenna patch(with a malfunctioning circuit breaker switch) from an operating 40KW transmitter - and lived to tell about it? Flames from the patch panel shot-out 2 or 3 feet. I remember: Clark AFB, Angeles City, Balibago, Fiesta in Mabalacat, Baguio (John Hay AFB), Corregidor, Cobra incidents, starry Philippine nights, the smell of wild onions cooking, and fresh fried Lumpia at a Filipino friends house. Names: OinCs Lt Kirkwood, Lt Olsen, RM1s Gary Rudolph, Ron Cook, Bates, YN1 Kiefer, HM1 Rubio, ET2 Rodman,ETC Weidner(?), RMC Barrera, one of the original Death March survivors who also had a propensity for trying to electrocute himself by using his arm to short-circuit the tube plate voltage on one of the high-power transmitters (arm in a sling for awhile!).

Posted 4-8-12
Linda Ragan
raganteam@comcast.net

Searching for Donald Haywood Jackson served at Clark AFB during the mid 1960’s

Posted 4-8-12
Richard Joyce, ETNSN, 1977 - 1978
richardjoyce57@gmail.com

After 'A' School, this was my first command. What a wonderful way to start my enlistment! Young and Dumb and .... and the Navy sends me to Capas!
I looked for Capas awhile back on Google Earth; it's been over-run by urban sprawl! The Multi-purpose building was still there, and what looked like a hint of the Gazebo. Then, I looked again a few months ago and really couldn't even see those elements. Sigh.

Posted 4-8-12
Steve Weber, RM2, Stationed at NRTF, 1972 - 1975
sweber327@frontier.com

Posted 4-8-12
Kevin Teppo Lcpl 1982-1983 "C" Company
beefraiser@hotmail.com

I loved being at Capas. Running patrols was the shit. Have fond memories. Always wondered what happened to a lot of the crew. Spot lighting C-130 as they were making their descend to Clark. Smashing toads with the rifle butt walking up to the tower. Seeing NPA walking buy the perimeter and they never knew we were there. Jumping the fence at 0400 and holding up the pandisal man on his bike. Eating that nasty chow hall chow. Watching old reel films at the club. Riding the libo van to Angeles city with Garbo teasing the Libo van drivers. Remember getting turned loose and running to the van screaming "Libo". Does anyone remember the elephant grass fire that we got surrounded at the top of the hill and almost burned to death. 1st sgt Tucker terrorizing us. The ring knocker (Annapolis grad) Capt Gillette playing officer games. So many stories I could wright a book. I retired in 2003 as a Msgt. I am in contact with "Moose" Harper, Duane Rogers. John Klimak retired as a Msgt, Williams (dark green) from Miami retired as a 1sgt. SgtMajor John Racine committed suicide. I know Danny St John retired from the New York city police department. Ran into a few others on active duty. Would love to hear from anyone else that served in the great Charlie Company. Semper Fi...

Posted 4-8-12
ET3 Kenneth Smith , Left NRTF Capas in 1989
edblkmn@gmail.com

I was a ET there with Springel, Davidson, Wilkinson and others. I left to go to the BOOST Program and am now a LCDR. I’m looking for Dave Cruz, Hope Dorsey and Dawn Gray specifically, but would like to connect with any of my old mates from back in the day. I’ve kept in touch with Patricia Jones and Keith Wilkerson.

Posted 4-8-12
Michael E.Kiefer Sr.
counselor4u@yahoo.com

Stumbled on the Tarlac page. Recognize lots of names. I guess I left there in 68. Worked in Admin with Wertz and Kirkwood. Been trying to find an RM1 Kenneth (KO) Bates for years.

Posted 4-24-12
CDR Bill Castle - AOIC (CWO2) NRTF, 1974 - 1975
william.r.castle@aero.org

I just stumbled on to this site and I am glad I did, as I recognize a lot of names and the great memories they bring back: LCDR Ray Gerber, Ens Romero, Master Chief, Senior Chief Nick, Tiny, just to name a few. I had a great time during my 16 months tour surviving typhoons, nutty marines, drive by shootings at our guard post, stealing our coaxial cable, etc. I went on to serve another 21 years commanding NAVCOMUNIT Key West (1983-85) and NAVCOMTELSTA Cutler Maine (1995-1996) before retiring December 1996. Some of my best and most memorable times in my 36 year career came during my time at Capas. It was an experience to be treasured and sea stories to be shared (well most of them) with our grandchildren.

Posted 6-23-12
John W. Little, 1982 - 1984
john.wayne.little@us.army.mil

My name is John W. Little. I was stationed at NRTF from 1982 - 1984. I was a Master-at-arms First Class. I remember LTJG Stroble, SN Ramsey, Rowena, her sister and Mr. Buckman. I now live in Hawaii and me and Becky have been here since 1986.

Posted 6-23-12
Fred Magdalera, 1982
fcmagdalera@gmail.com

I am Fred Magdalera, command audtor of NAVCOMMSTAPHIL San Miguel. I worked in various positions at NCSP – from medical records technician/receptionist at the dispensary, the accounting tech, plant property accountant, accountant of EM dining facility, then command auditor. I moved to PWC Subic in 1982. I used to go to NRTF Capas to perform audits of MWR, Navy Exchange outlet, and NRTF equipment and supplies – both nonappropriated and appropriated funds. I now live in Guam since 1994. Best regards to you all!

Posted 6-23-12
L/Cpl Long C. Co., 1984 - 1985
nimmie66@yahoo.com

Sitting here in Maine thinking about the past and a fellow Marine that was killed in a training reactionary practice while I was on tower watch and was doing a web search on it & came across this web page and found an old fellow Marine! Ramos/CHINO :)

Posted 10-02-12
CYN3 Jim Harbeck, Oct 70-May 72
jharbe777@comcast.net

I have posted a message before but now I have a new email address. I worked in the Ops Office for my first 6 months or so and then worked in the Admin Office the rest of my tour, along with driving jeeps around the base at night in the pitch dark with a shot gun and a Marine, trying to save the antennas. That was a blast. Within the last year I have made contact with Lt. Jones (OIC) and with ETN3 Hojell. It was great reacquainting after so many years. I am a retired school teacher...would love to hear from anyone who was Capas when I was.

Posted 10-02-12
Bill Harris, GMG3, 1967 - 1968
wfharris@charter.net

Just found this site but not many guys from my time there. I was in charge of the armory when it was broken into. Spent a lot of quality time with NCIS as they checked out the theft. A lot of the names are familiar, Kiefer. I was transferred to the fleet before there were any Marines on base. I used to stand security patrols in the antenna fields before the Marines showed up. Had a lot of good times in Angeles City.

Posted 11-9-12
Linda Ragan
raganteam@comcast.net

Searching for Donald Haywood Jackson served at Clark AFB during the mid 1960’s

Posted 11-9-12
Richard Evans, ET2, Oct 1965 to Sep 1968
Sprintguy23@yahoo.com

I just saw some recent postings to this site. I got to Nav Com Sta Phil in Oct of 65 and went straight to Tarlac. Worked in the CCL room on the Microwave and on the 39’s and 40’s on Main Deck also worked at Bull Horn. I moved to Clark AFB Dau Microwave site the last 6 month I was there. Never got to live in the new barracks. I remember Keifer I think he was working on the shooting range when I left. I would be happy to hear from anyone that was there.

Posted 11-15-12
Mike McGuire, 6/75 - 12/76
impbymikemcg@aol.com

This is Mike McGuire, former RMSN stationed at Capas from 6/75-to-12/76
I was part of John Speelman's crew on the Maindeck, as well pulling guard duty in the Security Office & Eagle's Nest. I was also the (unofficial) Base Photographer, which allowed me to get out of our one inspection when the C.O. made an official visit. I was there when they first paved Fields Ave. After retiring, I moved to the P.I. for 3 years ('08-'11) near Clark, and boy has it changed! I've submitted 60 photos to the Sarge for posting, both from the '70's & now, and have more if & when he gets these posted. The only thing left at our old Base that I could find was the Multipurpose Bldg, a couple of it's satellites, & the Main Gate's Pill Box. Just SE of the base is the new Bataan Memorial with a copy of the Concrete Cross from our Base. I could go on, but I'll stop here. I'm waiting Sarge! ( I know you are mike ;-)

[ Back To Post A Message ] [ Back To Capas Tarlac ] [ Back To Home Page ]