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This page was last updated: 01 MAY 01, 1300Z |
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This page was last updated: 01 MAY 01, 1300Z |
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A personal note from the WebSkipper: I'd like to encourage absolutely anybody and everybody to provide material for this page. By no means are submissions here restricted to just certain individuals. The whole purpose of this website (and especially this particular page) is to share information about our LST Memorial with the entire community. Sitting here 2,000 miles away, I personally don't have a clue what's happening aboard the ship unless somebody tells me. To date, I've posted absolutely every single tidbit of information that's come my way. If you have any news to share at all, please just send me an email: WebSkipper@LSTMemorial.Org -- all of us would be very appreciative, and we all want to know what's going on! |
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Report and Pictures by Michael Smith Dated: 28 APR 01 |
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I was on the LST yesterday and was able to photograph some more volunteers in action and help out as well. I spent a good part of the morning halping Mr. Mattoon clean out and organize four compartments onthe port side. These were the paint lockers and one of the ammunition magazines. There were manylengths of rubber gasket all tangled together. We took these out on to the tank deck and arranged thenby size and coiled them into managable lengths. We also gave all the compartments a good sweepingand removed scraps and debris we found below the shelves and work benches. Some of thesecompartments are shown in the pictures. Up in the galley clean-up has turned into paint chipping in preparation for painting. Mr. Vance Barnes ofOrange Beach was in the galley chipping away. This was his second day aboard the 325. Another volunteer, Mr. Sid Hisel, traveled from Kentucky to work for a couple of weeks. He started right away joining in the work and giving tours as needed. Also on board was Claude Amos, who stood the first watch after the departure of the Gold Crew when the 325 arrived in Chickasaw. Mr. Amos continues to volunteer on a regular basis. Another regular present was Martin Hanrath. He was on the fantail assisting with the cleaning and painting of galley equipment. The ship was actually croweded for a time with visitors. All generations were represented in these groups, as loved one listened to the stories and adventures of their former LST sailors. Everytime I travel to Chickasaw, the 325 is a hive of activity. It is often difficult to catch all of the action and volunteers on film and keep track of all of the projects as they progress. Michael Smith Michael Smith |
Before the cleaning: compartment between the paint locker and the ammunition room |
After the cleaning: the compartment is now organized and swept clean |
Mr. J.A. Mattoon after cleaning out the paint locker and ammunition locker |
The former ammunition storage room is now used to store extra stripping |
Mr. Trezza and Mr. Hanrath enjoying a coffee break on the fantail |
Mr. Claude Amos stood on the first watch when LST-325 arrived in Chicasaw |
Mr. Vance Barnes cleans up after chipping paint |
Mr. Sid Hisel traveled from Kentucky to volunteer his time |
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Dated 27 APR 01 |
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In Michael Smith's latest report, he mentioned videotaped interviews being "compiled for a documentary." These interviews are being archived and their ultimate use has not yet been determined. It's fairly certain that they will not be used in the documentary that's currently being produced. While their future use is yet to be decided, they are really more in the form of oral histories than anything else, and the taping is basically being done simply to take advantage of present opportunities. Interview subjects should not be led to believe that they're "going to be on TV!" The March/April issue of The LST Scuttlebutt indicates that Jerry Howe's donated model of LST-325 will be auctioned off at the reunion in September. The model will be placed at auction only if it goes unclaimed by the Grand Prize winner. For further details on the raffle, please click here. We apologize for any inconvenience these errors may have caused.
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COURTESY OF THE US LST ASSOCIATION DATED 26 APR 01 |
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Had a long talk with Mr. Earl Stone last night and he told me that the restoration of the ship is progressing okay. Many of the Gold crew have been back to the ship to help with various tasks. The old girl is starting to take shape and getting better every day. The ship will be going into dry-dock soon to get the necessary cleaning and sand blasting that needs to be done and then the painting will begin. Mr. Stone has told me of the many old salts that come to see the LST and maybe their wives or kids are along and the guys show them where they bunked or stood watches. He has said that sometimes it was a very moving experience for some of them. I spoke to gentleman yesterday that said he wanted to show his wife where he spent a few years of his youth. I know from experience that you guys have a special place in your hearts for the LST you served on. Watching from the reunion registration area when a couple of men that hadn't seen each other for 50 years finally get together again. It is really a neat time. Not to ignore the Blue crew. Some of the men have spent many a day at the ship getting the little things done to make it ship shape. One of the wives told me that she is ready to go back to New York from Florida and she isn't sure if her husband will go back with her because he is so dedicated to the job on the ship. Some of the Blue crew have probably done cleaning jobs and repairs they wouldn't even do at home. I believe that is dedication. We are very proud to have these men and a few women help with the cleaning and repairing of the ship. It takes a dedicated bunch to stick with this task. We commend all of you. |
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FROM RON MARANTO (Gold Crew) Dated: 26 APR 01 |
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Just got back from Mobile. Did a few tours and found that the #2 aux. engine has been repaired and is ready for action. Joe Milakovich and his brother George, has the honor. Not to forget Gary Lyon, Bailey Wrinkle, Harold Slemmons, who spent a week doing what they could to help. The Blue Crew was there as usual washing down the bulkhead, more cleaning in the galley and doing tours. We must have had about 30 visitors come on board today. All of which were excited and happy to see the ship here in the U.S. Barbara went with me this time and can't wait to go again. She helped by greeting the visitors as they came aboard. Was a real great day. I do not have the name of the company that repaired the aux. engine head, but I do know they didn't charge us a cent. Will find out and let you know. ......ron.......
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Report and Pictures by Michael Smith Dated: 24 APR 01 |
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I was at Chickasaw today. It seems everytime I go I get a little suprise. Today I got a chance to see members of the Gold crew hard at work right alongside the Blue crew. The Gold crewmen have been aboard working on some projects. Today I watched as Gold crewman Joe Milakovich and his brother George Milakovich worked on reassembling the no.2 aux engine. George was never on LST's but his brother Joe broght him down and put his diesel experience to work. I beleive they were installing and adjusting the exhaust valves and the injectors. The gold crewmembers have been putting in full days while on board. Harold Slemmons, Bailey Wrinkle, Gary Lyon, Joe Milakovich and George Milakovich worked over Saturday, Sunday and Monday, which were ten hour days. By the end of Monday the no.2 aux. engine was running perfectly. Another Gold crew project was to remove some of the toe knockers from the main deck. Harold Slemmons broght his torch all the way from Texas, and with Ron Maranto and Gary Lyon did some cutting and grinding. This will prevent tripping and sore toes on crew members and visitors alike. Once the various hardware was removed the area was ground smooth and coated with paint to prevent rust. The Blue crew was also making there presence felt. The last of the dirty friers from the galley felt the sting of the pressure washer on the fantail. Mr. Ed Brown is from the local area and has been helping out on a regular basis. With some electrical know how he was able to get a fan working to provide a little breeze in the aux. engine room. Mr. George Manley, also a regular volunteer, was also in the aux. engine room working on battery maintenance. Tours of the ship are still given with considerable frequency. A new project started recently is the interviewing of crew members and visitors. These interviews are videotaped and will be compiled for a documentary. Many visitors are shy at first, but then really open up for the camera. Many are very outspoken as to how important this ship is to them and how strongley they feel about it. If any one wants to see specific areas or things photographed I will be glad to take requests and post them or email them to you. Michael Smith |
Mr. Joe Milakovich (Gold Crew)
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Mr. Bailey Wrinkle (Gold Crew) helping out with the repairs |
Mr. George Milakovich came down with
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The Milakovich Brothers
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Mr. George Manley working on the batteries (with Mr. Bailey Wrinkle) |
Mr. Ed Brown repairing a fan to
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When Mr. Brown installs the
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Mr. Harold Slemmons (Gold Crew) ground off some of the toe knockers this week |
Mr. Trezza and Mr. Dobson are hard
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FROM RON MARANTO (Gold Crew) Dated: 21 APR 01 |
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Made a visit to the 325 this past Wed., and met with three of my shipmates of the gold crew. They were Gary Lyon, Joe Milakovich, Harold Slemmons. Joe's brother George flew in to join Joe in repairing the #2 aux engine, while Harold brought gas and torch to burn the toe knockers off the deck while Gary and I helped. I stayed over till Friday evening to see Bailey Wrinkle arrive. It was great being with part of the crew again. All four will stay over till next Thur. to get as much done as they can. We are trying to find out the wire code so we could start re-wiring the lighting. I would like to throw in a few names of the blue crew that that have been putting in a great deal of time. Larry B.Johnson comes from Bay Minette, Fl. in his motor home and stays for a week at a time. He takes visitors on tours and helps wherever he's needed. Adna Mumford lives in Stuart Fl. and stays at a close by motel and puts in at least a week. While he was there his van in which he had all of his tools was stolen while parked at the motel. He had to rent a car. He puts in a full days work. Lcdr. Norman J Dobson, Mobile Al. was there putting in time on more than many an occasion. He bar-b-qued some delicious suasage. J.A.Mattson of Mobile, Al. has been working most of the day in the parts room above the shaft alley. Just tell "Matt" what to do and he'll do it. And if you don't tell him what to do, he'll find something. There's Calvin Ellison of Mobile. He's there very often to do what he can. Conan Davis does a great job in taking tours throughout the ship and other things. These men tore the galley apart, cleaned it, and put it back together. There are many more which I was not able to meet but they will be mentioned because they all deserve praise. as for the ones that offered help but did not show up because their room and board was not provided for, we apologize for not having the funds to accomodate them. Perhaps they can make it there in Sept to enjoy the fruits of the labor of the dedicated Blue Crew. We would like to ask: all those who were previously anxious to volunteer earlier, where are you? We need you now! I personally want to thank Mr. Earl Stone for his dedication and the great job he is doing. By the time Joe Milakaovich and his brother,George leave, I'm sure that #2 aux. engine will be purring like a kitten. Harold will have all of those toe knockers off of the deck and Gary and Bailey won't be standing by just doing nothing. Pictures will follow this report. Ron
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Dated: 16 APR 01 |
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News: the ship's dry-dock has been moved back to July 1, 2001. Bender's ship yard has some emergency repair work not planned. Had estimate made for cleaning bilges -- $22,000. We are hoping to get that reduced a little. That would be both engine rooms and both shaft alleys, remove oil and water, and make gas free, necessary for Coast Guard compliance, and for dry-docking; compartments on both sides need to be gas free of the compartment you are doing any work (repairs) in. The following was received from Capt. Hal Pierce: "GOT YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE AWARD. WE WILL WANT EVERYONE HERE WHO CAN GET HERE BUT WE'LL HAVE TO WORK OUT THE LOGISTICS. I WANT TO WORK THE INVITATION TO HOMEPORT IN MOBILE INTO A BIG FANCY EVENT IN MOBILE AND DRAG EVERYONE INTO IT. THIS WILL BROADEN YOUR BASE OF SUPPORT HERE AND SPUR MORE DONATIONS. WE HAVE PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 6 AS THE DATE TO BRING THE SHIP OUT TO GET
PEOPLE MOVING WHO ARE GOING TO HANDLE."
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FROM THE BLUE CREW Dated: 15 APR 01 |
Mr. Earl Stone Cell: 334-604-5492 Email: StoneGCA@aol.com |
| This weeks donations:
Many thanks to Buddy Benton for 2 cases of 130 volt, 60 watt light bulbs. Also Buddy sent us a wonderful heavy duty wet-dry shop vac which we use daily. Thank you Lou Lacona for 2 cases of 130 volt, 60 watt light bulbs. Also the big news for the week: Donation from: LITTON/INGALLS SHIPBUILDING
Estimated Shipping Date: 19 April 2001 PAINT 1. S17-532043 exterior and interior use silicone alkyd copolymer,
500 gal.
TOTAL 1,205 gal. FLETCHER GREASE & OIL PRODUCTS:
Donated the lube oil necessary for all three generator engine oil change. We expect to be in dry dock in about 60 - 90 days. Earl Stone
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Report and Pictures by Michael Smith Dated: 11 APR 01 |
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I managed to get over to Chickasaw again today. That's twice in seven days, and I am as excited about my time there as I was the first time. The 2.5 hour drive is worth the time onboard. During the first part of my visit, I had the opportunity to sit with Mr. Stone while he and a consultant discussed plans for the drydocking. A list of prioritized dry dock work is going to be made and then decisions can be made about what must be done during the yard period. I never understood until then how much work is involved in the care and operating of a ship, even when it is going to be out of the water. This careful planning will prevent any chance of missing some critical detail which would be difficult to repair when the ship is afloat again. Today, the physical work was centered on the galley. The stainless steel counters and back splashes were being cleaned and some of the appliances as well. I assisted with the scrubbing and also helped out by cleaning some parts from one of the friers out on the fantail. I have never seen so much fried on grease in my life. As I was preparing to leave the men were setting up a power washer and were about to attack the dirty deck. In the galley today were Robert Ostrander, Conrad Trezza, Norman Dobson and Earl Stone. Repairs were also made by Robert Ostrander to the wood deck on the conning tower. The organization of the ship's papers and books has taken a big leap forward lately. This week Bob Alferi is working on their organization and is even making a card catalog of sorts. He came all the way from Wisconsin to work. This leads me to an important point. Volunteers of all skill levels are still needed and very much appreciated. Both Bob Alferi and Robert Ostrander (Ostrander is from Ocala, Florida) came in from out of town and are spending time staying in the Chickasaw area and working on the LST. I have seen Mr. Ostrander on a number of my visits. Other volunteers have also done this. So consider spending some time in South Alabama, there is plenty for the family to do in the area if they don't share in our zeal for the LST I took pictures of the work progressing and the men mentioned above. They are posted with this report. Michael Smith |
Mr. Earl Stone studies the book for the new pressure washer. |
Mr. Conrad Trezza at work in the galley. |
Mr. Robert Ostrander repairing the deck on the conning tower. |
Mr. Norman Dobson working on paint removal. |
Tour Guide: Mr. Ostrander
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Mr. Bob Alferi works on cataloging the ship's documents. |
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING HELD 30 MAR 01 Dated: 7 APR 01 |
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Business meetings such as this are somewhat tedious by their very nature. For the purposes of this report, we'll just focus on the interesting highlights. First, and perhaps most exciting, we have a fresh line-up for the Board: |
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| This is a cohesive group of individuals who share the same goals and will work very well together. We look forward to accomplishing quite a lot. |
In Memory of our XO, Cdr. Jackson Carter |
The board was deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Mr. Jackson Carter in February. The crew has expressed a desire to honor him in some way. It was moved and seconded that the original radio room (shown at right) be designated a memorial to XO Jackson Carter, and there also be a plaque placed on his stateroom. The motion carried unanimously. Our terrific XO is sorely missed. |
Jack's Hang-out and Office: The Radio Room on LST-325 |
| For purposes of more specifically identifying those who have served
in this project, it was decided that the 28 men who completed the voyage
from Gibraltar to Mobile will be known as the Official
Sailing Crew. All others will be known as the Honorary
Support Crew. Those lists will be published in the LST
Scuttlebutt, and posted on a plaque aboard the ship.
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I wanted to give you an update of the work on the LST in Mobile. There has been a general clean-up, polished all the brass in the wheelhouse, cleaned the galley, taken hull thickness readings (which were good), now have a AC-to-DC convertor for lighting, got a donation of 1100 feet of new firehose. Free drydocking at Bender Ship Yard is scheduled for May 1st for 10 days to paint and repair hull. Bartlett has removed the oil out of the main engines and we are getting an estimate for removing the oil and cleaning the bilges and the mains on auxiliary engine rooms. The old bent-up lockers were removed from the crews quarters. A new ceiling was put in the ward room. The files in the engineering room are being organized. The tank deck is being cleaned up by volunteers. Two guys are working on restoration of the radio room. Gary Lyon and Joe Milakovich are going down April 17th or 18th to remove the number 2 generator head and get it repaired -- will replace the two pistons. They are also going to remove some of the cleats on the main deck that we have all stumbled over many times. This has all been done by volunteers and they are also showing and manning the ship during the week. Mr. Earl Stone has done a tremendous job as well as Capt. Hal Pierce in helping us. Capt. Pierce had a meeting with the city fathers, Coast Guard, and tug boat companies and set up a committee to help with the display in Sept. It is planned to display the ship three weeks in Sept. -- during the LST Convention, before and after. It is planned to have it docked right across from Adam's Mark Hotel if the details can be worked out. We are getting as much free service as possible. As you can see things are moving along. We need your help if possible to come to Mobile at any time to supervise and/or help with repairs to get it ready for showing in September. We must meet the Coast Guard rules for visitors boarding the ship. If you have some time to give, contact Mr. Earl Stone at 334-604-5492 to schedule. When it is in drydock, it may not be possible to work on it then. Drydock is free but we must pay for repairs. I stayed for ten days after we came in, and have been down to Mobile twice since then. It takes many meetings to get things resolved. Capt. Pierce has been very helpful in that regard and he knows lots of influential people in Mobile. The Mobile Register is still writing articles for us. I plan to get to Mobile as often as necessary to complete the project and hope you will do the same. You all have your areas of expertise and know this ship better than anyone at this point. If you can help with what needs to be done in your area, please share that with Mr. Stone or me. I am approaching planting time on the farm and my time will be limited for a while, especially late April and May, though I have several speeches scheduled during that time. We are all making money for the ship, I believe. There are three experienced individuals working on PR, fundraising, and congressional help with our project. I am impressed with their credentials and hopefully we will see some major donations soon. It all takes time to get it started and initiated. There have been inquiries about writing a book and making a movie which our experts in that area are handling. There is an attorney handling the movie offer who is experienced in that field. The movie offer is not as great (money-wise) as I had hoped, but I guess that is the way it goes. It will get us exposure which we need.
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The following is excerpted from a letter from Captain Hal Pierce to Captain Bob Jornlin: |
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"Mobile, Alabama is a designated Regional Veterans' Day Celebration Site, [so] designated for many years by the Department of Defense. Although we have a big parade, patriotic concert and many other things, the hallmark event each year is the presentation of "The Patriot of the Year Award." This award is a national level award. Past recipients include astronaut Alan Shepard, Joint Chiefs Chair Adm. Tom Moorer, Senator Strom Thurmond, The Doolittle Raiders, Tuskegee Airmen, Women Air Force WASPs and many others. Criteria for nomination are very stringent. "It is interesting to me that although you and your crew got world-wide attention, you have received no national level award recognition yet, and it looks like that brings us back to Mobile. You and your crew have been selected by our Veterans' Day Commission to receive the 2001 Patriot of the Year Award. The format will be a large bronze plaque and impressive individual medallions for each crew member. These will be awarded to each crew member at the "Patriot Luncheon" on Veterans' Day (Nov. 12th) at which you will be expected to speak. "Crew participation will include riding in the parade, the luncheon, a big school children's program in the afternoon and attendance at a patriotic concert in the evening. "Additionally, the Marine Corps Band from Washington ("The President's Own") will be in concert in Mobile on that weekend and we would expect to introduce the crew at that concert. "And . . . if it does come to pass that there is a national media event broadcast from the decks of the LST that weekend, we would expect to present the plaque and medallions at that event also, in the interest of notoriety for everyone." Etc.
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FROM THE BLUE CREW Dated: 2 APR 01 |
Mr. Earl Stone Cell: 334-604-5492 Email: StoneGCA@aol.com |
| Thanks to all who have provided us with light bulbs. We should have
enough now to last to midsummer.
OUR WISH LIST Large first-aid kit (metal container)
We have considerable electrical work to be done. We need qualified electricians . We only have 2 electricians in the blue crew and they work 2 days each week. Electricians PLEASE give us a hand. We plan to unload the 4 small boats in the near future and place them on the dock. We need help to work them. BLUE CREW Earl Stone 334 604-5492 |
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