Sagebrush

Coast Guard Cutter Sagebrush WLB-399
Ernest Garcia USCG RM2 (Served)

Brief history of the Sagebrush:

Built: Zenith Dredge Co., Duluth, MN. Commissioned April 1, 1944. The ship was of the Iris Class – 180-foot Buoy Tender.

Decommissioned: April 26, 1988

This tradition is the official removal of a military vessel from active service. The ceremony is a solemn occasion. And the final ceremony is the striking (lowering) of the commissioning pennant. The striking of the pennant ceremony ended the 44 years of service of the Sagebrush to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean region[1].

The Sagebrush is listed among the artificial reefs at the "J Reef"~ NNW of Gray's Reef, off the east coast of Georgia , along with a couple of Liberty ships, tugs, a ferry, and a number of M-60 battle tanks.

The GPS coordinates are:

31° 36.600' N, 80° 47.800' W; a heading of 335° 0.56 nm from the J Reef buoy.

The Planning:

This eventful experience had been in the back of the minds of several crew members including me, for many years. However, we did not know or act on our desire since we lived in different coasts, and we had no way of knowing the where about of others.

The Internet:

With the fast and emergent wide world internet developing, I started posting messages on what was then known as Bulletin Boards and Packet Radio to see if there was any interest in a reunion, for radioman and ships crew, stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Approximately 20 years later I received a call June 2, 2007, regarding a posting from Jud Gatch, asking if I was, so and so, and if I had served on the Sagebrush, during the late 60’s. I answered yes. I barely remembered him but after he described who he was; bells started to ring and we conversed for more than an hour. We exchanged e-mail address and no sooner than that, Jud forwarded several pictures during his service on board the Sagebrush.

I immediately recognized who he was. At some point in the course of our conversations he suggested that we should try to get together. He told me that there were other crew member’s that he knew in nearby States, and they had expressed a similar interest.

I was going to be in Jacksonville, Florida in July; consequently I suggested if we could do it then: he agreed. Jud put me in contact with Billie Howard and Jimmie Faulkner who had similar interest and suggestions, and they had other contacts. At approximate the same time, I started receiving e-mails from those that served including Capt Chuck Montanese who was the previous XO of the Sagebrush; he provided others who served during his tenure.

The interest and desire to see one another grew at a rapid pace. By now I had sent many e-mails to those that I found on Classmates.com, Fred’s Place, Military.com, The Coast Guard Net, etc… and everywhere else I could find on the internet listing Coasties. In addition, I asked those contacted to forward their message to any and all they knew that may have served in San Juan, P.R.

The First Reunion Meeting:

The meeting and time were set and posted for Saturday the 21st of July; due to unforeseen circumstances that day was unattainable; instead it was changed to July 5th.

The first officially known reunion of the CGC Sagebrush officer and crew took place on the 5th of July 2007, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Finally, after 40 years the day arrive and with much anticipation; we headed south to Jimmie and Trina’s home.

After many hugs and more hugs combined with emotional tearing eyes, we finally were able to sit and talk about our service to our country. More over, of-course we shared our Viet Nam era war history and battles in San Juan. In addition, many questions were asked such as:

What ever happened to CWO Johnny Cox and other mentioned?
How are the CO Scott and XO K.A Luck? The best, fairest and caring leaders we served under.
Where are the other crew members? (too many names to list)
Why is there no record of the Sagebrush’s history and pictures available?
Why are there no record of the many SAR that we were involved?
Has anyone been affected with asbestosis? That was throughout the ship and its removal during the refitting, and installation of the air conditioner in Jacksonville, FL.

Special Highlights:

I had set up a surprise telephone call from a crew member of the Sagebrush.
Josue Borrero GM filled in the many questions and gaps we had about the ships’ history and specially those regarding the ship’s decommissioning; since he was part of the final crew that served the Sagebrush.

We called and talked to Raymond Wattenhofer DC, John LeClair and Steve Sency ET.
Who thanked us for remembering and taking the time to call them? We also received an email from Fred Perry QM.

Our brothers in crime, I meant in arm had many interesting stories. Some made a career in the Coast Guard and government service. The rest of us who were afraid of the time; (“Isn’t that the reason we enlisted in the CG?”) completed our military obligations and went out to face reality. We heard about all those opportunities and grandiose jobs that were waiting for us!

Our hosts were Jimmie and Trina Faulkner at their gorgeous beach home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Their hospitality and food feast was an extravaganza. Billie’s wife Brenda out did herself with the greatest tasty salads, deserts, and spirits. CG reservists, Marshall Haas, and girlfriend, Susan, enhanced the tables with a variety of excellent deserts.

Future Reunions:

A committee was form to check into future reunion feasibility and location. The following were volunteered unanimously for the listed positions:

President – Billy Howard
Vice President – Jud Gatch (plus everything else not covered)
Publicity – Marshall Hass
Entertainment – Jimmie Faulkner
Secretary – Ernest Garcia

The committee proposed that the next reunion be set sometime in the summer of 2008 in Mississippi because of its central location. However, we are still open for suggestions, date and locations.

Contact:

Sagebrushwlb399@verizon.net or ernestgarcia@hotmail.com and please make sure that the Subject line contains the words “Sagebrush reunion”

Semper Paratus from “the crew that served the virgin’s (islands)”

[1] Decommissioning Ceremony, April 26, 1988, at 1200, USCGC Sagebrush, WLB399, San Juan, Puerto Rico. DOT, USCG

2007 reunion picture
Seated: Ernest Garcia & Jud Gatch
Standing: Billie Howard and Jimmie Faulkner