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!

Click here for directions to the ship.

It looks like we'll have some really good company when we get there.  Read the latest Progress Report and saw some faces we haven't met yet and looking forward to some "Good Ol' Sea Stories" and Good Ol' Dirty Hands.

We saw in the Report about the 1000 gallons of paint donation and figured that our little old 15 gallons would be like spitting into the ocean, so I called Earl about it.  He told me the paint was all the GRAY exterior paint and our Interior WHITE Paint is still badly needed.  We were going to trade it off for cash or something else.  Glad I called Earl before doing that.

Expect us to report on board Monday ready to give what we can for the Memorial.

We're sure it will be fun for us.  The comradery there has been wonderful, with all the Old Swabs to shoot the S__T with and tell our sea stories.  Love it!!!!

We need some hands to carry this stuff up the gangway when we get there.  Compressor is heavy but has a pull handle and wheels; Wet/Dry Vacuum is bulky; Rags are in smaller boxes this time, and the paint cans are really heavy.

Oh, Earl, I found out the THIRD box of rags aren't RAGS, they are GOOD white socks.  I told Butch I would return them to Madaris Hosiery but they said, "NO!!!"  They asked me to give them to the guys working there with Butch's compliments.  They said the way to know good socks from scrap is that the "Toe Seam" has been stitched and rags haven't been stitched.  This whole box is "stitched" so we are in luck.  I took a few pair and they fit great, so mention to everyone I have a Huge box of socks and they can take all they want and wear them.  Must be a hundred pair of socks in there! They are all white! Should match the paint.

We plan to treat the crew on Monday, at the early morning coffee mess, with Krispy Kreme Donuts from North Carolina.  Come early - Or they may already be gone.  The Hell with the diet, guys!

See you soon,

     ~ Walt and Jennings

I made it back the 325 again today, and my girlfriend Naomi came along as well.  It was her second trip to the 325. 

When I arrived at the 325 today I immediately knew that the new rectifier was up and running.  As I walked up the ladder to the ship, I heard a very distinctive whooshing sound.  Even though the 325 is my first LST experience, I had no doubt that what I was hearing could only be one thing, an operational tank deck blower.  As soon as I reached the maindeck I could see strips of fabric tied to the top of the blower housing flopping wildly in the stream of air being blown out from the tank deck.  I was told that they were loud and powerful, and I think that is an understatement.  The 325 was noticeably more comfortable today with the improved circulation.  All areas of the ship have benefited from the improved circulation.

We began our day by giving some tours, while the rectifier installation was receiving some final touches.  After the tours we joined Mr. Mattoon in cleaning out another compartment.  This time it was the ordinance and electronics storeroom.  Out of this compartment came items of all sorts including -- but not limited to -- wood planks, jugs (empty, full, some with water, some with old oil) two typewriters (Greek), over a dozen shovels, and many other odd items.  All of this went up through a hatch to the wing deck, then out an escape hatch to the main deck, and then over the side to the waiting dumpster. 

In the wing deck compartment just aft of where we were, Mr. Trezza and Mr. Hanreth were working hard cleaning the heads.  With a good dose of bleach and a spray-down from the hose these two Blue Crewmen got it all cleaned up.  After all the cleaning, the wet/dry vac made short work of the left-over water.

Stayed tuned -- I'll be back in Chickasaw again next week . . .

A work party from the Gold Crew was on board today working on a very important project.  Installation is under way of the ships new -- and more importantly -- larger rectifier.  With the current rectifier the ship is only able to run the lighting circuits.  When installation is complete, the 325 will be able to operate not only her light fixtures, but also ventilation fans, pumps and motors as necessary.  As everyone has read in the past, the 325’s machinery runs on DC power.  While underway, the ship generates its own DC electricity by way of its auxiliary engines.  While tied up at Chickasaw, the 325 takes on shore power, so that the ship does not have to continue to produce its own power.  Our shore power is AC and therefore must be converted.

Blue Crew electricians continue to progress with the lighting repairs.  The electricians were working in the starboard wing deck, and some assisted in the rectifier installation. 

Of course, the visitors continue to come to the ship.  Many families are visiting each week, as fathers and grandfathers continue to tell their stories and relive days aboard.

     ~ Michael Smith
 

First and foremost, it has now come to our attention that the name "Brookley Center" has been misspelled on this website all along (by omitting the "e" in "Brookley").

Secondly, we've now learned that they not only have an email address, but they have a website as well.  You can email them at brookleycenter@zebra.net and you can visit their website at www.brookleycenter.com

Thanks very much to Mr. Norman E. Cady for passing along this much-needed additional information.

Hopefully, current and potential volunteers will now have all the information that they need.  Once again, we're very sorry about the lapses we've been having in our "information pipeline!"
 

Understandably, you might wish for speedier service.  Keep in mind, though, that these folks are doing us a great favor, and you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth!  Consider also that they're actually adding to their own workloads by helping us!  They do not have staff dedicated to specific tasks; they have to perform a variety of them, and it's not always possible for them to keep the telephone attended.  But all reports are that the accommodations are VERY nice (much nicer than might be supposed from our special rates), and that they treat our people extremely well indeed.  Plus, since they're located just 10 minutes away from the ship, this fantastic deal is worth much more than a little inconvenience.

ABOVE ALL, please remember:  we need to extend every courtesy, along with our understanding and patience, to the staff.  Don't forget that THEY are the ones doing US a favor, and that there will be people coming after you that will want to take advantage of this offer as well.  As the old saying goes, "Don't screw it up for the next guy!"

We purchased 15 gallons of White Oil-Based, Enamel paint and loaded it into my van for delivery.  Price $217.50.  Donations from 5 private donors paid for it.   A 10-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum was loaded,  Ninety (YES - 90) 3" by 18" sanding belts for the Belt Sander, Electric Portable Belt Sander also loaded into the Van.  Three 2 foot X 2 foot X 2 foot boxes crammed full of cleaning rags.  10 Gallon Electric(110 VAC) Air Compressor is ready to load as well.

Regular Price is 27.50 per gallon.

After much searching a replacement socket has been found for the 325’s light fixtures.  Getting them installed, though is another thing entirely.  It seems that when the Greeks needed to replace the sockets they were not able to find the proper one and substituted a socket that did not fit properly.  So often times the incorrect socket was left dangling and without a glass put back on the fixture.  The wire is also brittle and difficult to work with. 

So the Blue Crew electricians have started to remove the incorrect and faulty sockets, repair and add wire as needed, and check for potential problems.  Then the new sockets are installed and the glass and reflector can be put back in place.  On Wednesday, nine new sockets were installed, completing the lighting restoration in two passage ways in officer country.  Between adding wire, checking and rechecking, it took a number of days to complete the passage ways.  When a passageway goes from dangling sockets to intact and operating fixtures, that area of the ship seems whole again.  But, as it turns out there are other lighting challenges.  It seems that the Greeks never put back or even stored all the glass globes they removed to rig the lighting.  After a search of the ship it is apparent that not only will all of the fixtures need new sockets, but that many of them will also need glassware as well.  The cost to restore a fixture with socket, new glass, and improved wiring is approx. $15.  There are more than 200 fixtures on the LST 325.  So, if you want to know what your $15 donation might do, now you know.

Some of the Blue Crew were at it again, this time with the power washer.  This time they attacked the floors in the forward part of Officer’s Country.  The dirt was flying as was the water.  Some areas of the ship are really starting to take shape.  As I reported last time, the machine shop and the electrical shop have been cleaned out.  These areas can now be used for what they were intended.   On Wednesday, this happened when a volunteer was able to walk in the machine shop, through a switch and use the ship’s grinding wheel installed there.

From time to time I talk about the impact the ship has on former LST sailors.  The impact on their relatives is also significant.  In one of my pictures you will see George Hansen, III of McKinney TX.  He arrived on board Monday with video camera in hand to record the visit for his father George Hansen, II former crewman of LST 268 of Columbia, MO.  Well, I showed him and his wife around and they were really touched by finally having a better understanding of what Mr. Hansen, II had experienced.  They thanked us and promised their support as they departed.  Usually the story ends here, but come Wednesday, George shows up again this time in jeans and a T-shirt looking to pitch in for the day.  George helped with the power washing and cleaned some light fixture parts for us.  This is how much some people can be affected by the LST 325.

     Michael Smith
 

I have speaking engagements for the USS INTREPID Association of former crew members on May 19th in Michigan City, IN.  The Board of Directors meeting of the Massachusetts LST Association in Hyannis port on May 23rd.  The Henry, Illinois American Legion on Thursday, May 25th, and the LST 393 Memorial Service May 28th at Muskegon, MI.  Don Lockas, with one "s" and I will be talking and participating in the "The Senior Expo" Rockford, IL.  May 21 and 22nd. Don is also talking at "the Sons of  Norway" Sunday, May 27th in Norway, IL. I will attend and cheer him on! 

In the aux. engine room a work party spent the morning hoisting trash and waste up to the main deck, and separating it into piles for disposal or proper storage elsewhere on the ship.  Empty containers were thrown away, waste oil was properly disposed of, old batteries were removed and various pieces of metal were stored away.  After this, attention was turned to the deck plates.  The deck plates in the aux. engine room had been bouncing around when they were walked on.  With some trimming and bending, the plates started to become more stable when walked on.  In one of the plates, a cutout for a valve had to be made.  Previously this plate just seesawed over the valve.  Now it lays flat and the valve fits neatly in its cutout. 

Up one deck, the electrical and machine shops are being cleaned out and organized.  Today work was progressing in the machine shop, where the shop-vac was being employed to remove years of buildup from under the work stations. 

On the main deck, work continues in officers' country.  Some staterooms have been painted and the beds were even made.  A small used floor buffer was acquired and the decks here are buffed every day or so.  The electricians were also working today. They were in the passageway just forward of the galley.  A usable replacement socket has been found for the light fixtures.  The wiring is being prepared for the installation of the new sockets.

Since the galley has been painted, some of the ship’s china has been washed and returned to the galley. 

It was great to see the lot near the ship filled with cars belonging to VOLUNTEERS.  Keep the help coming.

     Michael Smith
 

Now, on with the update.

My day in Chickasaw was somewhat busier the usual. Arriving around 7:45, I met Mr. Stone in the ship's office and helped out with some clerical work.

After this, I went down to the aux. engine room.  Water gathers in the bilge, and must be pumped every so often.  The problem is expected to be repaired in dry dock.  Mr. Stone had already started the portable pump and showed me how far down he wanted the water to be in the bilge.  It was then my job to monitor the level and turn off the pump when appropriate.  Since the bilges have not been cleaned yet, the blue crew is very careful not to pump out any fuel oil or lube oil that sits on the water in the bilge.  Leaking any small amount of oil out of the ship is avoided. 

While watching the pump, I was able to observe W. C. Smith, Blue Crew, work on stopping a persistent fuel leak in the aux. engine room.  After he was done, the offending pipe remained free of dripping fuel.

After securing the pump, I joined the painting and scraping crew, which is now working in the passageway that runs port/starboard, just forward of the galley.  After painting the galley, the crew has finished cleaning the bulkheads in this passage way and painted most of it on Monday. 

As the day wore on the ship became crowded with visitors.  I switched from painter to tour guide and for over an hour showed people around the ship.  Among others, we hosted a group from the LST 713.  For a while, the men gathered in the shade of the superstucture and relived past days.  Visitors continue to come and be thrilled by being on board an LST again, or for the first time. 

Speaking of guests, on 31 May the 325 will host some very special visitors.  The Legion of Valor will be visiting the ship in the afternoon.  This distinguished group is comprised of individuals who have won one of the following: the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross, or the Distinguished Service Cross.  The group is meeting in Mobile and wants to visit the 325.  What an exciting group of visitors to have on board.  The 325 will be honored by their presence.

     Michael Smith
 

They donated  approx. 200 pounds of cotton cleaning cloths.

He donated 2 - Motorola Communications Units with Battery Chargers and belt type Carrying Cases

They donated many Channel Lock Pliers,  Gas Pump pliers,  Hack Saws and sets of blades, Numerous saw blades and abrasive cutting blades, files, and sanding discs, Hammers, Ball Peen and claw hammers.

E Mail:    BWALTER@KLINGSPOR.COM
Website:  WWW.KLINGSPOR.COM

They donated Hard Hats, Coffee Mugs, 100 - Ear Plugs, 100 - Safety Glasses and Goggles, Hand held abrasives, Sanding Disks, Cutting Disks, Polishing materials, Pencils, Pens and decals.

Donation of sets of Twist Drills, Metal Cutting abrasives and saws, Misc.
Drill bits both metal and wood types.

They donated a GROSS of safety gloves.

We took along about 1000 pounds of materials donated by a number of manufacturers locally to assist in the restoration process. We had assorted abrasives, cutting blades, ear plugs, sanding masks from Klingspor Abrasives, Hickory, North Carolina. Safety Gloves from North Safety Products in Maiden, North Carolina. Metal Drills, saws and cutting tools from DML Industrial Products in Hickory, North Carolina Assorted Pliers, hack saws, drills, vise grips, channel lock pliers From Vermont America Tool Company. A pair of Two way Motorola Communication Walkie Talkies with chargers from Pro Com Commercial Communications in Port Charlotte, Florida. And about 200 pounds of cotton cleaning rags from Madras Hosiery Mill in Hickory, North Carolina.

Jennings, who is a WWII vet on board the LST 726, and I did what we could for Earl for a few days and had a wonderful time in doing so. Since I was a Combat Medic in the Navy attached to the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict I volunteered to work in Sick Bay. Jennings worked in the "Grease Pit" (The Galley).

Like one of the Emails in this web page said, "we did things we wouldn’t do at home." Now that we are back home our wives are really on us to do this at home. Ha Ha.

I met a Marine I was stationed with at the USMC Depot of Supply in Barstow, California I hadn’t seen in over 50 years. It was the highlight of my trip. We are still in contact and I wish to thank the LST Memorial for making that possible.

On our return home we had the unique opportunity to meet with and visit Lander Bumgardner who was a member of the initial crew when it sailed from Pennsylvania to England and was on board for all the campaigns the ship saw during World War Two.

We have had two articles written about our trip to Mobile in the local newspapers and we have sent a copy to Earl for his scrap book.

We also made a video of our exploits on the LST during our stay and, I assume, that can be borrowed from Earl as well. If not let me know and I’ll make a copy for you if you send me a blank tape.

Jennings and I are making talk now of returning to do some more work on the ship soon. We certainly enjoyed the comradery we found there, the warm reception we experienced from all the volunteers and the "Sea Stories" were wonderful as well. Especially the “Sea Stories” as opposed to "Fairy Tales". You’ll have to ask Earl Stone about that one.

The experience of working and helping a little really gave us both a very warm feeling. We know our work was only cosmetic and a lot more "Serious" work has to be done, for sure. I will continue looking for letters on the web page and if anyone knew either Jennings Hoke, SK2(Storekeeper), USN World War II in the Pacific on board the LST 726 or Walt McBride, HM1(Hospitalman), USN, Long Beach Naval Hospital, Long Beach California, or USMC Depot of Supply, Barstow California, or the USNH #926, Guam, MI or TI San Francisco during the Korean "Police Action" please contact us.

Archive for April 2001:

• 02 APR 01 - Progress Report from the Blue Crew
• 07 APR 01 - Report from Capt. Jornlin on the Board of Directors Meeting Held 30 MAR 01
• 11 APR 01 - Progress Report from Michael Smith (with pictures)
• 15 APR 01 - Progress Report from the Blue Crew
• 16 APR 01 - Update from Capt. Jornlin
• 21 APR 01 - Progress Report from Ron Maranto (Gold Crew)
• 24 APR 01 - Progress Report from Michael Smith (with pictures)
• 26 APR 01 - Progress Report from Ron Maranto (Gold Crew)
• 26 APR 01 - Update from Linda Gunjak
• 27 APR 01 - Two Editorial Corrections
• 28 APR 01 - Progress Report from Michael Smith (with pictures)

• 18 MAR 01 - Progress Report from the Blue Crew
• 25 MAR 01 - Progress Report from the Blue Crew
• 27 MAR 01 - Progress Report from Michael Smith (with pictures)

• 23 FEB 01 - Message from Capt. Jornlin about the Voyage and the Wish List for the Ship
• 23 FEB 01 - LST-325 Ship Repair List by Priority, for Static Display by September
• 23 FEB 01 - Second phase: Get Ship Running