USS LST-325 R 301800 CDT JUL 03 SITREP (R302300Z JUL 03). Position. City of Paducah, 934.4-mile mark, at the confluence of the Tennessee-Ohio Rivers.The ship docked at 0845 this morning. Most of the day was spend on ship’s work and preparing for “open house” tomorrow. By commanding order “only clear weather predictions are permissible by LST-325 OPSCEN.” Reference: SITREP R300545 CDT JUL 03 predicted rain between 1400 to 1600 [sic today]…it rained at 1500 today. Weather: Evening: Temperature 77, wind speed calm, dew point 72, barometer 29.97 (1015.1 mb vrbl). “I did not say or predict that it might rain this evening…before 0100.”

    ~ Bill Kaupas

USS LST-325 R 300545 CDT JUL 03 SITREP (R301045Z JUL 03). Position. 0545 Completed lock-through at Smithland Locks & Dam, 918-mile mark. The ship stopped for the evening to coordinate ETA 0800 Paducah, KY. Riverfront Downtown, 934.4-mile mark -- at the confluence of the Tennessee-Ohio Rivers. 

LST-325’s voyage is at D+ 57 with 20 DELTA to go. The ship and crew have been on the Mississippi-Ohio Rivers for 58 days with 20 days to go—78 days. After Paducah — is Greenville, MS., and New Orleans. 

Weather: Temperature 66, patchy fog until 0900, fog/mist, humidity 96, wind speed calm, barometer 30.00 (1015.3 mb steady), dew point 65, visibility 3 miles. 

Today: Temperature Hi 86, best chance of rain between 1400-1600, mostly clear skies. 

     ~ Bill Kaupas

Note: "R 290600 EDT" means "Routine message 29th of July 06:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time"

USS LST-325 R 290600 EDT JUL 03 SITREP (R291000Z JUL 03). Position. Newburgh Locks & Dam, 776-mile mark. 0600 EDT Newburgh lock-through complete. SOG: 7.9 mph. 

The night was quiet aboard ship…but not the riverbanks—people come down to the river to honk and flash their car lights to say, “ALOHA.” It is a great feeling. 

Weather: Newburgh: Temperature 68, humidity 88 %, NE 7 mph, barometer 29.95 (vrbl), dew point 64, with chance of rain this morning.  Today: Hi 85, mostly sunny, wind speed NE 7 to 10 mph. 

### 

USS LST-325 R 282105 EDT JUL 03 SITREP (R280105Z JUL 03). Position. Jeffersonville, 602.8-mile mark. 0800 Ship’s Underway. 2100 Fix 711-mile mark (Cloverport, KY). ETA 2200 to locks--10 miles upstream from Cannelton Locks & Dam, 720.7-mile mark. SOG 8.2 mph. 

Next port of call: Paducah, KY, 934.4-mile mark. ETA: 300700 CDT JUL 03. 

Weather: Temperature 75, mostly cloudy, humidity 83, wind speed N 7 mph, barometer 29.92 (steady) dew point 70 degrees, visibility 10 miles. 

Tonight: 40 % chance of storms through midnight 

     ~ Bill Kaupas

 - Discount rates in Paducah for LST veterans
 - SITREP from Bill Kaupas
 - 2003 River Trip Crew from Tom Pendarvis

   DISCOUNT RATES IN PADUCAH FOR LST VETERANS

The Executive Inn in Paducah is offering discount rates to LST veterans during LST 325's visit there.  They are located on the waterfront near the ship.  Call their reservations number at 1-800-866-3636.  Their event page is at http://www.jrsexecutiveinn.com/Eventcalendar.htm. 
 

SITREP FROM BILL KAUPAS

USS LST-325 R 271852 EDT JUL 03 SITREP (R272252Z JUL 03). Position. City of Jeffersonville, 602.8-mile mark (mm). POD: Monday, 28 JUL, 0600 Set the Sea Detail - shift Quarterdeck to the Bridge. 0700 Underway for Paducah, Kentucky, 934.4-mile mark. The ship will transit 5 locks with priority clearance (McAlphine/607-mm, Cannelton/721-mm, Newburgh/776-mm, Myers/846-mm & Smithland/918-mm). Ship and crew doing well ... high volume visitor turn out--crew was able to effectively handle the number and lines. 

Weather: Today: Temperature Hi 88, partly cloudy …… Current: temperature 74, humidity 95%, wind speed calm, barometer 30.01 (1015.5 mb dropped .04 /2 hrs) dew point 73 degrees, fog/mist & rain, and visibility 8 miles. 

     ~ Bill Kaupas
 

2003 RIVER TRIP CREW FROM TOM PENDARVIS

Following is the list of those hardy "River Crew" sailors who are aboard for the full 78 days of LST-325's 2003 river cruise: 
 

Kenny Adams	Rocky Hill	Ad Mumford
Lee Adams	Larry Johnson	Hike Nedeff
Bill Arras	Bob Jornlin	Tom Pendarvis
Jim Bartlett	Roe Karstetter	Dominick Perruso
Don Chapman	Don Lockas	Dewey Taylor
Jim Edwards	Ron Maranto	Bruce Voges
Corbin Fowkes

It is noteworthy that over 70 percent of the River Cruise "full trip" crew are also Gold Crew members who originally brought the 325 back from Greece.  One might say that both a love of USN-style sailing/cruising and a full measure of stamina are attributes of the 18 crew members who are aboard for the Mobile-to-Mobile round trip. Their workdays include standing an assigned watch (which is all too often at midnight or 3 AM), performing regular duties, plus giving ship tours to up to 3000 on-board visitors during each in-port day. It's little wonder that the lights are usually out in the berthing areas by 8 or 9 PM each night! 

Bravo Zulu to the LST-325's 2003 Round-Trip River Cruise Blue Crew! Ask them if all the work is justified, and they'll probably reflect for only a microsecond or two on the myriad enthusiastic comments from our visitors, then respond with a resounding "YES". 

     ~ Tom Pendarvis

  - A Fond Farewell to Evansville, from Jim Anderson
  - A Hearty Hello to Jeffersonville, from Capt. Bob Jornlin
  - SITREP from Bill Kaupas
 

A FOND FAREWELL TO EVANSVILLE From Jim Anderson, WebSkipper    WebSkipper Jim Anderson (center) is greeted by XO James Edwards (left) and Capt. Bob Jornlin (right)

More than a few tears were shed -- on both sides of the water -- as LST 325 departed Evansville.  The crewmembers remain overwhelmed by the friendly and enthusiastic welcome received there.  Thank you so much, Evansville, for being such wonderful folks.  We're well aware that you stood in the heat (and sometimes rain) for several hours waiting to get aboard.  Your dedication to your LST history clearly shows. 

Besides our guests, we have so many people to thank for such a successful visit.  Some I will mention here, and I hope I don't forget anyone, but after a frazzling week and a half, I don't even know which way is up any more. 

Let me start with the Evansville Committee members, led by Mike Whicker, who have been making the most detailed preparations conceivable for the past two years.  If they overlooked anything at all, I certainly didn't notice!  These are some truly fine, dedicated, talented and hard-working people.  They are the ones most responsible for the resounding success of this visit. 

The media coverage was terrific.  WFIE 14 (and especially News Director Bob Freeman) not only had the best coverage, they also went a long way towards simply making the crewmembers feel welcome and happy.  The helicopter tours for the crewmembers were fantastic ... Thank you! 

Seemingly in the background, but fulfilling a very important role were the nurses from Deaconess Emergency Room.  They were there primarily to render any needed first aid, but also gave shade and ice water to hot visitors and crew alike.  They even helped out with shipboard duties!  [Ed. note:  Charity, if you ever get divorced, please email me.]  For the crewmembers, giving tours is very tough duty.  The temperature exceeded 100° each day, and it was even hotter below decks.  The humidity ranged from 75-100% (my rough guess).  Most of us gave between 10-15 tours per day.  After each tour, I made it a point to visit the nurses' station, get a glass of ice water and an ice cold towel to put around my neck.  Many thanks to these nurses who treated us like family! 

Our appreciation is extended once again to Madison Coal & Supply for their tow services.  There's no way to exaggerate how helpful you've been to us. 

Thanks, too, to Ben at Elliott's at Marina Pointe for being such a terrific and helpful host.  You and your staff are wonderful. 

Evansville, we love you and we feel it back in return.  Thanks for a most wonderful visit! 

My apologies to those whose emails I have not yet had a chance to answer.  My plate overfloweth at the moment. 

     ~ Jim Anderson, WebSkipper

Mike Whicker, organizer of  the Evansville LST Committee	Charity Frey of Deaconess Emergency Room, flanked by her two sons, at the aid station
An LCVP is lowered into the water ...	... and taken to position for display
My "roomie" Frank Perrella, flanked by Kennyand Anna Adams	Crewmembers of LSTH 929 showed up in force!
Original LST 325 crewmembers were greeted by Capt. Jornlin	The memorial gun salute was done by The Marine Corps Devil Dogs
Kudos to The Kyilindi Pipes & Drums for a magnificent performance!	We appreciate the tug services of Madison Coal & Supply
Shore power is disconnected prior to departure	And LST 325 is moved back into the Ohio River ...

The crew of LST 325 proudly salutes Evansville, Indiana,
Home of the Nation's Champion Shipbuilders

A Hearty Hello to Jeffersonville
From Capt. Bob Jornlin

Our reception in Jeffersonville is every bit as enthusiastic as it was in Evansville.  Once again, we received thousands of eager visitors on board.  It just can't get any more gratifying than this.  One of our visitors today was a 100+ year old lady who worked as a welder at the shipyard.  Also received on board today were Norm Dudek (who produced our terrific brochures) and Bob Busch of the U.S. LST Association.  Bob brought along 5,000 flyers and many past issues of the Scuttlebutt for distribution to our guests. 

I was proud to be put in the role of Grand Marshal of Jeffersonville's welcoming parade.  It was quite the affair, with vintage WWII vehicles and reenactors.  They added tremendously to this visit. 

Madison Coal & Supply Co. brought us to Jeffersonville, and they have now concluded their section of the river.  Please accept our most sincere thanks for your help.  From here, we will receive services from American Commercial Barge Line.  Many thanks to you as well.  Without your services, this trip would not be possible. 

Last, but certainly not least, many thanks to the citizens of Jeffersonville for your most wonderful welcome. 

     ~ Capt. Bob Jornlin
             CO, LST 325

SITREP from Bill Kaupas

USS LST-325 R 262140 EDT JUL 03 SITREP (R260040Z JUL 03). Position. City of Jeffersonville, IN., 602.8-mile mark. Today, Captain Jornlin was honored as the Grand Marshal in Jeffersonville’s Parade honoring the LST Ship workers and Sailors and all veterans. Many marching groups, bands and floats participated in the Parade. Visitors lined up early at the ship; with attendance high. 

Weather: Today: Temperature Hi 88, partly cloudy, humidity 70 %, wind speed S 10, barometer 30.15 (1020.6 mb vrbl), dew point 67 degrees, and visibility 7 miles. 

Best regards, 

      ~Bill Kaupas, SM2

  - SITREP from Bill Kaupas
  - Report from our Radio Room Operators

SITREP FROM BILL KAUPAS

USS LST 325 R 251957 EDT JUL 03 SITREP (R252357Z JUL 03). Position. City of Jeffersonville, IN., 602.5-mile mark. The visitor volume continues to be high. The morale of the crew is high. 

Mayor Galligan of Jeffersonville by executive order awarded Commodore rank of the Port of Jeffersonville to the Captain and crew. In addition, by authority of the Mayor Overton of New Albany awarded Pilot rank to Captain Jornlin. Furthermore, a 1944 original LST compass was presented to the Skipper. Donated by Glenn Murphy, Sr., US Army, Vietnam Veteran—produced for WW II LST’s in Jeffersonville. Special thanks to Mike Sodrel, Sodrel Truck Lines for his long-term effort to bring LST-325 to this great city. We owe you individually and collectively so much. BRAVO ZULU. 

Weather: Today: Temperature 84, humidity 49 %, mostly cloudy, wind speed S 8 mph, barometer 30.18 (1021.4 mb steady), and visibility 10 miles. 

     ~ Bill Kaupas
 

REPORT FROM OUR RADIO ROOM OPERATORS

Over the weekend of 18-20 July, Tom Pendarvis and Perry Ballinger, former US Navy electronics technicians and 2003 River Cruise radio operators aboard the LST-325, contacted several ships and well over a hundred amateur radio operators who sought mutual radio communications to commemorate Museum Ships Weekend. 

LST-325's morse code (CW) contacts by Ballinger included the USS Pakana, USS Salem, battleship USS New Jersey, and destroyer USS Kidd. 

The 325's SSb contacts by Pendarvis included the aircraft carriers USS Lexington and USS Hornet, the Canadian ships HMCS Frasier and HMCS Haida, the USS Littlerock, the famous nuclear submarine Nautilus, the battleship Wisconsin, destroyers USS Barry, USS Caston Young and USS Kidd, plus the battleship New Jersey.  During the days preceding this landmark event, Pendarvis also exchanged greetings with the neighbor of Edward Dyer who was a crewmember aboard the 325 at Normandy, plus the submarines USS Batfish and USS Silversides. 

     ~ Tom Pendarvis
 

Tom Pendarvis

Perry Ballinger

USS LST-325 R 241532 EDT JUL 03 SITREP (R241932Z JUL 03). Position. Jeffersonville City, IN., Overlook Riverfront, 602.8-mile mark.  Today’s visitors hit 2,000.  Commander Jeffery Tilbury, Commanding Officer, Navy Recruiting District Indianapolis toured the ship. It was a great visit between Captain Jornlin and CDR Tilbury … the visitors enjoyed the quarterdeck ceremony of ringing the Commanding Officer’s arrival and departure. CDR. Tilbury’s inspection resulted in a “clean sweep” – another broom for the 325’s mast. 

Tonight is the official Jeffersonville's welcome of the USS LST-325 and her crew-- the City has turned out for us...they are great. Jeffersonville – JeffBoats, Inc. built 123 LST’s and 26-submariner chaser during WW II, and is America’s largest inland shipbuilder today. 

Weather: Temperature Hi 81, humidity 45 %, wind speed vrbl 3 mph, barometer 30.11 (steady), dewpoint 59 degrees, and visibility 10 miles. 

Tonight: Patchy fog this evening, Lo 60’s, NW 5 mph-becoming calm. 

     ~ Bill Kaupas
 

  - Note from the WebSkipper
  - SITREP from Bill Kaupas
 

NOTE FROM THE WEBSKIPPER

My trip to Evansville was as wonderful as can be.  It was gratifying to see so many people willing to endure the weather and long waits in line to see the ship.  This is a clear message to us that LST 325 is indeed fulfilling its purpose and mission. 

I intend to post a full report on my past week in Evansville.  Because of "real life" concerns, I probably won't be able to do so until Sunday or Monday.  It will include pictures taken by several people who have been kind enough to send them this way. 

Special thanks go to the Madison Coal & Supply Co., who are now taking us up the Ohio River to Jeffersonville. 

     ~ Jim Anderson, WebSkipper
 

SITREP FROM BILL KAUPAS
Posted 24 July 2003

USS LST-325 R 230627 EDT JUL 03 (R231027Z JUL 03). Position. Just down river from New Albany, Indiana. 0700 EDT will lock through McAlphine Locks & Dam, 607-mile mark. The 325 will berth at Overlook Riverfront, Jeffersonville, Indiana, 602.8-mile mark, east of Highway 65 Bridge. Once clear of the locks--it will take 30 minutes to transit to Jefersonville. 

NOTE: There was a time change at 663-mile mark from Central Daylight (CDT) to Eastern Daylight (EDT) -- the ship has advanced an hour to Eastern Daylight Time. 

Weather: 0553 EDT Temperature 64, humidity 94%, wind speed NW 5 mph, barometer 29.89 (1012 mb steady), condition clear, visibility 10 miles. 

Today: Temperature Hi 70’s, wind speed NW 5 to 10 mph, chance of afternoon storms-30 %. 

     ~ Bill Kaupas
 

Madison Coal & Supply Co. is now  providing tow service to LST 325

LST 325 passing through  the McAlpine Lock and Dam

I arrived in Evansville on Monday evening, a day on which an all-time record was set ... over 3200 enthusiastic guests were given tours on LST 325.  Unfortunately, some had to be turned away at the end of the day.  LST 325 was truly under siege!  As of today, we estimate that we have had over 10,000 guests here in Evansville so far.  What a wonderful reception ... a mutual love affair.  Evansville is proud of its LST history, and it shows. 

It's absolutely amazing.  Some of these peope drive many miles to come visit the ship.  The lines are incredibly long, yet people patiently wait -- sometimes for hours -- as the lines creep forward.  The weather's hot, the humidity's high, yet they brave all obstacles to see this critical part of their history.  We love you, Evansville! 

I knew from afar that the ship's crew was working hard, but I guess never really appreciated the full extent of their work until I started doing it myself.  Yesterday, I did eight tours.  Now that doesn't sound like much, but when you consider that each tour goes the full length of the ship four times, up and down ladders, in this heat and humidity, sweating, going hoarse from talking so much, getting dehydrated, it's most definitely not an easy job.  I've only been doing it for two days now, so I'm relatively fresh.  I give a lot of respect to those who have been doing this for the past few weeks, most of whom are just a tad older than I am.  Believe me, we all sleep very well at night! 

We owe huge thanks to many people and companies, who have given us so much help.  The Evansville LST Committee has done an incredible job in advance preparations, getting everything set up and making arrangements.  They are truly dedicated people.  Luhr Bros. has been providing us with very valuable tug and tow service.  Deep thanks, too, go to Robert R. Aldrich, President of Evansville Marine Service, Inc. for valuable donated services here. 

We'll be here in Evansville for six more days.  A better and more fulfilling community reception cannot even be imagined. 

Following are a few random pictures taken by Ron Maranto and Pat Parella.  A few are from St. Louis, but most are from here in Evansville.  For me personally, it's great to be back aboard again, and it's fantastic to personally witness this terrific reception we've gotten in Evansville. 

Thank you, Evansville!

     ~ Jim Anderson, WebSkipper

[Ed. note:  Heartfelt thanks go to Ben at Elliott's at Marina Pointe for providing Internet access to keep the website updated.  LST 325 now provides the view from their front windows.]

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 July 2003(first half):

• 13 JUL 03 - Evansville Update, from Capt. Bob Jornlin 
• 13 JUL 03 - SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 11 JUL 03 - SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 10 JUL 03 -  SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 09 JUL 03 - SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 08 JUL 03 - SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 08 JUL 03 - Advance Preparations in New Orleans, from Capt. Hal Pierce 
• 01 JUL 03 -  SITREP from Bill Kaupas 

• 30 JUN 03 - Update from Capt. Jornlin 
• 27 JUN 03 - LST-325 SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 26 JUN 03 - LST-325 SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 25 JUN 03 - LST-325 SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 25 JUN 03 - Underway Report from Capt. Jornlin 
• 24 JUN 03 -  A Few Comments and Pictures from One of our Guests
• 23 JUN 03 -  Update from Capt. Jornlin 
• 22 JUN 03 - LST-325 SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 22 JUN 03 -  River Cruise Report from Michael Smith 
• 21 JUN 03 - Rosie the Riveter Dance Planned!
• 20 JUN 03 -  LST-325 SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 19 JUN 03 -  Update from Capt. Jornlin 
• 18 JUN 03 - LST-325 SITREP from Bill Kaupas 
• 18 JUN 03 -  "I'll Sail 'er as far as Memphis" by Pat Johnston 
• 18 JUN 03 - LST-325 SITREP from Bill Kaupas 

• 14 JUN 03 - LST-325 SITREP, from Bill Kaupas 
• 13 JUN 03 - LST-325 Arrives in Memphis, TN, from Bill Kaupas 
• 12 JUN 03 - LST-325 Underway Reports, from Capt. Bob Jornlin and Bill Kaupas 
• 10 JUN 03 -  A Wonderful Reception in Vicksburg, from Bill Kaupas 
• 08 JUN 03 -  An Active Radio Room in Vicksburg, Photos from Bill Ford
• 06 JUN 03 - USS LST-325 is Honored by USS Kidd, from Capt. Bob Jornlin 
• 04 JUN 03 - Open Letter of Appreciation from the Board of Directors
• 02 JUN 03 -  Ship's Report for May, Preparation for River Cruise, from The LST River Crew

• 30 MAY 03 -  That Incredible Adams Family! 
• 28 MAY 03 - LST 325 Expresses Thanks to Our Towing Donors
• 24 MAY 03 - New Flags Donated to LST 325
• 15 MAY 03 -  A Wonderful Wedding Aboard LST 325, from Ron Maranto 
• 11 MAY 03 -  Update from Ron Maranto 
• 10 MAY 03 - Urgent!  Cook Needed for River Trip!
• 10 MAY 03 - Raffle Winner Announcement
• 02 MAY 03 -  Update from Ron Maranto 
• 01 MAY 03 - Call for Volunteer Radio Operator, from Bob Wilder

Archives for current year

Complete index of archives, 2002

Complete index of archives, 2001

Situation Reports from XO Jackson Carter

for the period:  17 JUL 00 - 09 JAN 01 (see below)
 
 

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