MARINE BARRACKS
KENITRA NAS, MOROCCO - MESSAGE BOARD

31 Messages Since 3-14-00

Posted 5-2-00
Tom Norton, 70 - 71
rosenorton@net1plus.com

The marines sponsored a little league baseball team and I was the manager of that team. The team was comprised of orphans from the local orphanage. Since soccer was the national sport we really had to teach the the kids baseball from scratch. It was a thrill for the kids to come on base, play ball, and then be treated to a hamburger,chips, and MILK. The marines paid for all of their treats several times a week. I'd love to hear from any marine who did time in Sidi Yahia. I've been in touch with a friend who also served in Sidi. We have racked our brains trying to recall the names of some of the clubs in Kenitra. If anyone can recall a club or two send it my way...Thanks...Tom Norton/Massachusetts...Radioman 2nd Class USN

Posted 9-5-00 - - Updated 5-24-02
Jan Litherland, 75 - 77
litherland5@cox.net

Hi, I was stationed at Marine Barracks RTF Morocco from 1975 to 1977. Am trying to find other jarheads from that period. Thank You, Jan.

Posted 9-9-00
Sgt. Jim Sayre, USMC 65 - 66, Sidi Yahia
carjim@flash.net

Served at Sidi Yahia MB during 1965-66. Would like to hear from any who served there during that time. I was Main Gate Sentry, then walked a post in the Antenna Fields, then made Cpl., and was Cpl. of Guard. Served under Gunnery Sgt. Alfred Owens.

Posted 1-14-01
Bernie Eveler, 1stLt. USMC(Ret), 58 - 60
greenmach1775@yahoo.com

I went from embassy duty in Istanbul, Turkey to the Marine Barracks in ?Port Lyautey?  (Sorry, can't call it Kentra) from May '58 to Dec. '60.  I was a Sgt (E4) in the Barracks supply section.  Col Mandeville was the CO most of my tour.  My Supply Officer was a Capt. Atkinson, and later, a Capt. Driggers.  During my tour the Barracks had one of the most ferocious football teams ever.  The Navy and Air Force quaked in their boots for weeks before each game.  It was awesome as my grandkids might say.  It was a very enjoyable duty station, especially on the nights I got assigned collateral duties with the Shore Patrol.  I was also involved in the rescue and cleanup of the Agadir earthquake of 1960. I have more stories about the place than I can write about here. Semper Fi

Posted 3-21-01
Cpl . Ralph E. Tremblay Jr, 1956 - 1957
ralphejrt@aol.com

Looking for Marines stationed at Marine Barracks  , Port Lyautey, Morrocco back in 1956 -1957.  My name Cpl. Ralph E. Tremblay Jr , was assigned to 1st Platoon , served as french interpreter at main gate while doing my tour of duty. I am in touch with my good friend , Pfc Robert L Spence lll who was stationed there also. This was during the time of Sgt Major Huff , who was a great guy at the time , got to visit with him back at stateside later. Anyone having been there during that time feel free to contact me to chat a little and say hello.

Posted 3-21-01
L/CPL Bruce W. Lorry 2267803, 1968 - 1969
marines67@webtv.net

I was attached to the Marine Barracks, Morocco,  Bouknadel NCS.  From about 3/68 to 6/69 would be interested in hearing from Marine, or Navy Personnel that were stationed there at the same time as I was. I remember there was one Marine that was from Boston, MA which is where I live. I was in the Marines, from 2/67 to 6/70.  SEMPER FI, Bruce http://community.webtv.net/marines67/USMARINES

Posted 3-29-01
Jim Horner, SSgt(E-6), May 58 to Sep 59
bigjimsr@pcbank.net

Hi, Jim Horner, former Unit Diary Clerk/PayClerk at the Marine Barracks from May 58 to Sep 59, I liked the tour of duty, and would really like to get together with some of the guys I served there with, I have been in contact with Jim Izzo, and Jerry Johnson who were there when I was. They have returned for visits twice, I would like to get a trip together for a bunch of guys if anyone is intrested?? Semper Fi, Jim Horner, SSgt(E-6) discharged 7 Sep 67.

Posted 4-21-01
Cpl Joe Roberts, 97 - 98
ROBJITSU@aol.com

Hello all! I was stationed at Buch in 1997/98 and was one of the last Marines out when we closed the Barracks. I was assigned as a Sentry Dog Handler but also pulled duty as Shore Patrol in downtown Kenitra. I'd like to hear from any of the lads who were there during that time period. Semper Fi

Posted 8-18-01
Cpl. Bascombe Hughes, 66 - 68
bascombe@bellsouth.net

On November 6, 1966 I reported for duty at the Marine Barracks in Kenitra, Morocco and was assigned to the Bouknadel compound (about 60 Marines, 30 Navy personnel).  I spent about two-thirds of this 16 month tour at Bouknadel and the other one-third at Mainside in Kenitra.  At Mainside I worked in support of a newly created Royal Moroccan Marine Corps program.   In March 1968 I returned to the States and was assigned to a Force Troops unit at Camp Geiger/Lejeune. Visit my website at: www.usmcmbkm.com Semper Fi!

Posted 8-20-01
Gene Irvine, August, '51 to Dec '52
circlei@msn.com

In '51 we were "Marine Detachment" (about 60 Marines) and later became "Marine Barracks" at what was called "U.S. Naval Air facility, Port Lyautey, French Morocco."   I ranged from PFC to SGT there.  Major Stanley Davis, one of he best Marines there ever was, sent me to OCS.  I was commissioned in Feb. '53 and went on to serve with 8th Marines, eventually becoming Adjutant of 1stBn.   Joined Navy's "Port Lyautey Alumni" a few years ago, but never ran into any Marines.   Would love to hear from anyone.

Posted 9-9-01
James (Jim) Chapman, Port Lyauty 53 - 55
marine03@amexol.net

My name is James (Jim) Chapman. I was stationed Port Lyauty   from 1953 -55. I was a main gate sentry at mainside also stood the gate at Steers Grove. Walked the magazine area with dogs. This I consider was just about the best tour of duty out of 20+ years.  Anyone that was there during this period or anytime, I would love to hear from you. I was there as a PFC. Retired as a Captain. Semper- Fi Marines

Posted 12-11-01
Dale White, 69-70
dalew@sktc.net  

Served at Bouknadel at Front Gate, Rear Gate, and Roving. In addition to being duty driver until I wrecked the truck. Would love to hear from anyone there during that period. Semper Fi

Posted 12-18-01
F. Parsons - AD3, 61 - 63
viagraman@lycos.com

I ran across your e_mail address while browsing the internet looking for information relative to Port Lyautey. I was stationed there from 1961-1963. While there I was assigned to the terminal crew handling incoming and outgoing planes.

Most of the people I hung around with were Marines assigned to the Marine Barracks there. Most were assigned to the brig. Just to mention some names, and or coarse at out age that can sometimes be a chore, Cpl. Henry, Cpl. Wicket, LCpl. Howard (better known as Howie)a PFC Jones and lastly a Cpl.McNeil. It's funny, but I can remember the names of these guys, but alot of whom I worked with I cannot remember.

Cpl. McNeil stayed in the Corp and retired in 1986 as a SgtMaj. Sorry to say SgtMaj. McNeil is no longer with us. He passed away last year in April. He and I communicated for awhile before his passing. Before SgtMaj's passing we were planning a trip back to see how Kenitra had changed over the years. I have tried getting someone to send me a video tape if they had been over there, but haven't had and success with that either.

I can remember taking the bus into town and getting off in front of the fleet reserve club. That seemed to be where most everyone met before branching off into other areas of town. I had alot of memories while there. Did some stupid things, but as all young people never gave it any thought. I hope to hear from you and maybe we can exchange some memories.

Posted 1-2-01
Kevin Wood, 77 - 78
Kevin.Wood@ncmail.net

Hello. Stationed in Sidi Yaia in 77- 78. Moved to Boukendale in 78 to 79. Sentry Dog Handler. Dog name Farrow. My nickname Sparkey.

Posted 4-28-02
Roger Sheckles, Cpl, 75-76
Marine Barracks Boukendale Morocco
Areyouontv19@aol.com

Post stander. Would enjoy hearing from anyone from Morocco.

Posted 5-24-02
Ed Hook, 75 - 76
scubadude913@yahoo.com

Hi.  My name is Ed Hook and  I was stationed at Marine Barracks RTF Morocco from 5/75 to 8/76.  Looking to hear from all other Marines who served there too. Feel free to email me. Does anyone know the where abouts of Ron (missy) Miller from N.M., Ron was the kennel master..... Kevin (snake) Gregory from N.Y.....  SSGT John Brown from Miss., I think and...... Terry Neeley from S.F. Calif. Thanks everyone...... Semper Fi, Ed

Posted 8-30-02
Sgt. E. E. "Van" Pelt Jr., Admin Chief, Marine Barracks, NTC, 1974-1975
tlepnav@televar.com

Posted 9-2-02
George Fuller Sgt., Mar. 1976 - Sept. 1978
lfuller@bayou.com

I was stationed in Morocco from 1976 until the bases closed in 1978 as a dog handler.   I enjoyed my time in Morocco and have fond memories.  Would like to hear from others I served with.

Posted 9-7-02
PFC Richard Wills, 1667442, 2nd Guard Co., Sidi Yahia, Maroc, Sept. 57 to Apr. 59
BrassKeys62@aol.com

It's great to find this website. My memory is being jogged into remembering names, faces and incidents, good and not so good. Does anyone remember the 0100hrs bus from Kenitra back to the base? The sailors avoided that bus like the plague. "Ride back off liberty with those crazy Jarheads? No way." I think about Cpl. Harrel (Fla) and Pfc. Ron Stagmeyer (Pa) who both died in a motorcycle accident returning to Base one night. I had ridden into town with Harrel on the back of his BMW bike. Ronnie wanted to ride back with him. I've thought about it for over forty years. Was it yesterday that I walked guard on the perimeter road circling the antenna field during the rainy season? Does anyone remember drinking Stork Beer in town at the Rotonde or Cafe de Sports or the Hole In The Wall? It would be nice to hear from you.

Posted 9-26-02
Thomas Searfoss, Sgt. Dog Handler, Sidi Yihia, 68 - 69
ttsearfoss@knology.net

I also stood front gate and at times, rear gate before going to dog school in Germany.  Would like to hear from anyone I served with. Especially from Joe Scrazato.

Posted 12-22-02
Jim Chapman, Port Lyautey, 53 - 55
jimchapman67@hotmail.com 

Hi, my name is Jim Chapman. I was station at Marine Barracks 53-55, known as Port Lyautey at that time. I was at mainside most of the time. For a short time I was at Sidia. Most of my time there I spent on the main gate. Anyone that was there during that period or any other that would like to write, please e-mail me.

Posted 12-22-02
James B. Clelland, 1959 - 1960
clell@erinet.com

My name is James B. Clelland. I went to Pt. Lyautey, Kenitra, Morocco, in March of 1959, as a Pvt. E-1, I left there as a Cpl E-4 in Oct. of 1960. While there I made Marine of the month and was the section leader of 1st sect. plt #1 in Guard Company. I would love to go back on a junket with a group of old JARHEADS. Feel free to contact me. Semper Fi. P.S. I wonder if the old Vine Covered Shack, is still in Rabat?

Posted 2-07-03
Sgt. James F. Izzo, Mainside Kenitra February 1958 to May 1959
jimizzo@klink.net 

I was stationed at Kenitra with my home town buddy Sgt. Phil Ferrara, who spent most of his time at Sidi Yahia.  I served at Headquarters Company with Capt. Atkinson as my Company Commander.  I have been back to Port Layutey three times in the past five years ( Sgts. Jerry Johnson, Jim Izzo, and Phillip Ferrara) and not much has changed.  We drank at the Crystal Bar, Rotunda Hotel, the Casbah Bar amoung others.  We managed to get aboard the base, which other than neatness, has not changed much at all.  The Oasis is still there, the brig is the only building that has been removed and also the Marine Supply Hut is gone.  The trip brought back some great memories.

Posted 3-9-03
Casler, 1stSgt USMC(R), 1974 - 1975
CASMAN1369@aol.com

Marhubba to all. Served as Kennelmaster in Bouknadel and then as SOG in Sidi Yahia. Was a Sgt of Marines & got out with my skin / stripe intact, heh. Great times and memories (Some bad too...but ya let them go). Still wonder what happened to the K-9 graveyard in "BouK" when it shut down in 79. Anyone know what happened to my K-9 partner "Cindy"??   I am currently a K-9 Explosive Detection Handler at Honolulu International Airport. Semper Fi & God Speed / Love.

Posted 10-19-03
Lou Famiano, 1959 - 1960
lfamiano@insightbb.com

Arrived Marine Barracks,1st Guard Company, 2nd Plt. ( Mainside ) Port Lyuatey in August of 1959. Participated in the great so-called Moroccan "riot" of August 13, 1960. To those of us who participated ( all Marines ), it was a large disturbance. We were arrested and placed in the jail in the city of Kentria. The Mo's refused to feed us, so the Navy Mess hall sent us three meals a day while we were held in jail. I remember we spent about 3 or 4 days in jail before being released back to Mainside. The Moroccan Prosecutor's office filed the following charges; Assault against members of the Moroccan Police Force, Assault against members of the Moroccan Army, Assault against private Moroccan citizens, Willful destruction of Moroccan private property, and public drunkenness.

Our legal officer was CDR. C. A. Gearhart. Nice guy as I recall, but sorta questioned our stories. The U.S. Government hired a lawyer named Mr. Sabas for us who understood Moroccan law. Stood trial in Rabat, we faced a Moroccan tribunal-3 judges.They ran so many witnesses up there that day, YGBSM I kept saying to myself. They point their fingers at us ID'ing us as the Marines who punched, kicked, and threw them through doors and widows. What a set-up deal, well...., some of them were right but not all of them. They fined us $200.00 each, released us to go home ( all of us were over our rotation date ), and indicated to us---we could never visit the country of Morocco ever again. I was 19 years old then and hell, I had no intentions of ever going back. I departed Port Lyuatey with the others May of 1962.   

I would like to hear from the Marines of Barracks mainside, and those who I was in jail with there. :-))))) Guys like Stowell, Flowers, Jordan, Farina, Kovacs, Parker, Hagan, and Marines who played football for Marine Barracks under Lt.Col. Williams.   Post 7 and 8 sucked. Post 9 had the duty to alert the NOF Area Marines when Duration entered the NOF Area.....the "sleeping guard." Cpl. of the Guard would say," Duration out," meaning the Officer of the Day was out checking posts....we would have to awake up and stroke post.   Chief Nation (USN )........good thing the 2nd Plt. Marines did not catch up with you....... or stood watch in the NOF Area! I know the 1st Plt. was looking also.....you skated.   Semper Fi to all.......I had one hella great time there. Lou Famiano aka. GINZO - out of Schenectady, New York .

Posted 10-19-03
Cpl Roger Sheckles (Nick Name Tank), 1975 - 1976
rogersheckles@yahoo.com or sheckles2@aol.com

Post stander BOUK 75-76. Would like to hear from all.

Posted 10-19-03
Frank E. Conway, 1957 - 1959
fconway1@ec.rr.com

I pulled to tours in Morocco, the first 1957-1959, second late 1969-late 1971. Both tours I was in supply and last one supply chief. The last one I was in charge of clothing issue. After two tours in Nam, I retired in 1973. Worked in most states opening up resorts or casino's for the company I work for, everytime I was able to hire and train Marine's I was never let down. Just like while I was in the corps. First tour I was a Cpl and played football, second tour a Gunny. I tell my brother's it a cold world out here when it come to the closeness I had while in Corps, even during the hard times.   Semper Fi.

Posted 10-19-03
L/Cpl Dave Hooper, Guard Co, Dec 1961- May 1964
DAVIDSHOOPER511@msn.com

Any one their at that time?

Posted 6-18-04
Frank Clark, 1964 - 1965
frankclark@marinecorps.com

Served as Cpl of the Guard at Bouknadale (wrong spelling i'm sure)1964-1965. Anyone who remembers me or served during this period drop me a line.

Posted 8-31-04
Sgt. Sam Houston, Bouknadel, 1973 - 1974
carolinabill@bbnp.com

Dog Handler of Kasier wo15. Trying to find anybody who was stationed there after me who may have came across Italian/russian girl named Paula Bergamaski who live along the Sebou river. Would love to hear from anybody that I served with there. Semper Fi

Posted 7-11-05
Lou Famiano, 1959 to 1961
lfamiano@insightbb.com

Assigned to MB,USNA, Port Lyautey 8/59 to 4/61. Was there during the earthquake, helped out. I was assigned the 1st Guard Company, 2nd Plt.. There were two other Marine companies stationed in different areas, I recall,m-m-m-m fuzzy, but they were either on an Air Force??? I need to check. Mainside, 1st Guard Company, maintain security at the NOF Area and guarded Red Label movements there. Every Marine assigned to Port Lyuatey had to have a Secert clearence to stand guard in the NOF Area. Let me check my stuff and I'll get back to you with more info. Thanks for a GREAT WEB site for MB's Marines.   Semper Fi, Lou Famiano/1859722 - USMC  2/59-2/63 - 7/67-3/68

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