It is with great sadness that the "Slick City" has lost another one of her crew. Mathew F. Herbeck (AAM-2) passed away on 12/13/2007. I had the great honor and pleasure of spending the last year with my father and listening to his memories of being on the Salt Lake City. Although he later served on the Enterprise, the SLC was truly His ship. The stories of his time aboard will be forever on my mind, he has left me with the memory of the pride that he felt by serving on the Salt Lake City.

As things settle down, I'll be sending more information about some of his adventures and stories so that they may be added to your very fine website. When I came across the site and showed it to him, you could tell of the affection that he had for the SLC. You've have done and are truly doing a great service to all those who served aboard her.

Keep up the excellent work!

Yours truly,

Gary L. Herbeck

A Son of a Son of the "Swayback Maru"