Sinopians - Sound off !

Patrick wrote on June 14th, 2023
My father Charles was in Sinop as early as January 1969. I am working on scanning his slides from his time there. Hoping maybe someone here might remember him.
Guy Zimmerman wrote on May 27th, 2023
Was sent to Sinop Aug 66- Aug 67 after finishing school at FT Meade. Didn't get off post much as only a few of us were solid state qualified repairmen. I guess my best memory was getting to play guitar for the girls from the USO show of Jul. 67 so they could slow dance with some of the guys.
Chris Stoess wrote on November 14th, 2021
I was there from 68-69. 98G. Worked in ops with Dale Slette, Stewart Ferency, Lakso and Kasper. I think it was with Woody Romine from T/A I worked on a special need to know project we dreamed up and got us into places we never would have gone (like Bankhead) with total freedom and no one to report to. Lots of fun. The Navy guy that was murdered, aka exposure, was Ray Betz - a kind soul and easy going sort.

If you need help with this site would be more than glad to lend a hand with design, coding and format.

Take Care, guys and have lots of fun!
ted hooban wrote on October 26th, 2021
In Sinop for most of 1981 Main ops, 98g Way too much fun,
Roland (Ron) Jernigan wrote on June 6th, 2021
Was on the Hill from April 58 - April 59. Flew into Ankara on Pan Am and then that 100 plus mile dirt road in the back of a duce and a half truck. Was an 058 right out of Ft Devens. The only half way permanent buildings at the time was the Ops bldg and the mess hall. The only GIs with weapons were in the Comm Center. She had a small detachment of Turkish army troops that pulled the perimeter guard duty. Although we had to accompany them, they carried the weapon, a world war 1 era Springfield rifle with what looked like a railroad spike stuck on the barrel. Never knew SPAM could be cooked so many different ways.
chuck van dam wrote on April 6th, 2021
Was in Sinop Dec 73 to Dec 74, came from VHFS and after went to Devens. 95B.
Paul Browning wrote on March 20th, 2021
Was in Sinop from August 1966 to Aug 1967 was an O5k. Was there during the 7 day war in Israel and they thought we might have to fight our way off the hill due to the Turks not liking us siding with Israel. Migs buzzed us on several occasions and our mail plane crashed in Samsun. Donkey was still running around trying to bite someone. A Russian navy ship docked in Sinop and a young officer was found dead in the back of the chi garden, rumor has it he was bothering a local Turkish girl. Body floating in the Black Sea near Bird Shit Island. We tried to recover but ended up to dangerous due to the cliffs, so post commander ordered a muster and everyone fell out and was counted. All US Military accounted for so they left it up to Turks. Turks said oh well and left to body to float away. Just you typical days in Sinop in the 60's.
Frank Marshall wrote on March 17th, 2021
Thanks for a trip down memory lane. Very Nice site! I was there while the radio station was being setup and then we had music... Till The NSA told us we were hear back in the USA...I wish you all good health and a loooong life! :-)
Russell Gillam wrote on February 20th, 2021
Served in Sinop in 1962. I did the sports program on KBOK radio. I was there 11mo & 10 days
Arthur Lloyd wrote on October 21st, 2020
I was a 72B20 stationed there in 1968 mostly out at Bankhead. We had a small comm room and just two of us spent most of the time reading. I remember one time when the new Base Commander came in and wanted in the room and we had to tell him he wasn't yet on the security list. He got all bent out of shape but we never got in trouble cause we did right. Then there was time time we were working 12 shifts 4 days on and 2 days off. Well with just the two of us and almost no work load, we started a 2 days on 4 days off and that went on for about a month until our LT. came by one day and said he had heard about some strange work hours going on. We told him we didn't know about it but would put the word out to the other shift. That was the end of a good thing.
John Piper wrote on August 12th, 2020
I was a 98J20/30 ELINT/SPACAL. I am from Hawaii. I enlisted in the ASA June 1966. I was stationed at Sinop June 1967 to June 1968 and worked at Bankhead III, 360 days in country. Traveled to Ankara a few times by bus.
William T. "Tom" McConnell wrote on July 23rd, 2020
72B20 On the hill fall of 66 to fall of 67. 7 of us graduated signal school at Fort Gordon. We all got orders for Turkey. We were all happy not to be going to Viet Nam. Little did we know what we were in for! We spent several days in the Yeni room. Short timers kept coming by to harass us. For several weeks we worked 12 and 12 with no days off.
Emil Basista wrote on March 28th, 2020
Was in Sinop from 68-70. Was ASA and I also was a DJ at KBOK.I remember Doug Johnson our station manager and also Mike Holmburg and Billy Powers from the Air Force.It was a pretty good time up on the hill and a lot of fun when you went into town.I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Alan Wayland wrote on August 22nd, 2019
72B in Sinop 68 - 69. I was the poor slob the sergeant major got up on stage at the theater and had to take apart an M-14 and put it back together again. After I put it back together again I kept asking him if he wanted me to pull the trigger. I did and everyone applauded. He called on me because he thought I was asleep, just got off mids. I wasn't used to these meetings at the theater; the comcenter had been on 12 on 12 off since I got there in October 1968. Let's say I was way too relaxed but not quite asleep.
Clio Robbins wrote on December 25th, 2018
I'm the site manager's Gerald Robbins other Daughter. He was there for 8 years from 1967-1975 so I visited the summers and winter breaks as we lived in Ankara. My older sister Mopsa Robbins (red head) went out with Tom Huggins 1970-71. They lived in Ohio for a while (6months) but it did not work out and my sister returned to Scotland. I still have my friends in Sinop, communicate on Facebook, Sinop has really expanded and the Turks go there for summer vacation, the base has been abondend since 1995, and basically the Turks say it is rotting. Had wonderful summers, I speak fluent Turkish as I was assimilated into the culture, Mopsa studied Turkish at University. I remember she took me everywhere when she was dating Tom huggins, he was quite a rebel working for special services at the time, keeping secrets! The Turks were wonderful although I probably would hesitate to go there now due to the changing social and political climate. Anyone heard from Tom huggins?
Al Harmon wrote on July 3rd, 2018
Stationed there pretty much all of 1970. Played a lot of pool with Slick and Stretch. Also was a disk jockey on KBOK (high on the hill at Diogenes Station) as Lenny Weedle. Played Beggers Banquet by the Stones a lot. Colonel came in to get me to stop, fortunately I had my own uniform on and told him Weedle was on break. Long year, but some good times.
James A Dixon wrote on June 15th, 2018
I was in Sinop 69--70. Everybody called me "Stretch"! I have some pictures that I would like to send
Joe Tygart wrote on June 12th, 2018
Mehaba! I was station there from late 69' - 1970. I flew the U-8 and UH-1 for Ashek Airlines. What a miserable place. retired from active duty in 2004. Still flying... Cheers..
mike hesler wrote on April 15th, 2018
Sinop 9/70 - 9/71 Mostly remember basketball and baseball and parties on the beach (jelly fish in the beggars beer cans). Best part of the trip was a TDY to HQASA Frankfurt with my boss Lt. Gene Heck, God Bless him. I had to fly the beechcraft to Samsun then TurkHavaYolati to Istanbul for PAA flight to Germany. Was told 'NO MILITARY CLOTHES', so I brought none. First meeting in the Farben Building featured a MG who told me to stand up and then asked why I was out of uniform. I told him I had no uniform and he replied "GET OUT". Went to the day room and drank Hennigers and played pinball for a while until I could get to see Lt Heck. He told me "I guess you're free to do what you want until we fly back to Turkey, Stay out of any more trouble." I caught a flight to Barcelona and then took the train to Sitges where I had a marvelous couple of weeks. I found Sitges so impressive that when I was married years later my bride and I stayed there during our honeymoon in Spain. I really enjoyed you site an it reminded mr of my roommate at Torii Station who was also a Russian Mary from DLIWC. He may even have been a class mate to you guys; Stan Hannah. When we were both civilians again he stayed with me at my home in the Phila. suburbs while he took a degree from U of Penn in Russian Constitutional Law.
Terry Bingham wrote on January 4th, 2018
I was in TUSLOG DET 27(Outside of Ankara) from Fall of 1966 til Fall of 1968, then to Fort Bragg, NC. Back to TUSLOG Det 4, Sinop from Feb 1969 til Feb 1970. At DET 27 Promoted to 72B40(SGT E-5) before going to Fort Bragg. Discharged Feb 1970.
Dennis McMann wrote on November 2nd, 2017
Arrived in Co. A 15 Sep 1966 with 3 98J20 classmates from USASATC&S Ft Devens. We discovered that several 98J's had just signed up for a second tour because of a shortage of Signal Analysts! Lots of drinking, not much work until Nov 20 when I left the hill to attend my father's funeral. I requested and was granted a compassionate reassignment to Ft Devens (not through ASA, so in Jan '67 landed in the MP's until ASA found me. Moved to HHC USASATC&S as 98J3H instructor in April '67.
Edward D. Wynes wrote on July 13th, 2017
I got to Sinop in May 1964 as a new 05k20, I worked in the office for a while but made a mess of the files "terrible typist". Then I went to trick work, soon we were on 12 hour shifts due to lack of personnel. Do remember on fellow Tom Kulikowski (SP) he was from Hawaii.
Richard K. Martindale wrote on November 30th, 2016
Nice site, Thanks for your good work. I was DLIWC, class R-103, '63-'64. Stationed at Diogenes Aug '64 to Sep '65. I would share some anecdotes, if interested.
Jim Berreth wrote on October 31st, 2016
I was 98j20/430 in Sinop August of 70- Aug 71.
Frank Andrews wrote on July 2nd, 2016
I was in Sinop from Sep 59 to Oct 60. I was an MP. This tour of duty was interesting to say the least. I still remember it all...
Bruce Gibson wrote on April 16th, 2016
Good to visit your site. I arrived in Sinop by boat on April 1968. About 15 or 20 came together. Half of us took the boat. O5H.
Staff announcer for KBOK for about 6 months. Left in April 69 for VHFS. I remember a lot of crazy guys on the hill. Bruce Bitterman, Daniel Gier (deceased 04) and many more whose names elude me at this time. Remember guys calling in and requesting "blood on the saddle" by Tex Ritter. Not allowed to play that one. There was one song called the "Beggars Blues" by some country artist that we used to play until the Sgt. Major called and ordered it not to be played again that it was an insult to the career men. Anyone remember Al Rider from Ky.? Enjoyed reading the comments...tks so much.
robert barnett wrote on February 25th, 2016
was in sinop jan63 to jan65
mos was 72b
Jason (hoss)McGee wrote on January 22nd, 2015
I was at FSB from 1988 to 1991 in the search tower
Skip Rice wrote on December 12th, 2014
I was at Sinop from June 1969 to Jan 1970..went to Chitose..after further training at NSA...back to Sinop Nov 1970 to July 5th 1971....I was a member of the CLF....a fictional Chitose Liberation Front...
Paul Habina wrote on December 8th, 2014
I was on the hill 10-72 - 10-73. 98G, didn't like it then, don't like it now. Thanks to all who served.
Rick Davis wrote on August 28th, 2014
I was the lonely guy in the cage that received he medical supplies and dished out the drugs for the last part of my stay. 1968 for 18 months. I came by air and boat. A group of 4 of us came together. I was really amazed when we landed in Istanbul and this kid came up to us and ask if I was Mr Davis and that was my first taste of Turkey. You may remember me for nothing else but I was the one that drank too much at the club almost every night I was very immature but grew up very fast. I did a lot of traveling for my department, Greece and Germany and did some things for ASA that was not supply. I have never talked about them ever. I was accused of being too Turkish. The funniest one was being too Turkish (I wore all turkish clothes) was when I set at the hotel bar in Istanbul and 2 guys were wondering who would come for them so I let them talk and them told them to get to bed because we had 2 long days ahead.I will always remember the look on there face and then we talked for several hours. The boat was great way to travel. I really enjoyed your site. I am trying to get a CD made of all my pictures and if they come out good I will send you a copy. Sinop was my highlight for the Agency, I returned to the farm (Vint Hill) and did almost nothing for about 18 months. Would love to hear from anyone and their experience on the hill.
John J. Paul wrote on June 4th, 2014
I was stationed in Sinop from 9/68 - 12/69. I was an 05k20.
William "Ron" Brown wrote on May 25th, 2014
I think I use to know you! I came on the same Ship (boat) to Sinop from Istanbul with you guys, right? I know for sure Bill Cowan was a part of your group that arrived in Turkey all together. I was a 98C and had already been in the ASA four year by then. Write me and maybe we can trade stories, ok?
jerry worley wrote on April 5th, 2014
got on the hill jan 1960 and departed
dec 1960 .. after looking back it wasn't
a bad year,better than the next year at
ft. bragg... thanks for the website..
David G. McEwen wrote on March 5th, 2014
Well Done!! My time frame: Dec 56-Dec 57.
The memories will never die. Appreciate
your web site.
Jack Wood wrote on February 27th, 2014
I began Chinese Mandarin classes in early October of 1967. Both our barracks and classrooms were up the hill. Graduated sometime in June and then spent the hot summer at Goodfellow before going to Okinawa. I'm quite certain that I was on that same Christmas flight as you were, flying east in December of '67. Scariest flight I've ever been on, going over Nevada and Utah. Send me an email if you want to swap DLIWC stories.
John D. Cox wrote on February 23rd, 2014
I lost my carefully written comments because I put spaces between verification letters, below. The letters appear to have spaces between them.

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who has placed spaces between letters only to have comments deleted with no way to retrieve them.

It'd be good to state that there should be no spaces between letters.
Thomas D. Sellew wrote on January 23rd, 2014
In Sinop 65-66 after Devens-05H20. Remember hiking out on the hill, drinking to oblivion, and the donkey that tried to bite everyone. Not much else. Nice to see the website.
R. Brown Cabell wrote on November 28th, 2013
Flew with Esek Airlines in 1975 with Jim Skelly. Paul Nisler and Wally Nestingen and I (ironically) all live in the Denver area.
Thomas L. Nollette wrote on November 15th, 2013
'61-'61 MOS 345.1 Lots of photos and one lighter, plus one set of the Life On The Hill Postcards. Dogs got killed, Utility post outside of the E.M. Club
broken off. In first group to move into Jackson Hall, from huts. Cable cut to Point Site. With turgeman, came up with word for mess hall auybies as the worst insult to call each other.
Electrical Box in Ops shorted out,got carbines loaded in Comm Center, WO Frank Risso came to check things out and was afraid until we ID'd him and
let him enter.
Alfred Paiz wrote on July 19th, 2013
Thank you for the memories. I was engineering officer at Hippodrome from 1970-1971 where it was exciting to be at the forefront of a technological revolution that still keeps on trucking. I met my son's future Godfather at Sinop--Colonel Larry Schechtel. Best, Alfred Paiz 1LT MI.
ROBERT NORWOOD wrote on July 5th, 2013
33B-33D was at Det4 from 68-69 Great to see this site.Would like to hear from William Westmoreland and Norm Pong or any of the guys from Project Moorehead
Jim Gardner wrote on June 24th, 2013
05K NCOIC Main Ops from 83 to 85. Nice job on this site---
Lawrence Kiefer wrote on June 23rd, 2013
9J at Hippy from 4/81 to 3/82. Great site - keep up the good work!
Jim Calder wrote on March 21st, 2013
I was at Det 4 from October 1970 to October 1971. Anyone ever hear from Tom Huggins or Mopsa Robbins, the contractor's daughter? Also the USAF officer that married one of the girls at the PX? Thx for your site!!
Aaron Swain Piver wrote on March 18th, 2013
Nice site. I was there a little after you. Dec 1970--Sept 1971. Will keep checking in.
James Houghton wrote on March 9th, 2013
Keep up the good work
Larry Ridgway wrote on March 6th, 2013
I see you have reunions. Why don't you come to the ASA Turkey reunions. There are some from Det 4.
Bob Shadwick wrote on March 6th, 2013
Was an 058 in Sinop in '63 -'64. Drank a lot and played a lot of hearts in the day room. Thanks for sharing this site.
bill stewart wrote on March 5th, 2013
72B was there fm 69-72 enjoyed your page brought many things I havnt thought of in years-outstanding job....
Dennis Fuller wrote on February 15th, 2013
98J. on the Hill 11-70 to 12-71...Happy to have found your Web Page, Nice Job. Shout out to all my brother Spooks
RJ wrote on April 23rd, 2012
04/23/2012 test
edward rauk wrote on January 22nd, 2012
Was in Sinop '64-65' and in '66-67'. Fun looking as different person perspective of the Hill. Am looking for two people--Dan Servideo and Nick Poneros.
Rodger wrote on August 13th, 2011
Nice