USS LST Ship Memorial
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This page was last updated:  30 JUN 01, 1715Z
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The ship's telephone number is 1-251-402-1225.  Please limit your calls to normal business hours, and please don't call to chew the rag or to ask how things are going.  Our Blue Crew are working very hard on board, and frivolous calls can only divert them from that work.  It's certainly appropriate to call for visits or to volunteer for work.
 
PROGRESS REPORT

From Michael Smith

Dated: 30 JUN 01


I started my day at Chickasaw by assisting in moving line (Navy talk for rope) from the bow to the fantail of the ship.  Every time I get involved with something on the LST, I get a better appreciation for the hard work that goes into operating a ship.  Line handling is much more difficult then I thought, and all we did was move it from one end of the ship to the other. 

After recovering, I showed a number of visitors around the ship.  One group had been on the ship a number of times before.  It's fun to hear them say what a change they can see as the clean-up and fix-up project continues.  A number of men from the Coast Guard also visited the ship today.  Mr. Stone reports that they have been both understanding and very helpful with suggestions and safety recommendations.

George Manley, Blue Crew electrician, was working on one of the tank deck blowers.  His neighbor, Joey Ball, has been helping him out twice a week during his summer vacation.  George and Joey also did battle with a couple of angry wasps, while attempting to access the tank deck blower motor.  The wasps were evicted and the work on the motor continued. 

Representatives from Midstream Refueling were on board to take samples of the diesel fuel.  When the LST is in dry-dock, the ship must not have any fuel in its tanks that are adjacent to the exterior of the ship or where work will be completed.  So the bulk of the remaining fuel needs to be pumped off of the ship.  This company will sell the diesel providing additional funds to be used in restoration work.

A number of small projects were underway in various parts of the ship.  Andrew Shepherd was seen everywhere uncovering the metal labels at the entrance to each compartment of the ship.  These labels contain much useful information that had been lost under many layers of paint.  Calvin and Pearl Ellison have been working on painting and restoring the carpenter’s/shipfitter’s shop.  They have made a dramatic change in this area.  Bob Ostrander has been onboard working on many projects.  One of which is restoring some of the ship’s battery operated emergency lights. 

     ~ Michael Smith

Click on any thumbnail for a better image, then use your BACK button to return here.

 
 

Pearl & Calvin Ellison have been working to give the carpenter's/shipfitter's shop a whole new look.  If you'll look back at my last report, you'll see that this space was formerly yellow and orange (!).  It's nice to see U.S. Navy gray coming back to the 325 once again.  What a great job!

Andrew Shepherd, during his second week of volunteering, made it his mission to find all of the painted-over metal labels that indicate where you are onboard the ship.  The label in this photo tells a number of things.  For example, the first line "2-31-1" tells one that (s)he is on the second deck, just aft of the 31st frame, and that you are at the first opening from inboard out on the starboard side.  The final number, again telling how far inboard out you are, is always odd for the starboard and even for port.  If a letter follows the number, it designates what the space is for (T for Trunk, E for machinery, etc.).  This opening is for the trunk down to the boiler room and main engine room.


 

The new gangway is considerably less sloped, making for an easier climb to the main deck (not to mention, moving equipment and supplies!).

George Manley and his neighbor Joey Ball inspect the motor in one of the tank deck blowers.  Joey, who is on summer vacation, has been coming to the ship twice a week with George, and helping him with the electrical work.


Bob Ostrander is back for another extended visit to volunteer on the ship.  This time, he is staying for three weeks.  Here he is with one of the battle lanterns he has restored.  If the power should fail, these yellow emergency lights activate, allowing one to exit the ship safely.

George Manley's view of the large motor that drives the tank deck blower.

Our donated paint is now stored safely below on the tank deck.


PROGRESS REPORT

From Ron Maranto

Dated:  29 JUN 01


Took a trip to Chickasaw to meet with John Chooljian [see Ed. note below], who brought with him approximately $5,000 worth of radio equipment, donated by Mr. Peter Hulth, Jr. of Springfield, N.C.   The equipment consists of:
  • antennae switch and coax cable and patch cords
  • 757 GX trans receiver
  • 24 hour clock
  • astron power supply 20A for 757 GX
  • one com-speaker
  • publication ECT
  • RCA desk mic.
  • various power outlet switches
  • shrink tubing
  • box of cable and bag of cables
  • photo of donor, framed
  • typewriter
  • radiograms
  • 757 GT antennae tuner
  • a box of lamps
  • a wall map ... etc.
Since I'm not familiar with radio equipment, I may have misidentified some of this equipment.  It can cover Marine and commerce frequencies, which can be used for distress, location, or weather info.

Also a VHF radio for Marine and Coast Guard channel.  This is all new equipment, donated by Mr. Hulth, and thank you, Sir, very much.

While I was there we prepared a place on the dock to receive the LCVPs, which will be taken off the ship any day now.

John brought along with him a friend, Bill Sharpe [see Ed. note below].  They will stay at the Brookley until Thursday of next week to do what they can to help at the ship.

Calvin and Pearl Ellison were down in the carpenter's shop painting.  It made quite a difference.

Vance Barnes gave a whole new look to the XO stateroom with a top-to-bottom paint job.

Andrew Shepherd from Nashville was there working in the after-steering, removing the paint off the I.D. plates.

Thanks to W.C., Norman, Paul, Larry, Calvin and Pearl and all the Blue Crew that was there doing their part in the restoration of the 325.

The Coast Guard was there today inspecting the ship and, as I understand, gave Earl a long list of things that need to be done.  I will try to get the list and will enter it in another report. 

     ~ ......ron.......

Ed. note #1:  John Chooljian is a member of the Honorary Support Crew, having worked on the ship while it was still in Crete.  He's an avid and skilled radio enthusiast, and was a very close friend of Jack Carter's.

Ed. note #2:  Mr. Sharpe's son was one of the three gentlemen who generously donated for the restoration of the radio shack with original WWII equipment.  Those gentlemen were joined today by Mr. Lloyd B. Roach, who also pledged a donation toward that restoration.

Click on any thumbnail for a better image, then use your BACK button to return here.

Executive Officer's Stateroom
Redone by Vance Barnes

Norm E. Cady and
Andrew Shepherd

Rig for LCVP's

Paul, W.C., Larry and Norman,
with Mr. Hook on the crane

John Chooljian with Calvin & Pearl Ellison

John Chooljian with Bill Sharpe


BULLETIN

From The WebSkipper

Dated:  26 JUN 01


We Need Your JUNK!

As you may already know, The USS LST Ship Memorial is now registered with Internet auction leader eBay as a non-profit fund-raiser.  You can view our page at http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/lst-memorial/

This provides us with a terrific forum for raising money for LST 325's restoration.  You can help us out and reclaim some extra space in your home at the same time.  You know all those infamous dust-catchers laying around, that your wife's been nagging you to throw away (but you couldn't bear to do it)?  Those ancient items stored in boxes that haven't seen the light of day in YEARS???  Put them to a very good use by donating them to us.  You'd probably be surprised what collectors will pay for your old uniforms, insignia, souvenirs, memorabilia, etc. when they're put up for auction on eBay.

Send us an email at eBay@LSTMemorial.org and let us know what you can contribute.

And here's just a little extra kicker ... the final purchase price of your item can be written off as a tax-deductible expense.

Also, be sure to pop in on our page from time to time.  Who knows?  You might be interested in one of our auctions yourself!

     ~ eBay@LSTMemorial.org

http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/lst-memorial/
 


UPDATE 

FROM LINDA GUNJAK

DATED:  24 JUN 01

Shown at right:
Linda Gunjak, Corresponding Secretary,
The US LST Association
Hi Jim:  Just arrived back to my daughter's home in Gulfport, MS, from a visit to our ship.  I say "ours" because Mike and I feel as if we are crew members too.  Mike wasn't there, but in spirit he was. 

When we arrived it looked 1,000 percent better than the last time I saw it.  The Blue Crew have done a great job.  If anyone follows the directions you have posted on the web page they will have no trouble finding the LST-325. 

I spoke to Mr. Stone and he told me that the last possible visitation before going into dry dock will be the 17th of August.  He showed me a picture of what will be done by reunion time and it will look almost as good as new.

One of the things that might be able to be done to raise money is sell stateroom restoration.  Namely personal people have a stateroom finished at a set price, and have their name on the door, and let them put their personal items in it to show how a person actually lived aboard the ship, and some of the mementos they have collected over the years.  I believe you have spoken to Mike about that while I have been gone to Mobile.  They are ready for the group and are going to go all out to make this the greatest convention of all time. 

I was escorted to the ship by my girls and my grandson.  They took some great pictures and from almost every deck.  They turned out great.  Mike stayed home with Peaches our dog.  If everyone continues to send donations and helps by donating time, the restoration will continue to progress at a fast rate.  The men and ladies are putting out a great effort. 

Smooth Sailing,

    ~ Linda Gunjak, Laura Buehrer, Michelle Vandermeer and Tom Vandermeer

The kids have always been involved with the United States LST Association and now with the USS LST Ship Memorial.  They probably know as much about an LST as the guys.   Thanks for your support. 
 


TWO PROGRESS REPORTS FROM MICHAEL SMITH

Dated:  19 and 22 JUN 01

Posted:  23 JUN 01


Shown at right:
Our resident on board reporter cum D.D.S.,
Michael Smith
22 JUN 01

Returned to Chickasaw today and I was accompanied by my father.  We started out by replacing the last of the old Greek sockets in the passageways on the main deck and in the galley.  After this we went below and worked on the lights in the port wing deck.  In other areas of the ship, the Blue Crew continued its routine of cleanup and shapeup.  Mr. and Mrs. Boone were still at it and having a good time.  Calvin Ellison of the Blue Crew was joined by his wife Pearl.  Mr. Shepherd was still around helping out.  I think he discovered what I already know.  It is hard to leave the LST.  He has decided to stay for another week.  I know everyone will be glad of that!   The Blue Crew also had a cookout today featuring pan fried catfish, baked beans and other goodies.  Mr. Dobson was running the grill out on the fantail, which was used to heat the frying pans.  All the volunteers gathered on the main deck to enjoy lunch and visit with one another.  Everyone always comes running for chow time and they come from all over the ship! The LST received a $1000 donation from the Propellor Club of Mobile.  Thanks!!!!

Visitors are now able to donate while visiting the ship.  This is supplementing the other fund raising efforts.  But let's remember this is a multi-pronged effort.  Do not forget the raffle, the on-line donations, the mail-in address, hats and other memorabilia and, of course, volunteer hours.
 

19 JUN 01

Arrived at the LST today and discovered that I was late because everyone else was working already.  On the main deck, in Officers' Country, Mr. Herb Boone and Mrs. Barbara Boone were tackling an area as yet untouched by the Blue Crew:  The officers' shower area and head.  The area was cleaned and painted, but more importantly, now we don't have to sidetrack this area and leave visitors wondering where the facilities were in the Officers' Country of the ship.  The couple stayed in town for a week helping out whereever they could.

O. K. Cummings and Ed Mumford were working on the restoration of more of the ship's light fixtures.  They kept themselves busy in one of the port wing deck's berthing compartments.  Andrew Shepherd and his father-in-law David Poole, Sr. were also in town helping out for the week.  The pair helped out with numerous projects all over the ship.  Mr. Poole pitched in with some of the electrical work.  Mr. Shepherd helped out with cleaning up spilt oil and assisting in moving heavy components off of the tank deck and into the ammunition lockers now being used for storage.

The Blue Crew was also preparing to move the donated paint off the dock onto the ship.  The paint will be lifted up to the main deck with a cherry picker and be lowered down to the tank deck via the elevator.  This will keep the paint secure and out of the elements until dry-docking.

Mr. Bartlett was also working hard today.  In preparation for dry dock the ship must be lightened as much as possible.  So Mr. Bartlett has been pumping the fresh water and seawater ballast off the ship.  Today he was working on emptying the ballast tanks that are below the tank deck and forward of the engine rooms.  He had the manhole covers removed and I was able to look down into these giant spaces.  It was really neat to see them both full and then empty.  I was also able to look into some of the diesel tanks that had been opened for inspection.  They look about the same as the ballast tanks, but the smell gives them away.  I am beginning to think that I will eventually see almost every space and void of the 325. 

     ~ Michael Smith
 

[Ed. note:  Our main reporter Michael Smith has advised us that as of July 2 his reports will become "very sporadic," due to his upcoming dentistry residency.  All of us are deeply indebted to him for his wonderful onsite reportage from the ship. 

Michael, we all wish you the best in this "launching" of your career, even though journalism might have been a better choice for you. ]

Click on any thumbnail for a better image, then use your BACK button to return here.

 

O.K. Cummings and Ed Mumford restoring some of the light fixtures in the port wingdeck

This area in the aftermost part of the tank deck was the site of an earlier oil spillage.  Mr. Andrew Shepherd attacked the problem with a bunch of kitty litter and returned the next day to finish cleaning the mess.


Andrew Shepherd volunteered for a week of work with his father-in-law 
David Poole, Sr. (LST 1097).  Unfortunately, I didn't have an opportunity to photograph Mr. Poole.  Mr. Shepherd decided to stay for another week of hard work aboard the 325.

Mr. Herb Boone and his wife have been aboard LST 325 helping out for a week.  Here Mr. Boone works on painting the head and shower area in Officers' Country.

 

Mrs. Barbara Boone showing off the freshly-cleaned and scrubbed shower in Officers' Country.


This is one of the new scuppers that was recently installed, as reported earlier by Gold Crewmember Ron Maranto.

The carpenter's shop, after a good cleaning, is starting to be put back in service.


SPECIAL PROJECT: RADIO ROOM - UPDATE!

From The WebSkipper

Dated:  19 JUN 01


Many thanks go to Mr. Donald Wittersheim, Mr. William A. Sharpe and Mr. Robert Englund, who have generously responded to the call for help with the radio equipment!  The help of these three gentlemen will go a long way toward helping with our dream to restore LST 325 to her original WWII condition.

For those of you who would still like to help ... we still need it!  Donations to the General Fund are always appreciated.  If you'd like to contribute to the restoration of a particular area, room, equipment, etc., we encourage you to do so -- please just note on your donation what you wish the funds to be used for.  We have found that many people take pride in having their contribution directed toward a specific project.  That's understandable, and we certainly encourage you to do that.

It's all but a certainty that the upcoming drydock will expose problems of which we're not yet aware.  Those problems will need to be addressed during the short time in drydock, and it's anticipated that considerable expenditures will become necessary.  We're just around the corner from an astonishing success story.  We invite you to participate in this success by sending your donations to:

 USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL FUND
 c/o American Savings Bank
 P.O. Box 627
 Danville, IL 61834
Our sincere thanks to all who have helped!


SPECIAL PROJECT: RADIO ROOM

From The WebSkipper

Dated:  17 JUN 01


A few of our dedicated volunteers at Navy MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System) have made it their personal goal to restore LST 325's radio room to its original WWII condition.  For months they've been scouring the country searching for original LST radio equipment.  Needless to say, such equipment isn't to be found at the local hardware store.  Indeed, when they started their search, they didn't even know if there was any such equipment still in existence.

Not only was their search successful; but they have found equipment which is in pristine condition.  It's anticipated that with their volunteer work it should be perfectly operable.  This equipment includes TDE and TBS transmitters and receivers, original racks, power supplies, generators, and miscellaneous extra parts.  Apparently, a 1MC (announcement system) is also available.  It's possible that there are other such systems still available in the country, but it's highly unlikely they could ever be located or obtained.

The current owner is willing to let this equipment go to LST 325 at an extremely good price, but he is not in a position to donate it outright.  We will need to come up with $800-900 to obtain all this.  Transportation for this HUGE and HEAVY equipment has already been pledged by a trucking company.

What is needed right now is an individual, group or organization that would be willing to fund this particular special project.  It's anticipated that this would make it possible not only to restore the radio room to its original appearance; but that everything would be in operating condition as well.

Without approval from the Board of Directors, I can't make this a promise but I will definitely make it a high-priority personal goal:  to make sure that the donor is recognized by an appropriate plaque either in the radio room or placed on the equipment itself.

Please help us make this LST Ship Memorial one that we can all be proud of!  If you're interested in taking this on, please email me right away so we don't wind up with a duplication of effort here.

Many thanks!

     ~ WebSkipper


PROGRESS REPORT

From Ron Maranto

Dated:  16 JUN 01


Took a trip to Mobile Monday, the 11th, to meet Bruce Voges to get some work done on the 325. 

On arrival I found that Bruce wasn't alone.  He brought with him his son Tim, who also brought with him two neighbors, Steve Royal and young son Nick, and Bryant Moews.  They put in 12 hours a day.  They arrived Sunday and stayed at the Brookley as did I.  I stayed for three days but they will be there for a whole week. 

The first day we hauled hundreds of pounds of trash off the tank deck ... Stuff like fire hoses and flex pipes and other accumulated trash, by way of the elevator to the main deck, then to the dumpster on the dock. 

Nick, who I think is 13 or 14 years old, worked with us the whole time.

We removed everything from the two lockers on the main deck forward of the super structure, and got rid of a lot of things that we will no longer use, such as over-sized shackles, obsolete fire nozzles, etc.

Scuppers were being made while Bryant was repairing brackets or making new ones to secure the rubber scuppers.  Steve was grinding around the many unnecessary drain holes while Tim was welding plates over them to prevent water streaks on the hull after it gets painted.

Voges is not a pack rat, so I followed him closely to make sure he didn't throw away anything that may be of value, like brass and copper.  I removed all the brass fittings from the discarded firehose, but haven't decided exactly what we will do with all the brass and copper yet.

On the Blue Crew side, an LST sailor named Louis Iacona flew down from Rochester, N.Y., and will stay for a week doing electrical repairs with George Manley.  Let's not forget W.C., who is always there doing many things.

Mr Hook, our landlord, gave a cookout for some kind of Marina club.  He served perch, hushpuppies, fried chicken, shrimp, cole slaw, and peach cobbler.  He invited all of the 325 crew and workers.

Jim Bartlett is still there looking after things while Earl is tending to other outside business. 

Jim and Bruce went to a meeting with the shipyard officials, who are working on an estimate for sand-blasting the deck and removing the add-on super structure.  Not sure if we will be able to afford it but at least we have an idea of what we need to come up with.

We are now able to accept donations aboard the ship, so that may pay for our rent.

Well, I left Wednesday very happy with the accomplishments of both Bruce and his crew, and the Blue Crew. 

      ......ron.......
 

Click on any thumbnail for a better image, then use your BACK button to return here.

Steve Royal

Ron Maranto and Bruce Voges


Bryant Moews and Nick Royal

Louis Iacona

Mr. Hook and Earl Stone


Tim Voges and George Manley


PROGRESS REPORT

From Walt McBride and Jennings Hoke

Dated:  12 JUN 01


Returned yesterday from Mobile.

As always the crew of the LST 325 were gracious, funny and hard working.

Jennings and I had a really good time and all the goods we took down were stowed away with no problem. The compressor was stowed in the galley for future use, the belt sander and vacuum cleaner were put to work right away. Larry Johnson purchased the needed air hoses for the compressor. Socks were put out for all the crew to help themselves but didn’t really give out too many. Earl said it was too HOT to wear socks this time of the year.

And HOT it was!!! We could cut the air with a knife it was so muggy and steamy. MISERABLY HOT! Felt as if we had a sauna all day long. The blowers in the tank deck helped a little and a little breeze was blowing but we suffered through. Got a little done but not as much as I had anticipated. I’m getting too old for that type of hot weather. Ha

Met and worked with a number of guys and gals, and, needless to say, the Old Sea Stories were flying as well as dirt and grease around the ship. Jim Bartlet and Bill Nickerson of the Gold Crew, On the Blue Crew Robert Ostrader, Larry Johnson, Matt, Paul Hannie, and “Termite” Calvin Ellison. Cal was one of the members of the “Little Rascals” movies, He was “Nutsy” and also appeared in “Boys Town” with Mickey Roonie. He really kept us in stitches with his sea stories. Earl Stone came by a couple of times. He said he couldn’t stay away for long. We met so many of the LST’ers Ed Mumford came over one day to see us. We had worked with him in February and he returned with a fellow by the name of  “O.K.”(Forgot his last name) to work on cleaning and replacing the light fixtures. I can’t remember all their names but we had a real good time.

The Brookley Center was really good. We had a two bedroom, living room suite and it worked out fine as far as commuting to the ship. Bill Nickerson, Red Lake and the two of us stayed at Brookley for the week. 

And yes I got my fingernails dirty. Ha.

We were sorry we didn’t get to meet Michael Smith - He was out of town. He heard we were coming and left. <Grin>

Keep those letters and cards coming.

     ~ Walt and Jennings
 


PROGRESS REPORT

From Jim Bartlett

Dated:  09 JUN 01


Walt McBride and Jennings Hoke were onboard for a week.  They arrived with a van loaded with goodies from our friends in North Carolina (paint, an air compressor, rags, an electric sander and sanding belts).  Walt and Jennings worked on sealing water leaks around the ship, davit bases, and painting the handrails on the new extended gangway.

Many thanks to our Corporate Donors:

  • HEARTWOOD CONSTRUCTION, Sherril's Ford, NC
  • CAROLINA AIR PRODUCTS, Sherril's Ford, NC
  • KLINGSPOR ABRASIVES, Hickory, NC
  • ICI DULUX PAINT, Hickory, NC
  • MADARIS HOSIERY MILL, Hickory, NC
And to our Private Donors:
  • Funds to purchase 15 gallons of white oil-based paint:  WALT and LINDA MCBRIDE, LANDER and DOT BURNGARDENER, JENNINGS and MARY HOKE, NOLAN and MARY SINES, RICK and TWILA HARTFORD.
  • Donated a 10 gal. wet/dry shop vac:  KENNETH and ROCHELL PLESS, LINDA MCBRIDE.
  • Donated an electric belt sander:  WALT and LINDA MCBRIDE.
  • Donated 3 cases of white aerosol paint:  LARRY CLANTON.
Merton W. Lake will be here for two weeks to work on board.  This week he painted all the black in officers' country, galley passage, and ladders going down from the galley to the second deck.  He also brought with him a $1,000.00 donation for the ship from the LAUDERDALE LAKES MOOSE LODGE #2267, and then matched their donation with his personal check for another $1,000.00.  Wow!  What a guy. 

Earl Stone (left) and Jim Bartlett (right) gratefully accept two $1,000.00 checks from Merton W. Lake (center).  Mr. & Mrs. Lake personally matched funds donated by the Lauderdale Lakes Moose Lodge #2267!

W.C. Smith and Bob Ostrander have been working on the emergency lighting system, which will have to be operational when the ship is on display this September.  We sure could use about 50 6-volt lantern batteries.

Bruce Voges and his son Tim will arrive June 10 with a crew to do work on main deck projects. 

The ship's cell phone number is 334-402-1225.  This number will be answered Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00pm.  It also has voice mail so that you can leave a message if you need to.

     ~ Jim Bartlett
 


BROOKLEY CENTER PICTURES

From Barbara Maranto

Dated:  7 JUN 01

Many thanks to Barbara Maranto for providing these interior pictures of the rooms at the Brookley Center.


UPDATE

From Capt. Bob Jornlin

Dated:  6 JUN 01

 

June 6, 1944:  The D-Day Invasion of Normandy . . . let's not forget!

LST 325 Crew to Receive Audie Murphy Patriotism Award

We have received notice that the sailing crew of LST 325 will be honored with The Audie Murphy Patriotism Award by the city of Decatur AL.  Decatur annually hosts its Spirit of America Festival on the 4th of July, at which this 60-lb. bronze award is presented.  Designees are voted upon by the public.  This event draws crowds of more than 60,000.

The festival began in 1967 during the height of the Vietnam War amid rising protests in this country as a way to show community support for the fighting men and women of the armed forces.  From this festival an award evolved which honored someone who best exemplified American patriotism.  The award's first recipient was Audie Murphy, America's most decorated soldier of World War II.  Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash just two months before the scheduled presentation.  The award was then named in his honor.

We are honored that we have been chosen to be recipients of this award.

For more information, contact Debra Talley, Special Events Director, at 1-800-524-6181, or click here to visit Decatur's Spirit of America page on the Internet.

     ~ Capt. Bob Jornlin
 


URGENT MESSAGE

From the WebSkipper

Dated:  02 JUN 01


Our pleas for help are more important now than they ever have been.  Raffle tickets will be ready for distribution next week, and we need as many volunteers as possible to get out and sell them.  Please see the Fund-Raising page for information on volunteering.  Donations are desperately and urgently needed as well.  The amount of money received in June and July WILL DECIDE WHETHER THE SHIP REMAINS OPERATIONAL, OR WILL BE TURNED INTO A STATIC DISPLAY.  Please give now through the Donation page. THIS DECISION REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE SHIP IS UP TO YOU!  The Gold Crew did their job -- The Blue Crew is doing their job -- now we need to show them that they have our full support.  Give until it hurts!

There are two items posted for today, 02 JUN 01: (1) A report from Mr. Frank Earley of the Massachusetts Chapter of The US LST Association, detailing their efforts with regards to the new rectifier; and (2) a Progress Report from Michael Smith.  This latest Progress Report has some very interesting and important news. 

     ~ WebSkipper
 


DONATION INFORMATION

From Frank Earley

DATED:  02 JUN 01


Our Massachusetts Chapter, LST Assn. has  embarked on a program we call "Adopt an LST 325 Project". Because we are some distance frrom the 325 we have asked Captain Jornlin what we could provide in the restoration of the ship. He explained how desparately DC power is needed all over the ship. So we have initiated a solicitation among our 363 members with a target of providing as much as possible for the procurement of the Rectifier.  Donations are coming in nicely.  Captain Jornlin spoke at our convention in Hyannis, MA on May 23.

This donation effort is being dedicated to our late Treasurer, John T. McGarigal.

It is our hope that other Chapters, Ships, and even individuals follow our example.

     ~ Frank Earley, Recording Secretary
 


PROGRESS REPORT

From Michael Smith

Dated: 02 JUN 01


    Thursday morning the blue crew prepared the ship for one of our largest group visits to date.  As reported earlier the Legion of Valor had a meeting in Mobile and planned to visit the 325.   This gave the Blue Crew an excuse to lay off the big projects and do some general housekeeping and detail work.  Lines and obstructions that we all step over were cleared away and properly stowed.  The mess area in the aft crews finally got some attention.  Tables were cleared of old clothing and fire fighting equipment.  Benches were placed around the tables and the white formica table tops were wiped clean.   The compartment looks like it's ready for a pack of hungry sailors.  After sweeping the aft crew's compartment, the entire length of both wing decks were swept.  Up in the wheel house all the hatches were opened up to let a nice breeze drift through the ship, and below two tank deck blowers were started to keep the air moving.  In the the afternoon I found a box of receptical covers and went to work placing them all over the ship.  Many of the power outlets and sound-powered phone outlets were missing these screw-on covers.  Visitors probably do not notice things like this outright, but it gives the compartments on the ship a neater apperance.

    The 325 received another donation thursday, as well.  Mr. Jack Hays donated 3 receivers, with 1944 and 1943 dates; a type B crystal receiver, with a 1944 date; and a VHF radio telephone.  These peices of equipment go a long way toward helping our empty radio room look more like it did during the war. 

    Mr. Stone reports that the dry dock date has been changed to 20 August.  From dry dock the LST will move directly to its convention display area.  It will open there around 5 September.  Around 1 October it will return to Chickasaw.  The date was changed in order to minimize the movement of the ship.  Therefore the LAST day the ship will accept visitors in Chickasaw is 17 August.  The Bender Shipyard Dockmaster was actually at the ship Thursday to inspect the ship in preparation to drydock.  While he was aboard he read over various blueprints, inquired as to the amount of weight on board and visually inspected the ship so he could be familar with the job ahead.  Mr. Stone also reports that the operational tank deck blowers are making a significant difference in the comfort level for the Blue Crew and the ship's visitors. 

     ~ Michael Smith
 

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W.C. Smith and Harold Childers raise the flag to honor the Legion of Valor which visited the ship on Thursday

Jack Hays donated three receivers of WWII vintage, a Type B crystal receiver and a VHF radio-telephone

Members of the Legion of Valor 
after their visit to the LST

The equipment donated by Mr. Hays
on display in the ship's radio shack
And a couple of neat wide-angle shots, just for fun  . . .


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A personal note from the WebSkipper:  I'd like to encourage absolutely anybody and everybody to provide material for this page.  By no means are submissions here restricted to just certain individuals.  The whole purpose of this website (and especially this particular page) is to share information about our LST Ship 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!
 

Archives:

Archive for May 2001:

  • 01 MAY 01 - Progress Report from Walt McBride and Jennings Hoke
  • 05 MAY 01 - Crew Pictures from Ron Maranto (with pictures)
  • 05 MAY 01 - Sponsor Contact Information from Walt McBride and Jennings Hoke
  • 08 MAY 01 - Progress Report from Michael Smith (with pictures)
  • 14 MAY 01 - Editorial Correction re Discounted Lodging
  • 14 MAY 01 - Progress Report from Michael Smith (with pictures)
  • 16 MAY 01 - Update from Capt. Jornlin
  • 18 MAY 01 - Progress Report from Michael Smith (with pictures)
  • 21 MAY 01 - Update from Michael Smith (with pictures)
  • 21 MAY 01 - Progress Report from Walt McBride and Jennings Hoke
  • 24 MAY 01 - Additional Information Concerning Reduced Rates
  • 26 MAY 01 - Even More Information on Reduced Rates
  • 27 MAY 01 - Two Progress Reports from Michael Smith, 22 MAY and 25 MAY (with pictures)
  • 31 MAY 01 - Update from Walt McBride and Jennings Hoke
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)
Archive for March 2001:
  • 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)
Archive for February 2001:
  • 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

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