Here, somewhat tardily due to various events large and small, is the second edition of the GSF Alumni newsletter. It's just barely still Spring, judging from the rising temperatures in our home base of Houston; but still Spring nonetheless, so we don't feel entirely remiss in publishing so late in the season.
A few reminders. To contribute, contact us at gsfalumni@gmail.com. Note that we have updated the GSF Alumni Information file according the best information available as of April 2010; you can access this file through the GSF Alumni Information link in the right hand column of the blog. The Alumni Information file has turned into a really fabulous resource, and we heartily encourage you to use it to find friends and colleagues with whom you are not otherwise connected and to see where your friends are living and working. We would also note that there are yet many blanks in the file, voluntary or otherwise. If you'd like to update your information use the GSF Alumni Information Form immediately below it and forward to the Gmail address above.
We've made a few changes to the sidebar. We found that we were a very poor job service since we simply could not keep track of the opportunities available and when they were filled and by whom, and so have abandoned that feature. We've added some excellent industry and social job sites in their place, which we encourage you to use. If anyone has a link that they would like add, please do let us know. Also, don't forget that if you become a Follower of the blog, you'll receive updates automatically. On to business, then.
Deepwater Horizon
We have few remaining words to describe what occurred to the Deepwater Horizon on April 20, 2010, as most of them have already been said. So, we have instead included a photo of what she looked like in all her glory. Few people think of drilling rigs as beautiful, but then we do.
Most people don't understand that operating these things is in the nature of rocket science. Mistakes were undoubtedly made, and unfortunate sequences of events undoubtedly occurred in the course of her loss. But we, the Alumni, lost comrades in arms, co-workers or friends in the disaster and the outpouring of sentiment from the community as a whole has been extraordinarily kind. The names and images of our lost comrades are provided at http://www.deepwaterhorizoncondolences.com/. If you have not already done so, please visit, leave a note of condolence, and remember as has been said by many: " There but for the grace of God go I". What happens next is quite unimaginable for both the industry and the our friends in the coastal towns of Louisiana and elsewhere where they live when they are not working at sea. Only time will tell.
Happier News
Steve Morrison of ADTI has become engaged to Cindy Elmendorf Harrington. Christie Watt now of Noble has become engaged to a handsome devil that we somehow failed to identify on her Facebook posting but we are sure, since she is taken so much time to go about it, that he is quite the item. A whole generation of potential suitors is mourning. Roger Hunt, now of Northern Offshore, and Liz Capritto have tied the knot; this not being surprising as Liz has always been an expert at tying up Roger's loose ends as we all know from our GSF days. Carrie Tanner reports that she is officially playing permanent hooky and has run off to Dripping Springs with Ken Vanway to begin a new life.
There are so many new babies being reported that the GSF-Transocean merger can only be compared to the great New York brownout of the 1980's, which was followed by a gigantic local baby boom. They're popping up like mushrooms. You'll have to check your Facebook pages; too many to mention.
Recent Movements and Retirements
Drew Baker, Loretta Carpenter and Darlene Dawson have popped up at Frontier. Kyna Agerton is working for Steverson. Dave Faure has moved over to Rowan. Joanne Snyder is at Hercules. As for retirements, Andy Anderson and Tom Williams have hung up their spurs; Charles Keaton reports a retirement as well. Pat Norton has spent her last day at Transocean (bless her heart, the most helpful individual). Jeff Shepard is building his house at Reynolds Plantation in Georgia and threatens to leave by December. John Donahoe is already in Asheville NC and reports black bears in his back yard, though he has not provided the requested webcam. Colin Murphy reports a lousy winter on the island (which island?) which we can't seem to locate but seems to be somewhere near the UK. Complaining that it was too dangerous to drive. Colin, are you nuts? You were dangerous to drive with 25 years ago. I know from personal experience.
All, don't forget to consult the GSF Alumni Information link. Otherwise you can't keep track of everyone. It's like herding cats. And please, please do update your info or we'll lose track.
GSF Memorabila Craze Sets In
Speaking of Mr. Murphy, he is desperately seeking photos of the Glomar Grand Banks and the Biscay I to complete a collection. He apparently has Global Marine room, which is an honorable thing. I'd suggest contacting Milton Bade, who has a collection of Global Marine News going back to 1972. There is a great deal of noise about Global Marine rugs (or carpets if you like). Apparently George Rowe has two and Janet Kidd has one, perhaps the last surviving examples. Bob Rose has a GM flag that George gave to him years ago. Charles Streidel is widely regarded as having the largest collection of Global Marine memorabilia existing. Yours truly will happily provide a collection of GM rig mugs which comprises about half of the old fleet to the first requester; no room in the condominium (no garage means constant parsing; otherwise, the views of the Houston skyline are very nice and no gardening, roofing, pest control, mowing, security systems, and no mosquitoes, thank God).
The Summer League
I almost hesitate to bring this up, but does anyone want to try to revive the Summer Golf League? This was an informal golf league which typically snuck in twilight play before either boss or spouse objected. Will base a decision purely on responses. Since some of us work, some of us work sporadically, and some not at all this might be a logistical nightmare; but yours truly is asked the question constantly. Yours truly will be happy to organize but will not score or handicap, being feeble in mind and anxious to avoid more paperwork that I've already got. Respond directly to ecollinsii@earthlink.net if you're feeling frisky.
Miscellany
Mini reunions in the Houston area have been constantly suggested (a full Stampede probably being out of the question unless someone feels like organizing it) but only our good friend Brenda Hethcoat of Zionsbank has done anything about it. Are we going to do this or not? Step up! Someone pick a place (warn them in advance) and we'll be there.
Check out Roy Goodwin's tattoo snaps on Facebook. Talk about a loyalist! He's got the logo tattooed over his heart. Bless you, Roy, but let's stop there shall we? Bye the bye, the Alumni Facebook pages are so full of stuff that it makes your head hurt.
You can find Terry Liscano at terryliscano0519@yahoo.com.
The question was raised earlier, who did George Watson fire most often? Carl Cole seems to hold the record at somewhere around 50 times, per Bill Watson (thankfully no relation).
Necrology
Last but not least, the sad bit in addition to our lost friends on the DWH.
Marvin Schindler died on December 23, 2009 in Bellville, TX. Donations to the Gideons are requested. Marvin was smart, ornery and occasionally incredibly funny. A real tribute to the way of the oil patch.
Dick Black died on April 17, 2010 in Lafayette. Sam Ricord (ripcord156@aol.com) has details for all concerned.
To Sum Up
It's been a time of great sadness as of late and also a great time of change. Our alumni, as yours truly predicted, are spreading all over the industry and indeed around the globe. All the more reason to keep up, and keep close. As Walter Cronkite said, "Life is not an interview". Be good to each other and do let us know what you are up to. Forgive us if we miss anyone; there are now 380 folks on our Gmail distribution lists. Just fess up, and we'll take care of it.
Your faithful Alumni Blogmaster and associates.
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