Lipan was a 67 or Apache class Fleet Tug.  The main visible difference was the Diesel Engine exhaust  up a stack rather than at the waterline.   She had GM 278 Diesels for main propulsion and a much antiquated electrical system with a "live front" switchboard similar to the Virgo's.  One of the best year's of my career was on board the Lipan with LT.  James  Edmiston as CO, and Bos'n Marc Ray as First Lieutenant.  These were great shipmates!  Lt. Edmiston disappeared off the face of the earth. I received a letter from his Son a couple years ago.  Jim passed away in retirement around 2000.  Another great gentleman of the world gone!   Bos'n Ray is retired in El Cajon, California.  The Lipan changed home ports from Pearl Harbor Hawaii to San Diego, CA in 1972.  I was transferred to shore duty on Admiral Salzer's Staff, COMPHIBPAC, in Coronado in November of 1972.

For a lot more details on Lipan visit Rich Tetrault's page on the "suggested Sites" page.

COMPHIBPAC Arriving

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