Two Korean War veterans from Owensboro, David McBride and Jack Mesplay, recently discovered they had served on the same ship, the USS Roanoke, during the early 1950s.
Though both men, now 92, don’t recall knowing each other during their time aboard, their sons, Kelly McBride and Gary Mesplay, facilitated a reunion after an unexpected encounter.
Gary Mesplay shared how the discovery unfolded.
“My wife and I were at Oscars (Mexican Grill and Cantina), and I noticed an older gentleman wearing a Navy hat with the name of his ship,” Mesplay said. “I introduced myself and mentioned my dad had served on the same ship. That’s when we realized both our dads had been on the USS Roanoke at the same time.”
Gary said neither man remembered the other from their time on the vessel, despite both being from Owensboro and serving simultaneously during the Korean War. But the chance meeting prompted the two families to plan a gathering, giving Jack and David a long-overdue reunion.
Kelly McBride, David’s son, echoed Gary’s excitement about the meeting.
“Dad had always wondered if anyone from his time in the Navy was still around,” Kelly said. “He was thrilled to learn that Jack Mesplay, from his own hometown, had served on the same ship.”
David served as a storekeeper first class, and Jack, who worked in the steam room, served together for two years on the USS Roanoke.
The USS Roanoke (CL-145) was a light cruiser commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1949. It was built after World War II and designed for anti-aircraft defense with advanced radar and rapid-fire guns.
During the Korean War, the Roanoke helped protect naval forces and supported United Nations operations. While it didn’t see combat, the ship patrolled key areas and kept sea lanes secure. After the war, it continued serving in the Mediterranean before decommissioning in 1958.
While they didn’t know each other during their service, Kelly said the reunion was a meaningful moment for both men.
“It’s incredible how life can bring people back together after so many years,” Kelly said. “We’re looking forward to more get-togethers.”
After his Navy service, David McBride had a long career in journalism. He worked for several newspapers, including the Kingsport Times News in Tennessee and the Ohio County Times-News, where he spent 46 years.
He was inducted into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame and had a successful career in the industry despite only having a GED.
Jack retired from Owensboro Municipal Utilities, where he was the superintendent of plant maintenance for several years. Gary said Jack brought several photos with him to the encounter, including pictures with a prince of Saudi Arabia and Pope Pius XII.
Both families hope the reunion is the beginning of future gatherings, celebrating the bond between two veterans who served their country and their community.
