USS Orleck Museum
From: gurdeniz To: Bob Orleck Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2000 2:39 PM Subject: Ynt: TCG YUCETEPE Dear Bob She is gone. It is very touchy to watch the video casette. She was like a queen and leaving her last reign and departing for a new kingdom. I felt so different. She was home to me for 10 months and I really gave so much to her in order to make her look better and crew feel pride with her. Now while leaving Izmir harbor under tow the sight was so strange to me. Hundred times she crossed those waters and now she is under tow and leaving us forever. However she is a lucky ship. I try to visualize the day she will be christened as a museum ship. Attached is the picture taken in early may. Cem
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a message from Captain Cem GURDENIZ. Cem served as Executive Officer aboard TCG YUCETEPE D 345 and loved his ship. If it was not for Captain GURDENIZ this ship would not be on her way to the United States and back to us who love her. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude..
This section of the website will have much more information in it when the museum becomes fully operational. Now the process of restoration goes on and people can visit the ship and reunions are planned and that will begin in October 2003 aboard the ship. As progress is made in the restoration and the reunions are held, we will include more information for your interest.