From:CTR1 (SW) Raymond J. Trendle Jr., MARS Officer
To:    Executive Officer, NTTC Corry Station
Via:   N3  N34  N34C

Subj:  LST-325 PROJECT

1.  The following is a listing of those personnel involved in the LST-325 PROJECT:
 

2.  In approximately mid-March, the MARS Afloat coordinator contacted me requesting assistance to LST-325 in the rehabilitation and restoration of their radio room.  I contacted my command's Executive Officer and was informed to contact the Command Master Chief (CMC) with a plan of action.  I requested  permission from the CMC to proceed with the project and to request volunteers from Corry Station's Petty Officer Association (POA).  I was informed by the CMC that if there were no volunteers from the POA that he would talk to the Chief's Mess about the project if warranted.  I went to the following POA meeting and proposed the project, 11 personnel volunteered.  I then went and surveyed the site and met with several of the original crewmembers that had brought the vessel back and the radio room's POC, Mr. Rene Stiegler.  The objective is to make the radio room a working museum. World War II vintage equipment was given to the ship from various amateur radio operators nation wide and stacked in the ship's radio room.  A coordination of dates began with the original date being cancelled and rescheduled to Saturday, 20 April 2002.  5 of the 11 volunteers arrived in addition to Corry Station's MARS personnel.  A Navy van was used for transportation; bagged lunches and bottle water were provided.  Personal tools and test equipment were brought and we departed NTTC at 0845. 

3.  We arrived approximately 1 hour and a half later and met with one of the original crewmembers and Mr. Rene Stiegler who were standing by for our arrival.  Our crew signed onboard their deck log.  Mr. Rene Stiegler assigned personnel according to their abilities and work commenced. The following work was completed:

  - CTR2 (SW) Christopher Johnson and MM3 (SS) Christian Wagner cleaned and reconditioned the original Control Panel Telegraph Keys SB-315 B/U.

  - ET1 (SW/AW) Howard Bailey and CTM2 David Holm managed to get a WWII vintage space fan to work only temporarily before the fan disconnected from its drive shaft and became disabled.  They then worked on the TDE-1 transmitter, type CFN-52267 connecting the wiring from the power supply to the transmitter.  The unit is hinged and required opening the unit, pulling the eight or more wires from the power supply to the transmitter and connecting them to the correct posts using the original technical manuals from the time. 

  - CTM1 (SW) Ronald Bennett, EW1 (SW) Adam Magnis and Mr. Rene Stiegler worked on a RBC-3 Receiver, CND-46155 and its associated rectifier power unit CND-20131.  They used the original technical manuals and traced out power on the eight-pin connector for the receiver.  It was discovered that the original  wires were in the harness, however, instead of disconnecting the wires someone had cut them.  A new power/control cable harness is being fabricated with existing equipment in the MARS station for the RBC-3 receiver. 

  - EW1 Rogers worked on attaining access to the locked CMS vault.  During that time he was able to recover a Greek Navy communications flag but after several hours of working on the door handle, was unable to gain access to the space (The flag was draped over the inside of the door and recovered through the small CMS vault window). 

  - SR Victor Sager removed Communications Patching panel SB-1203A/UG that was used for the KG-84s. 

  - D. J. Bennett, Petty Officer Bennett's son, removed two barrel switches PP-424/U.

4.  During this time, the ship was open for tours and several members of the public, now veterans of LSTs had discussions with our crew.  One was the Executive Officer from LST-825 who showed our crew where his stateroom was, the CO's stateroom, and where the crew's messing and berthing spaces were. Several of our crew were given tours of the ship on their breaks.  Work stopped at 1400 and we departed LST-325 at 1500 arriving back at NTTC Pensacola at approximately 1645.

5.  Pending work; ET1 (SW/AW) Howard Bailey wishes to check connectivity on the work he completed with a multimeter before power is applied. Antenna connections also have to be made. More old teletype patch panels need to be removed. After discussion with the CO of LST-325, we are working to open the CMS vault door with minimal damage to the space. One manual morse key was brought back by us for complete overhaul and rebuild. Radio position one needs power and power supplies connected to the receivers. It will also require running of antenna feeds and connection. 

   ~ RAYMOND J TRENDLE JR
 

Update from Walt McBride

Hi to all,

We are keeping up on the progress report every week or two.  Love the various inputs.

Jennings and I wish we could contribute to this progress but Jennings' health hasn't been the best lately so we are pretty much hamstrung here to come down.  We'll sure try to get down before winter but for right now - "No Go!"

All of the guys working on the "Ol' Gal" are sure hanging in there and we really enjoy all the news.

"Termite" sure has been putting in his time for sure.  Kudos and well done to both you and Pearl.

Red Lake wrote me a few days ago and said he would be coming down sometime soon, but haven't heard much more than that.

Boy! The progress is wonderful.  Wish we could be a part of it.  We hope that the air compressor, rags, tools and vacuum cleaner are all holding up for you.  Wish we could do more.  If you guys can think of anything let us know and we'll see if we can scrounge it up for you and get it down.

Vance - Sure would like a good "Care Package" of vegetables again.  Guess we'll have to come down to get them, HUH?

Our garden isn't much this year but we'll try to get it going better soon.  Jennings got his in better than we did, so I guess I'd better get busy.

  ~ Walt McBride
      HM1 Blue Crew since Feb 2000
 

Progress Report from Michael Smith
Dated 17 APRIL 2002

Click on any of the pictures for enlargements

I had the opportunity to make a quick run over to the ship Monday morning.  I was only aboard for about 2 hours, so this will be a brief report.  I arrived at 7:40 to find Mr. Bill Arras already hard at work.  After rolling a fire hose, he took a few moments to tell me some of the latest news.  He reports that work is progressing on the LCVP engines and air compressors that were sent off for repair.  The pumps that recently arrived are also being serviced, and Mr. Arras will see to their painting before their installation in the engine room.  Work aboard the ship is also going well.  With all the projects underway, cleanup continues.  I dodged other Blue Crew members coming out of the tank deck with more debris. 

Joe Milakovich showed me the new pickup truck that was donated recently.  The truck, courtesy of Steve Cox and Kone Elevator & Escalator Company of Moline, IL, will be extremely handy to haul parts and equipment around town.  A work list has also been posted so volunteers can see which projects are the priorities.  Harold Slemmons and Don Chapman were also aboard the ship during my short visit.

Even before the official 1000 opening time, visitors were already climbing the gangplank.  All are happy to be aboard and are grateful for the efforts to preserve the 325. 

Sorry for such a brief report, I will return to the 325 as soon as possible to keep everyone updated on the latest information.

     ~  Michael Smith

[Ed. note:  Mr. Smith (soon to be Dr. Smith!) is to be commended for his long and dedicated service not only to the ship itself as a valued Blue Crew member, but as our official reporter as well.  He has been providing us with detailed reports, usually accompanied by terrific pictures, for over a year now (since the very inception of this website).  In other words, he's been pulling double-duty for all that time, without wavering.  It's probably safe to say that this website would be only a dim shadow of itself without his contributions.  We owe you, Michael ... THANKS!]

As of yesterday I have offically confirmed communications with all 50 states using the amateur radio callsign WW2LST.  This was done on the amateur 40 meter band during operation on the HHH net which meets every night at 0700 Zulu (that's 2AM CDT).

There will be a certificate issued by the HHH Net administrator attesting to this and it will be posted aboard once I receive it.

As the LST 325 will normally not operate its radio room equipment as it did during its service in the Navy, it is important that radio exposure be given through the amateur radio bands.

The above was done from my home station, but I feel that any exposure of the ship worldwide is important to its ongoing mission to show that the LST was probably the most important ship in the fleet during WW2.

I was at the ship on Thursday and met two other amateur radio operators who were also there working towards the restoration of this gallant lady.

     ~ Bob Wilder, AF2HD / AFA2HD(USAF MARS)
           TSgt, USAF (Retired)

[Ed. note:  Mr. Wilder also publishes the webpage for LST 325's Radio Room Project.  This page may be viewed at http://home.earthlink.net/~bwild/lst325.html.]
 

I'd like to pass along our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Vern Richardson, owner of Merchant Vessel Machinery Replacement in Wilmington, CA.  He has graciously donated the following to the ship: two galley ranges, a ballast pump with motor, a fire pump, three main engine reduction gear cooling/lube pumps, and a complete LST steering system.  There are no words that can adequately thank him for his generosity.

What parts that are not currently needed on the ship now are being stored at Larson International in Plainview, TX, courtesy of Walter F. Larson.

Thanks go also to Lee Adams, who transported approximately 8000 lbs. of parts from Plainview, TX, to Mobile AL.  He has taken some photos of the parts and we hope to have them posted on the website in the near future.

     ~ Jim Bartlett
 

Update from Earl Stone

Thanks to Gayle and Gary Lyon for the outstanding job they have accomplished on LST 325 over the last five months.  Everyone associated with ship is deeply indebted to this couple for the amazing progress made while they were in charge.

Gary has more than his share of good common sense and more than his share of technical ability.  Combine those two attributes and you have an outstanding leader who can make things happen. 

And now the good news, they will be back next winter for another five months.

Also many thanks to Calvin and Pearl Ellison who have been on this ship every week since it has been in Mobile.  They are a wonderful couple and I cannot say enough good things about them. I am sure Gayle and Gary would echo these words.

     ~ Earl Stone
 

Reunion Announcement from Frank Owsley

The USS Lincoln County (LST 898) will have its 2002 Reunion in Mobile October 3-6, 2002, at the Lafayette Plaza Hotel.  If anyone would like to come early and perform some work on the LST 325 please contact the ship.

     ~ Frank Owsley
         Coordinator 2002 Reunion

I was on the LST twice in the last few weeks, and with all the recent progress, it took me quite a while to make notes of all the new installations, repairs, and new equipment aboard the ship.  I’ll start by describing the scene on the tank deck on the morning of March 28. 
 

3-28-02 

Amidships, Michael Adams and Rusty Sink were busy working on a section of the new wiring in the tank deck.  Both had decided to spend their spring break aboard the LST helping out.  The many skills that the Adams family and their friends bring aboard are truly amazing.  While Michael and Rusty were handling the electrical side, Anna, Ken and William Adams were busy putting the finishing touches on the new stairs going down to the tank deck.  Many people took part in the project including the Navy reservists and Vince Collier. 

Further forward, William Arras was busy dismantling some of the recently acquired pumps in preparation for having their motors serviced.  Mr. Arras spent some time talking to Naomi and me, and showed us some of the projects he had been working on.  He described his work on the ship’s steering gear, and how more steering gear parts are expected to be coming soon.  Mr. Arras also explained the operation and theory behind the refrigeration systems aboard the 325, which he has also been servicing.  His knowledge and mechanical ability are remarkable, just as Gary Lyon stated in his report.

The new lights above the tank deck are a big help to visitors and volunteers alike.  Our workers can see what they are doing, and the visitors can now have a better appreciation for the tank deck and its features.  Access to the engine rooms-- via openings in the floor of the tank deck -- is sometimes necessary to pass large parts and machinery down into the engineering spaces.  These openings will remain in the tank deck floor, with a new chain link railing around them, to offer visitors a peek into the world of the engines and the engineers, which keep the LST moving. 

We also met Kathy Hyde and Jamie Davis, who were scraping paint in the officers' head.  These ladies had traveled to Chickasaw with their Dad, James Scully, and his LST shipmate, Jerry Nolan.  Mr. Scully exclaimed that he had arranged a "great deal" with his daughters: he and Jerry Nolan were able to have a nice visit aboard the LST while his daughters did all the work.  Kathy and Jamie were very proud to be their Dad’s "hands" in helping to restore the 325.

ET2 Michael Harrison and BM3 John Frank are the reservists which you read about in Gary’s previous report.  They were serving their two weeks' training aboard the 325.  On the 28th, I found them putting some finishing touches on the radio room, in which they'd been working so hard.  Matt Matoon was also there, getting the compartment into shape.

Chuck Frawley was in the starboard wing deck, working some magic on the 325’s many signs and placards.  He cleans the signs and, when necessary, repaints the letters by hand.  Some of these signs have really been ravaged by time and some abusive handling.  Mr. Frawley really brings them back to life.  In the galley we met Donald Lockas, who was working on the new counter and sink assembly.  Mr. Lockas told us about his time aboard the LST and some of the work that has been taking place.
 

4-1-02

On April 1st, I was back aboard the ship and I found ET2 Harrison and BM3 Frank using a new piece of equipment, the needle gun.  This air-driven tool consists of some good-sized metal needles protruding from a shaft.  The tool is triggered and the vibrating needles chip paint off the bulkheads.  Although the work can still be slow, it is much more effective than hand-chipping.  These hardworking guys were starting around the hatch that enters the starboard forward area of officers' country near the Captain’s cabin.  Between those needle guns and the air compressor, those guys made quite a commotion, but a productive one.

Morris Sutherland was working with Blue Crew member Vance Barnes.  Mr. Sutherland traveled down from Thunderbay, Ontario, Canada, to volunteer a week aboard the 325.  He remembers the days when the LST 885 was a converted merchant vessel that operated near his home.  From those early memories his love of the LST grew and led him to make his cross-country trip.  He and Mr. Barnes were grinding a clean surface to all the knife-edges on the watertight doors.  After grinding the surfaces properly, they paint on a coat of varnish to prevent further rusting. 

Mr. Jack Hoffler, the youngest combat sailor at Normandy beach on D-Day, visited the ship with his family.  He was on the crew of an LCVP.  If his visit wasn’t neat enough, he arrived bearing gifts.  Mr. Hoffler and his son Aaron located the remains of an LCVP in the woods of North Carolina.  They removed all the salvageable parts over a three-day period and trucked them to the ship.  This was also Aaron’s Eagle Scout Project.  This is a story that deserves its own separate article, which will be forthcoming in a separate progress report, complete with the Hoffler pictures of the LCVP as it was found in the wilderness.

The sewer system was also being worked on.  The system was filled with fresh water so that all the new junctions could be checked for leaks.  Also in the plumbing department, I noticed that the ship’s fire system is now supplied by a large line coming from the shore.  The work continues as fire stations, complete with hose and nozzles, are being set up in different areas of the ship. 

As always, I had the pleasure of giving a few tours of the ship.  Besides the Hoffler’s tour, I showed around a number of LST vets.  I always find it really neat to bring someone down a passage that brings back memories from 50 years ago.  Lately however, I have noticed a new type of visitor:  those with no direct LST connections.  They are drawn simply by curiosity to see the ship, what our sailors did, and how they did it.  One couple I showed around listened intently and were awed as they got their first taste of LST life.  They promised to return often and check the ship’s progress.

This day would be the last time I could see Gary and Gayle Lyon for a few months.  At the end of the week they were headed north after 5 months of dedicated hard work.  Their long months of outstanding work are greatly appreciated.  I look forward to seeing Joe Milakovich again as he takes over for the next month.  Check out my progress report from 24 April 2001 to read about Joe’s previous work aboard the ship. 

Being aboard only three times a month makes it difficult to report on all the volunteers and their projects.  If you have spent time aboard, or have plans to do so, please send a few paragraphs about your experience to WebSkipper@LSTMemorial.org.  We all want to learn what's happening.

     ~ Michael and Naomi 

We are planning to tour the 325 -- hoping, of course, that it is in port.  We've arranged to stay at the Admiral Semmes in town. 

Since I was "elected" to run this thing, if anyone has questions or is in contract with any of our crews, I would love to hear from them. Also, if it looks like the 325 may be moved before our reunion, I'd appreciate putting out the word.

email:  bruce.newman@ubspw.com

toll free:  800-824-9012 (Pacific time zone)

This is the last report from Gayle and me as our time aboard the ship draws to a close.  We have surely enjoyed our 5 months aboard the 325.  We met hundreds of people who really appreciate what the 28 of us did.  This is undoubtedly the city for the LST 325.  I do not think you could ever find a better place for the ship.

Since the last report many new faces have performed miracles:

   1.  two new 3’ wide and 10’ long stairs to the tank deck were installed 
   2.  five 175W mercury vapor lights were installed on the tank deck 
   3.  remodeled starboard crew quarters 
   4.  completed restoration of radio room 
   5.  unloaded 7,000 lbs. of motors, pumps and new stoves to tank decks 
   6.  made observation area from tank deck to aux. engine room 
   7.  removed and replaced Greek wiring to and in aux. engine room and main engine room 
   8.  installed new suspended ceiling in starboard crew lounge between engine rooms 
   9.  installed new stainless counter and double sink in galley 
  10.  rebuilt two deep-well sinks with new faucets in galley 
  11.  installed 40-gallon hot water heater for galley so we can finally wash dishes and hands in "hot" water 
  12.  planning the location of the two new US Navy issue electric ranges and ovens 
  13.  installed 4’ high fence across stern opening to stern anchor 
  14.  plans to install two more stairs for safer use by visitors on main deck 
  15.  we will be installing a 3-rail guard fence completely around ship’s main deck 
  16.  energized fire system; water available to all heads.

Last week 25 members of the Naval Reserve Unit ARGIMA Det. 0948 came aboard and worked all over the ship for 8 hrs. Saturday and Sunday.  Two members decided to do their 2-week training aboard the 325.  They are ET2 Michael Harrison and BM3 John Frank who are now also Blue Crew Members.  They did extensive work in the radio room.  The other members of the unit are:  Kinney, J. BMC;  Wilson, C. IT2; Weaver, A. MM1; Bassenger, C. IT3; Lanham, D. STG3; Presnall, D. SK2; Harrison, M ET2; Frank, J. BM3; Burch, D. EW1; Waldrop, V. SN; Brettel, P.  HM3; Ramsey, J. MS2; Turner, K LI3; Gardner, J. MA3; Jessie, L. YN3; Johnson, J. MS3; Woods, N. SH3; Love, E. FN; Adams, E. IC3; Lewis, R. SH3; Cole, D. SK3; Cole, C. DCC; Lannie, D. MN1; and Graham, B. ET1

Lee Adams and James Louderback from Covington, Ohio, borrowed a one-ton truck from Mr. Bernie Allen, Lockington, Ohio, and pulled a large trailer to Plainview, Texas.  There they loaded up the some of the motors, pumps and new stoves and hauled them to the ship.  Then they headed back for home.  That is what the Adams family and their friends are like.

The sewage system is complete except for the control panel and instruction box ... Minor setback.

The Board of Directors met here last month and made a list of 40 new projects.  We will also have a slight change in how we will run the ship.  Calvin and Pearl Ellison have kindly agreed to handle any money that is donated and sales proceeds.  They will take care of local deposits.  Mechanical leadership will be provided by Bill Arras.  He is the greatest addition to the ship we could ever hope for.  His mechanical ability is remarkable.

We were lucky in March to have so many Gold Crew members come and work.  They were:  Rocky Hill -- 5 wks, Dick Meyer -- 3 wks, Hike Nedeff -- 10 days, Harold Slemmons -- 2 different times.  Harold brought us two sections of scaffolding for the ship.  Also Jim Bartlett -- 5 wks, Don Chapman -- 2 wks and Ron Maranto.

Joe Milakovich from Wisconsin will arrive this week and take the duties for April.  Jim Bartlett will be back soon and Harold Slemmons, so good quality work will be done in the engine rooms. 

In the last five months we have added 40 new Blue Crew members.  If you want to join an elite society you must work at least 40 good hours.  We have more than 35 from this area who have worked far beyond our dreams.  Some have well over 1000 hrs.  We need more local people because they have worked for 14 months. 

My wife and I want to thank everyone for their support and help over these months.  We have learned what they mean by Southern Hospitality.  We hope to come back next winter.

One more thing:  We could really use two 40KW 3-phase 480 volt diesel generators to power the ships AC systems. 

     ~  Gary Lyon

[Ed. note:  A huge debt of gratitude is owed to Gary & Gayle Lyon, who have spent the last few months managing the ship.  We have surely been blessed with the likes of the Lyons, Earl Stone and all of the wonderful Blue Crew, who have accomplished so much with so little.  And, of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous donations of equipment and money from sponsors all across the nation.  This has always been a cooperative team effort.  And what a team, folks!]

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! 

Legend: 

Archives (click here for complete index to archives) :

Archive for March 2002:

• 22 MAR 02 - Progress Report from Capt. Jornlin
• 08 MAR 02 - Progress Report from Michael Smith & Naomi Friedman
• 04 MAR 02 - Progress Report from Gary Lyon
• 02 MAR 02 - Our Loss of Howard K. Smith (1914-2002)
• 02 MAR 02 - Report from Terry Leahy
• 02 MAR 02 - Report from Don & Ruth Beach
• 02 MAR 02 - Two New Books of Particular Interest

• 22 FEB 02 - Progress Report from the LST 325 Steering Committee
• 16 FEB 02 - Progress Report from Michael Smith
• 15 FEB 02 - Update from Arnold Ness
• 02 FEB 02 - Reports from Ann and Will Adams
• 02 FEB 02 - Report from Frank Owsley
• 01 FEB 02 - Donation from Letterkraft Printers
• 01 FEB 02 - Updates from Ron Maranto and Gary Lyon