ADDENDUM TO MICHAEL SMITH'S REPORT

Hello to everyone.  I took these pictures the last day I was aboard the ship.  They were taken while preparations proceeded for Memorial Day in Mobile.  I did not pick up the camera once in the preceding seven days I was aboard the ship.  Everyone worked tirelessly in an effort to make the trip a reality.  Once the trip was postponed, the goal changed but the level of activity did not.  The whole crew worked tirelessly during their time aboard the ship.  I am only sorry that I did not have a chance to take everyone’s picture. 

     ~ Michael Smith

  - Final installment of LST-325's "That's The Way It Was" now posted
  - Update from Michael Smith
 

FINAL INSTALLMENT OF LST-325'S
"THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS" NOW POSTED

Hopefully, you've all been reading Dave Bronson's monthly mini-series "The Way It Was," providing recaps of LST-325's preparations for, and ultimate invasion of, Normandy in 1944.

The final segment, which covers approximately the first half of June 1944 is now posted.  Anyone who has plans to visit the ship while it's in Mobile (or anytime) should read this, so as to better appreciate the noble history of our ship.  Learn that history, and you'll walk the decks better able to picture the events of 60 years ago.

Remember, too, that Dave has recently published a definitive and interesting book on our ship, "Mosier's Raiders: The Story of LST-325."  Copies may be purchased aboard the ship, or by mail order via the book's website.  For those visiting in Mobile, Dave will be available occasionally for author signing as his shipboard duties permit.
 

UPDATE FROM MICHAEL SMITH

The following comments are my own.  I am simply a volunteer and can only speak for myself.  I remain committed to the ship and its goals ... 

By 3 June 1944 the invasion of Normandy had begun.  The various ships involved in the invasion had already begun to leave their piers and begin the crossing to France.  Landings were to commence on the 5th of June.  At 0400 on 4 June, Eisenhower met with his subordinates and received a rather bleak briefing concerning the expected weather on the 5th.  Knowing fair weather was key, Eisenhower postponed the landings for a day, hoping for better conditions on the 6th.  Operation Overlord was put on hold for 24 hours.  I think we know the rest of the story ...

Being one of the crew that was to be aboard the LST 325 when she left the port of Mobile, I can understand what those sailors could have felt like on the 5th on June, 1944.  So much preparation and hard work and when the time arrives, DELAY!  But just as those sailors and soldiers did then, we must also do now.  Trust our leadership and wait for the proper moment to take the ship to sea.  The LST 325 has come so far, and will continue to progress.  This is not the time for despair.  We all share a common goal, and that can only be reached by recommitting ourselves to our ship and mission.  We have the possibility of doing something unique and monumental: taking a ship to sea that made the landings at Normandy.  Let’s get it done. 

The ship was delayed getting into dry-dock and this setback cost us WEEKS which would have been devoted to preparing the ship for a 72-hour dock trial and a sea trial.  I think everyone will agree that these trials were prudent and necessary.  To minimize exposure to hurricane season, the ship had to be back in Mobile by the beginning of July.  Anyone can add up the days, we just got caught in a time crunch.  Hopefully, the Board will soon provide us with a clear list of what must be done in order to sail in 2005.  Until then, let’s continue to support the ship and spread the word. 

     ~ Michael Smith

[Ed notes: (1) Here is a portion of my own similar comments made in the Discussion Forum: "... we've got to accept the reality, keep our chins up and keep working to make this a success.  That's what the Greatest Generation was all about ... keeping going despite any adversities or obstacles.  And we WILL make it work!"; (2) Michael sent along two pictures of LST 325 looking spic-and-span at the Convention Center in Mobile.  He will sending along more pictures within the next few days, and they will be added here as they become available.

Click on the images for enlargements

[Ed. note:  This article sums up the Memorial Day weekend's activities for LST-325 in Mobile, AL.]

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS TO HONOR SACRIFICES
Ship tours, vigils and ceremonies will be held in remembrance of nation's war dead

Friday, May 28, 2004
By GEORGE WERNETH
Staff Reporter, "Mobile Register"

The World War II ship LST-325 is scheduled to be open for tours throughout the Memorial Day weekend at Cooper Riverside Park in Mobile and will be the scene of a service honoring the nation's war dead at noon Monday.

The restored ship, which took part in the Normandy invasion during World War II, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Monday, which is Memorial Day, according to Robert D. Jornlin, the ship's captain.

The park lies just south of the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center on the city's waterfront.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youngsters in grades 1-12 or $20 per family, while children under age 6 will be admitted free. World War II veterans will be admitted free Monday.

"We've done a lot of work on this ship, and it looks good," Jornlin said. Plans had called for the ship to leave Mobile on Wednesday, bound for Boston, to take part in festivities marking the 60th anniversary of D-Day on June 6. Those plans were postponed until next spring because the ship wasn't ready for the trip.

Jornlin, whose home is in Earlville, Ill., and Bill Kaupas, the ship's operations officer from Plano, Texas, will be the featured speakers at the memorial service. A wreath-laying ceremony also is planned.

Here are some of the other observances scheduled in the area during the long Memorial Day weekend, according to their organizers:

Mobile County:

At 10 a.m. Saturday, a World War II veterans ceremony will be held on the fantail of the USS Alabama at Battleship Memorial Park on the Causeway. A spokesman for the park, Bill Tunnell, said the event would coincide with the same-day dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington.

The featured speaker at the local event will be Col. Janet Cobb, who returned last year from Kuwait with the Mobile-based 1184th Transportation Terminal Battalion, which she commanded. The battalion served as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A certificate of appreciation will be presented to all World War II veterans attending the ceremony at Battleship Park, Tunnell said. The Mobile Post Office will unveil the new World War II Memorial commemorative stamp at the event. The park ceremony is being sponsored by American Legion District 33 and the USS Alabama Battleship Commission.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, a special service is planned in the new Garden of Valor at Mobile Memorial Gardens on Three Notch Road in Tillman's Corner. The Rev. Al Sullivan, pastor of the Kushla-Bethany Baptist Church, is the featured speaker. American flags will be handed out to visitors.

At 6 a.m. Monday, a brief flag ceremony will be held at the Lower Alabama Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Battleship Memorial Park.

At 9 a.m. Monday, a memorial service is set at National Cemetery, 1202 Virginia St., in Mobile. The service will be held near the Virginia Street entrance. The featured speaker is Cmdr. Pete Riehm, commanding officer of the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Mobile. This event is sponsored by the South Alabama Veterans Council and the city of Mobile.

On Monday at 11 a.m., a Memorial Day and World War II Veterans Appreciation Day will be hosted by American Legion Post 250, 10950 Dauphin Island Parkway. There will be music, a memorial service and a free lunch. All World War II veterans attending will receive a certificate of appreciation.

At 6 p.m. Monday, in Lyons Park on Spring Hill Avenue, a prayer vigil will be held for Timothy E. Bell, 45, of Mobile, a civilian contract employee in Iraq who has been missing since an April 9 attack on his fuel convoy. A family spokeswoman said the family believes Bell, a truck driver, is being held hostage.

Baldwin County:

On Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., American Legion Post 99 in Foley will have a lunch and program honoring World War II veterans at the post clubhouse on Alabama 59. World War II veterans participating in the event will receive a certificate of recognition.

At 4 p.m. Saturday, American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope will honor all World War II veterans with a cocktail hour followed by a dinner. The dedication ceremony for the World War II Memorial in Washington will be available for viewing on a television at the post.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, a memo rial service will be held in Daphne at the Old Methodist Church Museum on Dryer Avenue. During the service, officials will commemorate the addition of two Daphne soldiers who died in Iraq, Paul J. Bueche and Christopher Taylor, to the memorial plaque honoring local troops who gave their lives in war.

On Monday, members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 864 will cook and serve lunch for residents of the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette.

At 9 a.m. Monday in Robertsdale, a memorial service will be held at Memorial Park on Alabama 59.

At 11 a.m. Monday in Foley, a memorial service will be held at Griffin Park on Alston Street. The featured speaker will be Veterans of Foreign Wars State Department Chaplain Eddie Waters.

Also at 11 a.m. Monday, American Legion Post 199 of Fairhope plans a memorial service in Colony Cemetery in Point Clear. After the ceremony, post members will have a barbecue at the post clubhouse on Scenic Highway 98, south of the Fairhope Pier. The public is invited.

(Staff Reporter Guy Busby contributed to this report.)

The LST 325's trip to several ports in the Boston area and Alexandria, VA, has been postponed for one year to better prepare the ship and the crew for its 45-day journey up the East Coast.

The LST 325 will stay in Mobile to help celebrate upcoming events such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and the many conventions scheduled.

"We are very disappointed about not leaving for Boston," says Capt. Robert D. Jornlin, Commanding Officer for the LST 325.  "But for the safety of the crew and the ship, we will remain in Mobile to get the ship up to speed."

Capt. Bill Doherty, Master, LST 325, wishes to thank the many volunteers, a number of whom traveled from all over the country to Mobile to work on the ship.  In addition, the crew would like to thank the Merchant Marine officers, the Coast Guard and the numerous corporations whose generous donations have helped the LST 325 become a monument to the Veterans who served on her in World War II. 

In addition, the LST 325 will be open for tours this holiday weekend while docked at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.  Tours will run Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31, from 9 am to 4 pm.  Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and free to kids three and under.  A special ceremony for Veterans will be held at noon on Monday, Memorial Day, at the ship commemorating June 6 as the 60th Anniversary of the ship's arrival in Normandy.  Donations, above and beyond the tour price of the ship, are gratefully accepted.

For more information, contact Bill Kaupas at 972-977-6588 or bkaupas@msn.com.
 

[Ed. note:  The crew who gave their all for this trip deserve a huge BRAVO ZULU.  We are truly looking at the finest of the finest.]

  - Military Records Research Tips from Sharon Lawrence
  - Report from Kenny Adams
 

MILITARY RECORDS RESEARCH TIPS
FROM SHARON LAWRENCE

There's been a surge of interest the past few years amongst Baby Boomers in researching their parents' military histories.  Much of this interest has been generated by publications such as Tom Brokaw's "The Greatest Generation" and projects such as our very own LST 325.

In October of 2002, Sharon Lawrence of the Texas Military Forces Museum in Austin, TX, graciously provided us with a well-written and extensive manual for researching military histories.  She has now updated that document, and once again is kindly providing us with the fruits of her labors.

For anyone currently researching, or would like to get a terrific start doing such research, you may access this manual at http://www.LSTMemorial.org/research.doc (Microsoft Word document).

Sharon is the proud daughter of  LST 704 crewmember Lawrence Slepcika.

Many thanks, Sharon!
 

REPORT FROM KENNY ADAMS

I am sending along a few pictures that I thought might be of interest.  Two are of the LCVP's on our farm in Ohio.  We will fix one up for LST 325 and use the other one as a prop for parades in order to help promote the ship.

Earlier this month a photographer arrived from California and filmed from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.  This footage will be shown on the Mail Call segment of The History Channel on June 6 at 10 pm [Ed. note: Please check your local TV listings).  This will be a one-hour special Mail Call that will show viewers some of the gear and guys that made D-Day a victory for our side ... Pathfinders, Navy Beach battalions, assault troops, Rangers, Navy Combat Demolition Units (the forerunners of the Navy SEALs), etc.

Rob Lihani of Digital Ranch was the photographer.  He can be seen in the LCVP picture.

All the fellows in the LCVP are with the WWII H.R.S. 101st Airborne Division, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, and served as actors.  All of them were at the ship in Evansville last year and spent the night.  Two of them have worked on the ship and they have offered to help with the restoration of the LCVP.  Although the LCVP was not used in the filming, plenty of footage was taken of it.

The LCVP's 671 Detroit engine is currently in the shop.  It was full of water, so we are tearing it down.  We are also fabricating top covers for both of the boats.

Digital Ranch is, of course, aware of our efforts on the 325.

       ~ Kenny Adams

PROGRESS REPORT FROM CAPT. DOHERTY Posted 24 May 2004     Shown at right: Capt. William Doherty Master, LST-325

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is time to update you on the situation aboard LST 325 and our 60th Anniversary of D-Day Voyage 2004.

We have had several significant setbacks while we have been undergoing repairs and voyage preparation here in Mobile, Alabama.

Repairs have proven to be far more extensive and numerous than we had planned, and it has cost us both significant time and money.  And it has forced us to revisit the planned itinerary.

Today, I met with the LST 325 Officers and those members of the USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc., Board of Directors who are aboard the ship now,  to review the current status of the 325 and how it affects our voyage.

As it now stands, we expect to get underway on Friday, May 28, 2004, to undergo a sea trial at about 0600. Inspectors from the US Coast Guard will sail with us. We will sail out of Mobile into the Gulf of Mexico to perform extensive trials to the ship's machinery, deck equipment and to evaluate the competency and readiness of the LST 325 crew.

After the events of the sea trial have been completed we will anchor the ship off the Mobile sea buoy, and the US Coast Guard Inspectors, our US Coast Guard Licensed Chief Engineer, Peter Retzko and I will evaluate the results of the sea trial and make a final determination regarding the seaworthiness of LST 325 and her ability to safely sail to Boston.

If the results are favorable we will weigh anchor, turn around and head for Boston. We would expect to arrive in Boston at 0800 (8:00AM) June 7, 2004, where we would pick up our original schedule, albeit missing a few days and some very important events.

If the sea trial is unsuccessful we will return to Mobile, and most likely will have to readdress the whole voyage.

This determination will be difficult for me, since we have had many setbacks and will have to closely observe the condition of LST 325 before I can make a prudent decision.

I know how hard everyone has worked to make this voyage come true. I know how very disappointing an unfavorable decision would be. I want to make this trip as much as anybody, but I hope you will all understand that I have to be able to know that I can safely steam with you and your loved ones, aboard a safe ship.

We have, and will continue to make every effort to get this ship to Boston, and will be doing everything we can to have a successful sea trial. 

Please wish us luck and God's Speed.

     ~ Captain Bill Doherty
           Master, USS LST 325

  - Note from the LST 325 WebSkipper
  - Photos from Michael Smith
 

NOTE FROM THE LST 325 WEBSKIPPER

We offer our apologies for not posting frequent Progress Reports in the recent past days.  Due to the unexpected difficulties in getting underway, a decision has been made to devote all hands to preparing the ship, rather than having someone break away to write articles, take pictures, etc.  We ask for your understanding when it comes to our priorities.  Every effort is being made to get the ship underway as quickly as possible.

We currently have 43 men on board, literally slaving to ensure a departure as quickly as possible.  We are already late.  There's a slim possibility that we may depart on Wednesday, but that's being optimistic.  The good news is that we allow "fudge time" for our schedule, so we should make up some time while en route.  You may recall that on the River Trip last year we arrived early at every single port-of-call.

I'd like to remind you of the recent book published by our historian, Dave Bronson, titled "Mosier's Raiders: The Story of LST-325."  This book, in my personal opinion, is a virtual tour de force fully on a par with John Bradley's "Flags of Our Fathers" (regarding his father's participation in the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jimab).  I strongly urge anyone interested in 325's WWII history to read the book.  If you have plans to visit the ship, an understanding of that history will make your visit MUCH more memorable.  This book is already receiving very favorable media attention.  Copies will be available aboard ship during our visits.  I suggest, however, that you order a copy by mail order NOW, so that you can have these insights PRIOR to visiting the ship.  Ordering information is available on the book's website.  (See also the 04 MAY article toward the end of this page.)

REMINDER:  You may wish to subscribe (free) to one or both of our email lists, if you haven't already done so.  For the moment, the same information is being sent to both lists.  Once the ship is underway, only regularly-issued Progress Reports will be sent to the Newsletter list, and SITREPs will be sent directly from our radiomen from aboard ship.

PHOTOS FROM MICHAEL SMITH

Despite the lack of "normal" Progress Reports lately, Michael Smith did provide a few pictures of the ship while it was still in drydock.  They may be viewed immediately below.

We still need help.  It's a bit late to volunteer to work on the ship prior to departure, but donations are still sorely needed.  Our expenses have been enormous lately, and they continue to mount.  Please consider contributing.  And if you've contributed already, please check and see if there's a little something left in your bank account.  Donations may be made either by mail or online through our donation page (Keep Us Afloat!).  You can make an important difference in the success of this ship and this tour.

     ~ LST 325 WebSkipper

Our crew held a small after-hours birthdays celebration for Treasurer and BMC Bruce ("Boats") Voges in LST 325's wardroom.  Capt. Doherty was kind enough to send along a couple of pictures:

I got  a call last night from Capt. Bob Jornlin. 

Bob has been working tirelessly down on the ship to make this trip a reality and his report last night was one of accomplishment.

Bob reported that the shipyard has moved mountains and completed most of the major tasks required for her drydocking, and as it stands right now, barring any unforeseen circumstances, USS LST 325 will float off the drydock on Tuesday, May 18th!!!!

This is no small feat to have accomplished. A week ago, we were faced with serious decisions which could have affected the entire Voyage 2004.

I have visited the ship twice, during her drydocking and know firsthand the scope and magnitude of the situation. 

Our ship needed nothing short of a miracle if she was to be able to make this voyage, and that miracle was having guys and gals we had down in Mobile.

We could have very easily scrapped the Voyage and walked away, but you folks don't come from a generation who thinks that way. Quitting isn't in your dictionary.

During some of my earlier progress reports I cited a few of the core group who had worked endlessly to help us achieve our goal. One, among all of them stood out, and that was our Captain, Bob Jornlin.

He was everywhere chasing down solutions to problems. No one has spent more time on the bottom of this ship than Bob. No one has crawled more double bottom tanks on this ship than Bob. No on has put more of his heart and soul into this project than Bob.

In a very few days, we will begin the process of making USS LST 325 ready for sea. Bob and his gang still need your help, we still need your financial support.

Through the dedication and hard work of Captain Bob Jornlin and all of you, the next message you want to hear will be: "USS LST 325 - Haze gray and underway!"

     ~ Capt. Bill Doherty

UPDATE FROM CAPT. DOHERTY Posted 14 May 2004 Revised 15 May 2004   Shown in middle: USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") Shown at far right: CDR L. C. Wright, CO, USS Constitution

I met yesterday with Cdr. L. Wright, USN, Commanding Officer, USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") and with his Executive Officer Lt. Marks, USN.

We discussed the plans and protocol for our planned escort of "Old Ironsides" during her annual turnaround in Boston Harbor.

On June 12, 2004, USS LST 325 will depart from Pier Four at 0945 and take a position mid-channel off the Constitution’s berth. The Constitution will depart her berth at 1000 precisely, and will take her position in the ship channel ahead and off our starboard bow. 

When both ships are in position, they will proceed down channel through Boston Harbor, with the Constitution in the lead and LST 325 on station off her port quarter.

Shortly before 1100 (revised) both ships will be abeam of Fort Independence (Castle Island), South Boston. LST 325 will stop, hold her station while the Constitution makes a 180 degree turnaround. At exactly 1200, from a battery on Fort Independence, a Company from the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, the oldest Military unit in the United States, will commence a twenty-one gun salute to the Oldest operating Naval Vessel in the world. USS Constitution will answer each and every salute with a salute from her guns. 

During this event the second oldest continuously operating US Naval vessel (you guys know who she is) will stand by and render her respects, and at completion of the salute, proceed underway for the Port of Gloucester, MA, where we can expect a well-deserved welcome.

Commander Wright has offered an invitation to any member of the crew of USS LST 325 to sail aboard the Constitution during this turnaround, and I welcome that gracious and well-deserved honor for you men.

Any member of the USS LST 325 crew who wishes to sail on the Constitution is free (and encouraged) to accept this invitation. I have enough seafaring friends in the Boston area who have volunteered to stand by for you aboard 325 during our very short trip to Gloucester, and I do not want to prevent anyone of you from being able to experience the opportunity of sailing on the Constitution. 

I had the privilege of sailing on the Constitution on her first turnaround following an extensive drydocking period in 1998, and it is quite a thrill.

Please let Bill Kaupas know of your intentions as early as possible, as he will need to submit your names to Cdr. Wright very soon.

Respectfully,

     ~ Capt. Bill Doherty

[Ed note: Capt. Jornlin has asked me to report the fact that three stowaways snuck aboard the 325 in Chickasaw undetected.  Little bandits commonly known as raccoons.  Despite some VERY determined efforts, the score is still stands at LST 325: 0, Raccoons: 3.  Anyone who has experience luring and trapping raccoons is requested to report aboard immediately.]   Photo courtesy of Dave Bronson

I traveled over to Mobile yesterday to help out as much as I could.  A tremendous amount of work has been done while the ship has been in dry dock.  The pictures tell only part of the story.  The ship is certainly getting quite a face lift and many great enhancements have been made.  I spent my time helping to chip the life line around the conn.  It is a very exciting time; this is the time to get involved and share in the task of getting the ship ready for her trip up the coast.  This ship will make history once again, being operational and at sea 60 years after she helped to invade Normandy. 
 

With tremendous progress comes a great deal of prep work that must happen before the cruise.  In the next few critical days all the help that can be mustered will be needed to clean the ship and get her ready for trials and the trip to Boston and Washington.  Don’t hesitate!! Head down to Mobile and board the ship.  Be a part of history in the making.
 

     ~ Michael Smith

 
[Ed. notes: (1) While Michael's report is short, we've both agreed that his working on the ship is much more important just now than writing an extensive report.  Absolutely every single body is needed to get us sailing on schedule;  (2) As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and you really should have a good look at these results of our volunteers' labors and the donations sent in by supporters.  Those are being put to very good use indeed -- keep 'em coming (our drydock repairs are enormously expensive)!  (3) Lastly, for just the immediate future only to keep everyone informed as fully as possible, Newsletters will be emailed to BOTH mailing lists: Newsletter and SITREP.]

Our new paint job

A brand-new mast has been fabricated and is now ready for installation

The retrofit deckhouse is now gone.

Papa signal is aloft.  All hands report aboard as soon as possible!

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The dedication and commitment you all show to finishing this increasingly difficult challenge never ceases to amaze me.

I wish so much that I could get on a plane and get back down to the "T" today and join in to get her ready.

Unfortunately, for the past month and a half I have been battling a serious case of walking pneumonia and have had to return home from Mobile twice now, to recover. I am coming off a rather heavy dose of medication now and hope to put this problem behind me soon.

I hope to finally return to Mobile on or about next Monday or Tuesday to remain with you all through the Dock Trials, Sea Trials, Underway Storing, Fueling and Preparations and then sail USS LST 325 on her 2004 60th Anniversary of D-Day Voyage.

Until then, I will continue my work up here in New England to prepare for our arrival at the various ports.

Yesterday, May 11, 2004, was a very busy day for me.

I attended the Semi-annual meeting of the Boston Marine Society, founded 1742, of which I am a life member.

The Boston Marine Society has generously donated a contribution of $2500.00 to help defray some of our port services expenses here in Boston.

We (USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.) went to the Society, rather late in their fiscal year to receive a larger donation. Normally, the Society budgets its donations at the Annual Meeting in November and is unable to make other disbursements through the year, without robbing another worthy recipient of their grant request.

They (Boston Marine Society) made an exception for us since we only came to the for help this April. By November of 2004, we will have a better picture of what our financial needs are and shortfalls due to unexpected shipyard expenses. We can go back to the Society at that time with another Grant Request and should receive favorable consideration.

At the meeting of the Boston Marine Society, I was able to talk to several key leaders of the Maritime community here in Boston and solicit their help.

Here is a summary of the significant donations of services -- these individuals and firms have offered to support our Voyage 2004.

Captain Greg Farmer, President of the Boston Pilots Association, has offered Pilot services for the Port of Boston (including the USS Constitution turnaround).

Capt. Larry Palmer, Northeast Pilots Association, has offered us Pilot services for Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and New Bedford.

Captain Peter J. Lawrence, Vice President, Marine Operations, General Dynamics, American Overseas Marine Div., has offered us the services of that steamship company to act as "vessel managers" on our behalf for the entire voyage. A very important and necessary, yet unseen, service for the voyage.

Captain Steve Palmer, General Manager, Moran Shipping Agencies, has offered us the services of his firm as vessel agents for our calls into Boston, Gloucester, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and New Bedford, MA.

Cdr. Phil Chase, USCG Ret., General Manager of Boston Towing and Transportation Co., has offered us the services of the necessary tug boat assistance for docking and undocking in the Port of Boston.

Commanding Officer, USS Constitution.  I met with him to arrange a meeting later this week to discuss plans and protocol for escort of the Constitution on her turnaround.

I am presently negotiating with Capt. Robert Blair and Bill Chambers, Gloucester Pilots, for similar services and will get back to you when we have completed an agreement.

All in all it was a very good day for USS LST 325 and all of you who are working so tirelessly to get her ready for this voyage.

I will keep you all informed of further progress.

    ~ Captain William H. Doherty
            Master USS LST 325

[Ed. note: Our call for help and donations has been met with an absolutely wonderful response.  Our heartfelt thanks to those who answered that call.  Nevertheless, we could use even MORE onboard help and donations.  If you can find the wherewithal, NOW is the time to help.  Our rare drydock opportunities give us a chance to get a lot of things fixed, if we have enough help and money.  On top of that, an awful lot of people are counting on us to visit, very hopefully on schedule.  We've been doing a lot on a shoestring budget for four years now.  Your money is not wasted.  All shipboard work is done by volunteers, and overhead expenses are minimal.  Remember too -- this effort is operated completely through private donations; we get no government assistance.  Last, but not least, keep in mind that your donations are tax-deductible.  If you haven't done so yet, please visit the Donations page ("Keep Us Afloat!").  Large or small, all donations help.  Please do what you can.]

URGENT MESSAGE  FROM TERRY LEAHY Posted 10 May 2004     Shown at right: Terry Leahy working on LST-325's manuals in February 2002

I'm Terry Leahy, a Blue Crew Member and a Director of the USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.  We need your help now.  Capt. Doherty has honestly spelled out our current situation which was posted Saturday (5-8-04) under the Progress Report section. Please take the time to read it. We're so fortunate to have a seaman with his background help us out. However, it is time for the rest of us to stand up again and be counted. How many of us have proudly told stories about our LST experiences, our service aboard another LST "just like this one," or our volunteer experiences aboard the 325, etc.?  Some of us who were able to give tours last summer, when we had 74,000 people come aboard, were constantly told "Thanks for serving."  I spent 3 years of active duty and 28 years in the Navy Reserve and I don't recall anyone ever thanking me before.  No one -- not that I was expecting it.  With almost every group I took on 325 tours, someone would thank me for serving.  It has been a great experience for me, and I know it has been for many, many others.  Many wives, other family members, and friends have been caught up with the project too.  My son, Mike, even enjoyed learning how to chip and paint earlier this spring. Capt. Doherty spelled out some of our key people who have knocked themselves out tirelessly to make this cruise to Boston and Alexandria a reality. They need help to make us ready for sea. Unfortunately, unless some critical things happen before we're due to get underway on May 24, we're running the chance that we may not be able to make this commitment.  These include repairing the hull, testing davits, testing generators, work on the main engines, testing the refrigeration equipment, and rebuilding a fire pump motor in addition to cleaning the ship up.  There are one or two ways I can think of where we can all help.

1.  Get to Mobile and pitch in.  I don't know any other way to put it.  In order to keep our yard costs down, we agreed to clean up the ship after the repairs were made.  Since last summer's cruise, our volunteer hours worked on the ship have dropped quite a bit, and this is probably understandable. People helped out last summer and plan to help again this summer, but we need additional help now.  That's the bad news -- the good news is that almost anyone can help.  You don't need a special talent.  In fact, you might come aboard and not find a broom to your liking.  You could probably head to a hardware store, buy the broom of your choice, use it while you're aboard, and leave it behind when you leave.  If you have engineering talent, we could sure use you too.  I hope you get the idea --- we need the help and we need it now.  If you can help out in Mobile before May 24, please contact Bill Kaupas at bkaupas@msn.com.  He'll get you aimed in the right direction.

2.  Unfortunately, all of us are not in a position to head to Mobile on such short notice or at all.  For health reasons, I find myself in this position. I've been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a fairly rare bone cancer, and will spend most of the next 6 months or so undergoing treatment for two stem cell transplants. I know many others of us interested in the 325 have similar, or worse, health problems and don't have a chance to get to Mobile. But I've come up with a novel approach to the 325 problem -- send a check. This way we can all help out. Do you have an idea of what the estimated additional cost is going to be to just fix the hull problems found last week?  $50,000.  That's right -- 50 thousand dollars.  I realize most of us are not in a position to write a check for $50,000, so what do I do then? I know it's presumptuous for me to suggest an amount to donate, but how about this idea -- what about sending a check for the amount of money it would cost you to travel to Mobile for the number of days you'd work aboard the ship if you could?  Here's the formula:  $30/day you'd like to work if you could (approx. cost to stay at Berkeley) + your travel costs ($.35/mile if you drive).  I know, it's not fair for those of us who live further away (I live in Wisconsin), but that's life.  You can adjust the formula.  It's only an idea, but at least if I get voted off the Board next year I'll know the reason! If only a few send checks, this attempt will most likely fail.  We need a lot of people to "get onboard," and to do so fast. The LST Board and key volunteers tried to manage this dry dock period to get the most done with the resources we have available.  We prioritized the work to be done.  I for one didn't expect that we might be hit with a $50,000 important, unexpected expense discovered near the end of our time in the dock and after other repairs and alterations had been made. But I think most people who have spent time at sea can appreciate that this could happen. Please keep in mind we still have food and fuel to purchase. I can assure you that our Master, Capt. Doherty, is not taking the 325 to sea without the proper inspections and repairs being made, and we wouldn't want it any other way.  We have to provide him the resources to make this happen, or it's not going to happen. That's the situation. "But, I don't know where to send the check" you say.  Here's the answer: Make the check out to "USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc." and send it to Bruce D. Voges, Treasurer; USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.; 7 Hemd-In Way; Oakwood, IL 61858.  [Ed. note: Donations may also be made online via credit card using PayPal, by clicking here.] Let's keep Bruce, or his wife Katie, busy filling out deposit slips this week.  Time is of the essence. The idea behind this project is that it's to be a traveling museum.  As we know, it takes money to do this. All of the accolades and awards are nice. Many have had fun with Trivia Quizzes on our webpage. (The bow door picture recently posted was a good one!) Many stories have been told, like the man in the nursing home at our first stop on last summer's cruise who had not been out of a bed in 5 years, but told the nursing  home he wanted to get aboard the 325 even if he died trying.  Unfortunately, all of this does not pay our bills.  Sorry, that's the truth of the matter. Please help if it's at all possible.

Best regards,

     ~ Terry Leahy, Director
               USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.

  - LST 325 NEEDS YOU! from Capt. William H. Doherty
  - LST 325 PAPA IS CLOSED UP from Bill Kaupas
 
 

LST 325 NEEDS YOU! From Capt. William H. Doherty   Capt. Doherty's Biography may be seen below.     Shown at right: Capt. William Doherty Master, LST-325

In February of this year, I volunteered to be Master of LST 325 for the 2004 D-Day, 60th Anniversary Cruise to Boston, Gloucester, Massachusetts Maritime Academy (my alma mater) New Bedford and the Washington DC area.

Since joining I have spent countless hours up here in New England and two trips to Mobile to work on the ship during her current dry-docking. For me it has been a labor of love.

I have come to meet several dedicated persons during my involvement. Without people like Bill Kaupus, Bob Jornlin, Jim Bartlett, Bruce Voges, Ron Maranto, John Calvin, the Adams family, the Rutledges, and Ostranders, as well a a few more I have neglected to mention, the ship would not be as far along in preparation as she is.

Unfortunately, the magnitude of the project far exceeds the ability of these few dedicated persons and as it stands right now, this ship will not be ready for her voyage on May 24, 2004.

This ship is your ship. This ship was launched years before I was born but out of my deep respect for you of the "Greatest Generation", I am so very proud to have been given the opportunity to Command such an historic ship on such an epic voyage. I am asking all of you to lend a hand.

We will need a Herculean effort to put this ship in shape, on time. Shipyard has dragged out and every day we find new and challenging surprises. That dedicated group of hard core volunteers have been putting out forest fires with a garden hose for too long now. We need some help!

If you want this so very important Voyage to get underway at all. If you want the USS LST 325 and her intrepid crew to enjoy the well-deserved honor of escorting the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) on her annual turn around. If you want the message of the enormous contribution you of the "Greatest Generation" have made to America to be heard, we need your help now, not tomorrow.

WE NEED YOU (and your children and grandchildren) TO HELP NOW! ; Call Bill Kaupas and find out what you can do to help.

We are so very close to the finish line, lets not fall short. Too many people have put so much of their lives into this Voyage. Now it's time for all of us to see it through.

Respectfully,

     ~ Captain William H. Doherty
            Master USS LST 325

LST 325 PAPA IS CLOSED UP 
From Bill Kaupas

Flag "PAPA" is closed up on the halyard ... Meaning ... Personnel assigned to this ship, return.

Here is a email I rec'd this Saturday morning, 5-8-04:
 

"THANKS BILL FOR MESSAGE (now 0505 AM) WILL DEPART IN AN HOUR AND WILL ARRIVE MOBILE TOMORROW AFTERNOON I KNOW THERE IS MANY THINGS YET TO DO.

"THANKS AGAIN.  WARM REGARDS, Jacob"

     ~ Bill Kaupas

Captain Doherty's Biography

Captain Bill Doherty, Master, USS LST 325.

Capt. Doherty is a graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, with a BS in Marine Transportation. He sailed on various Merchant ships from 1967 through 1988, commanding oil tankers and dry cargo ships including VLCC "Massachusetts", 265,000 dwt.

Capt. Doherty was an Associate Professor at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and also served as Executive Director of Mariners House in Boston.

Capt. Doherty was the original Master of USNS MENDONCA (TAKR 303), one of the Navy's LMSR's (Large, Medium Speed Roll on/Roll off) ships. MENDONCA is 950'LOA and cruises at a maximum speed of 26 kts. These are the largest ship's in the US Navy's Military Sealift Command. Captain Doherty commanded her on her maiden voyage in 2001, to Beaumont, TX via the Panama Canal to Pearl Harbor, HA; Po Hang, Korea and San Diego, Ca. 

He has also commanded the USNS Harkness, TAGS 31, and the Fast Sealift Ships (FSS) USNS Capalla, TAKR 292 and USNS Antares, TAKR-293 in the 1980's., for the United States Navy Military Sealift Command . "Cappella and Antares were 900" LOA 36 kt. high speed Roll on/Roll off Attack transports. Bill also served aboard USS Compton, DD 705; and USS Harlan R. Dickson, DD  708 from 1970 through 1972. 

In 1990 he was recalled into the United States Navy, during Operation Desert Storm, to serve as Head of Maritime Affairs,  (OP-421) Strategic Sealift, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. 

After coming ashore in 1988 he worked as East Coast Port Captain for CITGO Petroleum Corporation. Capt. Doherty was an Associate Professor at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and served as Executive Director of Mariners House in Boston.

Captain Doherty holds an Unlimited Masters license, with First Class Pilotage endorsements and is a retired Commander, United States Navy Reserve. Decorations include Viet Nam Service Medal, National Defense Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Bill lives in Centerville, Ma and splits his time ashore between spoiling his five grandchildren and fishing in Cape Cod Bay.

HELP URGENTLY NEEDED FOR OUR UPCOMING VOYAGE Posted 08 May 2004     Shown at right:  Bill Kaupas conducting a tour on LST-325

As many of you already know, we have experienced several unexpected delays in getting the ship ready for its voyage.  Nevertheless, with YOUR help and cooperation, we will still be able to stay on schedule.  Especially in Boston, there are a lot of people anxious to see us arrive on schedule, many of them honored D-Day veterans to whom this means a lot.  We need to meet their hopes, if at all possible.  We are doing this in large part for THEM!

The following is from Boardmember and Operations Officer Bill Kaupas:

Dear Crewmembers:

In sandblasting the hull, we have uncovered a few unexpected small holes (not detected by the audio-gauging).  In addition, there is much yardwork to complete.  Furthermore, we have work to finish which is the crew's responsibility for "dock trials;" then "sea trials," and then underway.  Our departure date remains May 24th or could be pushed back ... which I do not wish to think about today!

The time to complete these tasks are tight ... I am asking all crewmembers, 'If you can come to the ship ... for one day or a few days ... please do so ... The work is all do-able, but we need your help ... it is critical ... I am confident it can be completed. I know this means changing your schedule.  I wouldn't ask, unless I thought it was essential to getting underway. Call a friend or other crewmember too.

You will not live aboard ship until we are out of dry dock ... so call Brookley Center, (888) 222-3991, or Econo Lodge Inn (251) 662-0076 in Chickasaw. Please call me to discuss (972) 712-3394 or (972) 712-3397. 

Best regards, 
Bill Kaupas

Especially needed are those with engineering experience or skills.  But absolutely ANY help at all will help this effort.  If nothing else, there is always a lot of clean-up to do.  If you can help in any way at all possible, it will add a LOT to keeping us on schedule! This is very important for thousands of people who are counting on us.
 

I went back to the ship for a three-day stay and a lot of progess is being made, leaving a mess for us to clean up.  The ship is looking more like an LST as retrofit add-ons are being removed.  Raine and Bill Rutledge, along with Stacy Jackson, were there for a month while she scraped and cleaned the sea cabin and crews' quarters, while Bill and Stacy chipped paint, got all the dogs on the deck hatches working, among many other things.  Jim Bartlett had his hands full seeing that things were going right.  Bruce Voges painted the crews' quarters and they look great! 

     ~ Ron Maranto

"MOSIER'S RAIDERS: THE STORY OF LST-325" BY DAVE BRONSON IS NOW AVAILABLE Posted 04 May 2004       Click on the picture for more information

The definitive account of LST-325's World War II history has now been published and is available for sale.  Written by our historian Dave Bronson, this history has been painstakingly researched through ship's logs, first-person crewmember accounts and many other sources.  It is amply illustrated with photos never before seen by the general public.

More information and details are available on Dave's website for the book.  The website also contains information and several interesting pictures that are new to all of us.

Proceeds from sales will be donated to LST-325's restoration and operating fund.  Please have a look.

Dave has been a priceless asset to our ship ever since it arrived in January 2001.  He organized the surviving crewmembers of the ship to help us in our efforts.  He has worked tirelessly in the background on our Steering Committee, and he has provided the website with a Ship's History.  This year, he has made a significant contribution to the website with his "That's the Way It Was" series, leading up to the D-Day invasion.

In short, Dave has brought our ship truly alive for everyone.  If you've visited the ship, or plan to, this will make your experience a hundredfold richer.
 

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:

Archive for April 2004:

• 30 APR 04 - Warmest Congratulations to Our Friends at WFIE
• 29 APR 04 - Progress Report from Ron Maranto
• 23 APR 04 - Follow LST-325's East Coast Progress
• 14 APR 04 - Progress Report from Michael & Naomi Smith
• 08 APR 04 - Update from Sid & Gladys Hisel
• 02 APR 04 - Update from James Edwards

• 29 MAR 04 - Captain's Update
• 24 MAR 04 - Progress Report from Kenny & Anna Adams
• 20 MAR 04 - Update from Bill Kaupas
• 16 MAR 04 - Progress Report from Michael Smith
• 08 MAR 04 - The 325 is Truly an LST Memorial

CDR Jackson Carter was LST 325's Executive Officer before and during the voyage back from Greece.  In addition to his normal duties, he was an avid ham radio operator and enjoyed communicating during his down-time with other hams all over the world.  He also maintained a website for LST 325 which included all of his situation reports, as well as many photographs showing the hard work done in Greece getting the ship seaworthy – that site is a must-see for anyone who hopes to understand what it took to bring this ship home.  Most importantly, Mr. Carter was one of the finest human beings one could ever hope to meet.  He passed away just five weeks after finally realizing his dream.  This website now carries on the work – and the dream – where he left off, and in his memory.  Thanks, Jack ... for being you.    Fair winds!

In Memoriam Jackson Carter