As we pulled out of Chickasaw, I thought it would be the last look at the scrap yard, never to return ... WRONG!!

We went through the Gulf with no problems.  As we arrived in the Atlantic, we got into the Gulf Stream.  We were doing 10+ knots at one point.  We had to reduce speed because we were a full day ahead of schedule for Alexandria.

We arrived with few to greet us.  Lois Jornlin was waiting on the dock for us, as well as Priscilla and her husband.  I didn't think we would do too well in Alexandria, but as it turned out, it was our best stop. 

We all did our share of shore duty.  Most of us got to go to Washington DC to see the WWII, Korean and Viet Nam Memorials.  The WWII Memorial was spectacular.  The Korean Memorial was well done and the Viet Nam Memorial was sad.  From there it was the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  When we arrived, Lois was there to greet us.  She was a great help.  She had the only car, so she did all of the running around, plus when she wasn't doing that, she was the only one to take care of the ship's souvenir sales.  We did okay at the Academy.

When we arrived at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Jim Warner finally talked Donald Wittersheim into going to a doctor.  He had been feeling bad for a few days, thinking it was something he had eaten.  I understand that when he was examined, he was put into an ambulance and sent to a hospital, but sadly didn't make it.  Mrs. Wittersheim came to the ship and Perry Ballinger officiated a very nice ceremony.  Hike Nedeff came down with pneumonia, and got off at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  He was in Rhode Island Hospital for 16 days and had to have a pacemaker inserted.  I talked to him by phone and learned he is doing fine. 

Upon arrival in Boston, a fireboat and some small boats greeted us.  When we arrived at the dock, we knew were in the right place because Lois was there waiting.  Also there were several members of the Massachusetts LST Chapter, including Frank Earley, Peter Leasca (the president of the chapter) and lots of other members, whose names I don't remember.  They treated us very well.  Their contributions to the LST 325 Memorial will never be forgotten. 

As I went down to the dock, a very nice lady came up to me and gave me a great big hug and said, "Ron, I'm Sue."  I asked myself, "who the heck is Sue?" ... had she said "I'm 'SeaBat,'" I would have grabbed her first.  Eat your heart out, Jim.  What a sweet lady she is.  She helped Lois a lot.  Thank you, Sue, for my favorite wine, not to mention the beer you bought when you left. 

We didn't do as well as we expected in Boston.  Come to think of it, we seldom did do well in big cities.  By the end of two weeks in Boston, we were ready to move on.  Thank you, Massachusetts LST Chapter for all you did for the Memorial.

The highlight of my stay in Boston was a ride on the "USS Constitution" for the turnaround.  What a vessel that is!  I took quite a few pictures.  By the time we arrived back at the dock, I was ready to get off because it was very hot and crowded.  I didn't realize so many people were allowed at one time on that vessel. 

I can't forget to express the feeling I had when we passed Mt. Vernon.  The pride and the thrill that I got of knowing the history  was unsurpassed by anything I have seen.   I took a picture that I will share with you. 

Leaving Boston, we set our course for Gloucester.  Upon our arrival, we were moored to the Coast Guard dock.  Our planned one-day stay turned into four days, which were most enjoyable.  And guess who was on the dock waiting for us?  I did a lot of walking and saw a lot of the town.  We did pretty good there.  I wouldn't mind going back for a visit, but not by water. 

All in all, we had a good crew.  They all did their jobs, with the exception of a few.  We had two deserters, but they were easily replaced.  The food was good and the cooks, Ernie, Joe, Steve, Bill and Sandy, did a great job.

A special thanks goes to Ron Colpus, Ed Crowe, Ron Dudley, and Peter Retzko.  I know this trip was an experience you'll talk about for a long time, but maybe I'm wrong and you may try hard to forget it.  ;-)  Anyway, I know what kind of life you're used to on the sea and this didn't come close to that.  Ron Colpus, I remember asking you if you would do it again, when you stuttered and said "yes." ;-)  Ed, you were very informative.  You were always ready to explain questions asked of you.  I enjoyed very much conversing with you.  Ron Dudley, while we had to wait two extra days in Gloucester, we were happy to have you back, thanks.  Pete, you get so excited, but it amazes me how you could change from excitement to humor in a minute.  I was really disappointed that you didn't leave your work uniform.  I wanted to stand it up in our museum.  ;-)  Thank you for a great job.  Bill Tracy, the cadet, you were on the move the whole time but once in a while you would stop and say "hi."  Thanks for all you did.  I think you earned every merit for which you were striving.  I hope you guys won't forget us, because your sacrifice will be remembered always.. 

As for the East Coast Voyage, well, what can I say?  Thanks, it was great sailing with all of you. 

       ~ Ron Maranto

Television station WPMI (NBC 15 -- www.WPMI.com) in Mobile was kind enough to provide us with a few pictures from LST-325's arrival in Mobile.  Thanks, WPMI!

Arrival pictures from WPMI (NBC 15), Mobile, Ala.
.
Click on any of the images for enlargements

4 JULY 2005
TO WEBSKIPPER
FROM TOM PENDARVIS, LST-325 RADIO ROOM

THE VISION BECAME REALITY. NOW THE REALITY HAS BECOME ACCOMPLISHMENT, AND THE MYRIAD MEMORIES WE EACH BRING HOME.

AT OUR TEMPORARY TIE UP AT HOOK'S TERMINAL IN CHICKASAW AGAIN, SEVERAL OF US ARE STICKING AROUND TO HELP PUT THE LST-325 UP FOR A REST BEFORE SHE MOVES TO HER NEW HOME ON THE OHIO RIVER, IN EVANSVILLE, INDIANA.

GIVEN THE IRRELEVANCY OF OUR NORMAL SITREP FORMAT, WE'LL LEAVE YOU WITH A FEW INTERESTING FACTS:
 

IT IS WORTH MENTIONING THAT A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF EXPERTISE WAS NEEDED TO KEEP THE LST-325 RUNNING SMOOTHLY OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS. THESE SHIPS DON'T RUN THEMSELVES. WE NEEDED COOKS, DIESEL ENGINEERS (MOTOR MACS), ELECTRICIANS, LINE HANDLERS, STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE, PLUMBING, RADIO, CLERICAL, NAVIGATIONAL, TACKLE HANDLING, RIGGING, WELDING, AND COUNTLESS OTHER SKILLS TO MAKE THIS CRUISE A SUCCESS. AND ON TOP OF THAT, ALMOST EVERYONE SERVED AS A TOUR GUIDE WHEN WE WERE IN PORT. WE HAD TALENT, DEDICATION,ENDURANCE AND GOOD OVERALL CAMARADERIE BETWEEN SHIPMATES. THE LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE WAS AS GOOD AS, OR BETTER THAN ONE SEES ON MANY SHIPS MANNED BY CREWS WITH A FAR YOUNGER AVERAGE AGE. IN FACT, PERHAPS OUR GREATER AVERAGE EXPERIENCE LEVELS WERE THE BASIS FOR THE CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING WE DEMONSTRATED ON A DAILY BASIS.

SOME OF US BECAME CREW MEMBERS BECAUSE WE LIKE TO MAKE BIG DIESEL ENGINES AND RELATED MECHANISMS RUN. OTHERS CAME ALONG BECAUSE WE ENJOY SHARING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LST IN US NAVAL HISTORY WITH VISITORS WHO TOUR THE SHIP IN PORTS WE VISIT. SOME, BECAUSE WE WANTED TO REVISIT THIS CORNER OF OUR YOUTH. SOME, BECAUSE WE LIKE TO TALK AND EXCHANGE MORSE CODE GREETINGS WITH OTHER VINTAGE SHIPBOARD AND LAND BASED VINTAGE NAVY RADIO OPERATORS. OTHERS BECAUSE WE LIKE TO MANAGE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF SHIP OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE. SOME BECAUSE WE SIMPLY ENJOY GOING TO SEA. AND MANY OF US CAME FOR COMBINATIONS OF THE PRECEDING REASONS. BASED ON WHAT I HAVE OBSERVED OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS (AND THE PRECEDING 3 YEARS), WE EACH GOT PLENTY OF WHAT WE CAME FOR.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT MEN AND SHIPS?  IT SEEMS THAT THE MORE WE GO THROUGH TOGETHER, THE HARDER IT IS TO PART. BUT ALREADY THERE IS TALK OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO REJOIN THE LST-325 IN THE FUTURE. PERHAPS A FUTURE TRIP TO THE TALL STACKS EVENT IN CINCINNATI? PERHAPS A TRIP INTO ONE OR MORE OF THE GREAT LAKES? OR UP THE MISSOURI RIVER? OR INTO THE GULF? OR, IF WE REALLY WANT TO EXPAND THE VISION, PERHAPS THERE'S A "RETURN TO NORMANDY" EVENT IN LST-325'S HORIZON?

IN THE NEAR TERM, THERE'S THE TRIP UP RIVER TO EVANSVILLE, WITH A POSSIBLE STOP OR TWO EN ROUTE. SO THE SAGA OF LST-325 DOESN'T END HERE. THERE ARE MANY WHO HAVE YET TO HEAR, AS CAPTAIN JORNLIN APTLY PUTS IT, ABOUT "THE SHIP THAT WON THE WAR." STAY TUNED...

While this article is written in the first person, it is not about the individual … this represents the thoughts and feelings of hundreds of children of LST Sailors … and the thanks we owe to all of you.  It has been written to try, in some small way, to convey the gifts that you have given us by your service … in times of war and peace, and up through this very day with USS LST 325, The LST Ship Memorial.  We honor you, and your service.  Thank you.

During this Independence Day weekend I have to reflect on the recent visit to Boston, Mass.   In many ways, this is the cradle of our country and all of the freedoms we hold dear.  The freedoms and the early history of our nation experienced in Boston reflect brightly throughout the United States and the world even today ...  and there is no finer example than all of you who are associated in any way with our nation’s military and USS LST 325.

I arrived in Boston on a Sunday afternoon … just three weeks ago.  Leaving the airport, the heat and humidity was oppressive.  A weight on the mind, just as the memories of all of those thousands upon thousands who have given their lives over hundreds of years so that we might be free.  Yet, as the thoughts of so many tumble one upon another, the joy of the visit springs up … the enthusiasm for life, of experiencing all of the richness of our bounty.

Arriving in Charlestown Navy Yard, one sees the barracks that have housed so many of our military in the past.  The anchors lie forever at rest on the brick pavement.  The anchors, as you approach piers, seem huge yet insignificant among all of the history.  Standing on the bricks, heat reflecting heavenward, I see the USS Constitution.  I am amazed at the size of the ship, yet wonder that so few accomplished so much.  History … the history of our nation.

I gaze seaward and see the bow of the USS LST 325.  I smile … my friends are there … many that I have yet to meet.  The gray lady has never been more beautiful to me.  To the depths of my being, I wish my father were there beside me, sharing her with me.  I know that he is - not physically, but spiritually – a gift that God has given through the understanding and education you have shared.  I do not take that gift lightly.

I walk the length of the pier and see many familiar faces.  I haven’t met most of these men before, but feel they are family from their posts on the website and viewing their photographs.  Dear faces of dear friends. I approach the ticket area … fellow Ohio Amphibs/LST member Ray is near …   As I introduced myself to Sid, Ray corrects me as I state my name … “She’s SeaBat.”    Sid grins, laughter bubbles up ... and sets the tone for my relationship with the crew.  Gentle teasing, much laughter and sharing of information.

I am embraced by the USS LST 325 family ... so many to greet … I am humbled to be welcomed with such open arms.  Captain and Lois Jornlin, Bruce and Katie Voges along with their daughter Michelle, Ron Maranto, Rosemary and Bob Ostrander ... all welcome me with hugs … and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the box of homemade cookies Ray has carried in for me.  Mike Whicker appears … and I express appreciation for all of his literary work, the Evansville Committee and his current crew status.  The atmosphere is one of ‘old home week.’

Ron B. (he and his wife Angie are dear friends) bounds down the gangway … and I go to meet him.  I realize that I am seriously out of line (I ask forgiveness of the BMC) when a hug is followed by a “Mail Call” for Ron from friends back home.  We are all proud of Ron … his commitment to God, family, country and community.  Friends want to share their support of his dedication to LST 325 and their pride in his accomplishments.  I feel this scene has taken place many times during the journey, many times over the years, with other crew members receiving visits or mail.  No mail buoy necessary.

I am anxious to meet the rest of the crew … I wait for and receive permission to come aboard.  Over the past few years I have ‘talked’ to so many of the crew.  I want to be able to put faces and voices with the personalities I have come to know.  Each one is special.  I cannot find words to honor and thank them for their military service and for their dedication to the preservation of this ship.

Soon, I realize that the ship has closed for public activity and the sun is sinking into the western horizon.  I go to my hotel, and later out for a quiet dinner.  Time to reflect as an intense week of pre-vacation activity has closed and the first day of my vacation has taken place.  I feel the stress drop away …

On Monday morning I stop for coffee at a local shop and then walk to Charlestown Navy Yard, just a few blocks from the hotel.  Seated on a bench at Pier 4, I drink coffee as I gaze out to sea ... the morning mist burning off as the sun rises higher in the sky.  Thoughts of sailors on every sea, in every time, run through my mind.  How many have gazed out to sea, drinking morning coffee as they ponder what the days ahead will hold?  I do not know, but I feel the kinship.

Arriving at the ship, I go aboard and watch as morning muster takes place.  I stand back quietly as Captain Jornlin reviews the day’s business with the crew.   I later help set up the Ship’s Store for the day, reviewing the merchandise and prices, chatting with Lois Jornlin and Rose, the wife of the Massachusetts LST Association president.  Although the day promises to be very hot and humid, I feel the breeze off of the ocean.  It feels like coming home … 

Working in the Ship’s Store, there is time to talk to those who have just taken the tour.  The veteran who simply says, “She’s beautiful” and turns away to hide his tears humbles me.  I wonder with the small ones with Granddad who ask, “Did you really live on this ship, Gramps?”  I share pride with those of my own generation who proudly say “My dad served on a LST …” I smile with the Boston Police officer who walks the pier to see history and relates that he served in the Navy, but on a “tin can” … not a LST.  In the midst of folding T-shirts and selling souvenirs I am privileged to see firsthand the impact this ship had and has on so many lives.

In the afternoon, I am asked if I’d like to go for a ride.  Unsure of what I’m going to be doing, I still don’t hesitate to say yes.  I trust these friends, the officers and crew of LST 325.  I am speechless as I’m given a lifejacket and told to go to a specific area on the pier.  Josh, a young crewmember, joins me.  It is the thrill of a lifetime to ride in a LCVP.  I think of all of the men I have met who have served as coxswains and enginemen.  As I climb in, they are with me in spirit.  With them, I share the love of the water … the sea.  To be out on the water is one of the finest joys of life.  I think it reflects in my face, in my eyes.  I know it does in the faces of the others on board.  The view from the LCVP is spectacular.  It’s a different perspective of the 325 and of the Bay.  As we are out, one of the crew kneels down and removes the bilge plate to check for water.  I have no experience to remember, but suddenly all I see is the blood of those who were injured in battle.  In my mind I see the wounded and dying … rescued by these Beach Angels.  These were not only vessels of war, but also of mercy, of solace, of assistance.  I cannot share my thoughts with the others … I turn and ask a question regarding the ramp workings, feel the ocean breeze and cover the emotion.  Those rescued would say it was enough, just to remember them … but they are honored and will be immortalized when this LCVP is used in “Flags of Our Fathers.”

As I walk back up the pier, several of the crew are passing by for their turn.  One asks me for my “Mae West.”  I hesitate, and then grin … handing it over.  I am excited for them and want to have this experience to share.  I will remember this for the rest of my life … and extend my deepest thanks to those who made it possible.

I return to the Ship’s Store and the customers looking at the merchandise offered.

At the end of the day, the crew takes on stores.  Everyone pitches in to carry foodstuffs, cleaning and laundry supplies, paper products.  Only those on watch are excused. 

Evening mess is held on the pier.  Eating is serious business with this crew!  All is quiet until the meal is finished … then I see the camaraderie, the fellowship of these men.  Again, I am honored to be in their company. So many different backgrounds, the licensed crew blends perfectly with the volunteers as one.  The cooks on board work diligently throughout the visit to ensure there is quality and quantity of food available to fuel the force for the work ahead.  It does not go unappreciated.

I return to my hotel, feeling somehow that I am connected to this ship … reconnected to my father … to history.  Insignificant, yet belonging.  It is a very good feeling.

A new day dawns.  My friend Anne will arrive this morning for a day in Boston.  Anne lives nearby and has the same love of the sea and ships that so many of us do.  As past editor of “Anchor Watch” and current editor of “Amax Almanac,” I know that she will enjoy a LST experience.  This is one ship type that she has not yet experienced close up.

I assist Lois in setting up the Ship’s Store.  When Anne arrives, I welcome her and introduce her to many of the crew.  We go up the gangway and I take the tour with her.  Even though I have toured the ship before, it is my experience that each tour guide has his or her own special story or information to share.  The tours have standard information, but each of the guides makes the tour more personal, more inviting.  Many guides ask the veterans in their group about the duties they had so that they can accent that particular duty station.  The pride of accomplishment, the love of the ship is seen in each tour guide’s face and is reflected brightly in those of the visitors. 

The tour has varied since I last participated.  I note the changes and the new information given.  As much as I have studied, there is much more to learn and understand.  Each and every person I encounter teaches and shares information.

After the tour, Anne and I depart by ferry for a tour of Boston.  I truly believe that anyone could spend weeks there and not see everything of interest.  Anne and I see a great deal but there just isn’t time for everything.  I am the typical tourist … watching, listening.  Conversing with Anne about what we are seeing, stopping for lunch, catching up on mutual friends, purchasing a few items as the hours fly.    Many things have been commercialized, but underneath there is still a sense of age, of patriotism, of dedication to the worth of this country and yes, of its part in history.  This city is permeated with historic events, historic structures, and historic lives.  It is wonderful to have a friend to share the experience with. 

After dinner that evening, Anne departs to return home to her family.  I am grateful to them also, they have allowed us to have a day of friendship, of fun.  She has put aside her work and her family to spend the day showing me the sights of Boston in a whirlwind tour.  I am forever grateful for her kindness and her friendship.

Wednesday dawns much cooler than the heat and humidity of days past.  I again stop for coffee at the shop close to the hotel and spend a few minutes seated on a bench on the pier.  These quiet moments in the morning are treasured and peaceful.  It is quite a departure from my usual daily routine. 

This particular morning, I carry a small gift for one crewmember.  Inside an envelope I have a copy of the history of my father’s LST (a sister ship to his) and a copy of the article I wrote after my first tour of the 325 in Evansville … now almost two years ago.  The crewmember that gave that tour is on board today.  In some small way, I feel the need to share with him how much that meant to me.  This living, breathing ship and a part of my father I never knew is a gift beyond price.  I have no way of saying thank you beyond trying to convey the impact it has made in my life.  I board the ship and find him, and watch his face as he reads the article written two years ago.  He and the other volunteers need to be aware of the gifts they are giving us through their efforts.  They need to know how much they are appreciated, respected and valued. 

At morning muster, I stand back and watch the captain as he reviews events and progress relating information for the coming days.  The crew is attentive and when the order is given, they turn to.  Although the ship is being displayed and tours are being conducted, ship’s work continues.  Painting and cleaning never stop.  Maintenance for equipment is ongoing.  There is no such thing as “busy work.”  Every job has a purpose and a priority.  The Bos’n Chief is proud of his crew.

The Ship’s Store is set up inside the wardroom this day to allow some relief from the cool and rainy weather.  I do my best to help in any way I possibly can, but somehow it just doesn’t seem like enough … I am being given so much.  During the morning, I suddenly feel the rumble of the engines beneath my feet.  How many thousands have felt that same sensation?  The Chief Engineer and the 325 black gang are testing and/or checking maintenance that has been performed.   I never dreamed that I would be experiencing this event and use all of my senses, pausing to store the memory and thoughts.  To a snipe’s daughter, the engines sound smooth … the rumble is like that of a contented cat … the steady beating of the heart of the ship. 

Visitors arrive and tours continue, regardless of weather … very much as duties for sailors at sea continue.  I speak with many veterans who have come aboard and I’m honored to meet one of the original LST 325 crewmembers.  Each has a story to tell, a special memory.  They deserve to be heard, to be allowed to share and on this day I feel very special to be able to listen. 

I am treated to a second ride in the LCVP, and the experience is no less wonderful the second time.  It is cool in Boston and colder on the water, but exhilarating.  The senses are intensified as I feel the wind and the spray on my face.  In the coxswain and engineman aboard I see all of the mariners of the past, the present and future.  They are at ease with the sea but respectful of her power. 

I stand on the main deck and point out some of the signal flags to the Bos’n.  The ship is full-dressed and beautiful.  I do not know all of the flags and their meanings, but have begun to learn.  I’m excused from knot-tying, as the large hawsers are the only lines in the near vicinity.  It would be much different tying knots in those as opposed to the small cords I use to practice. 

In the early evening, after mess, one of my teachers appears.  I worry that D-Day H-Hour has come.  I cannot fail the test, yet I worry that I will do so.  Instead, I am given a full lesson in the workings of engines, the pumps, how fresh and seawater are used to cool the machinery, and how water and fuel are moved from one area to another.  We talk briefly about the steering problems encountered by so many LSTs and I am taught more about the aft steering mechanisms.  I am unusually quiet as I listen and learn.  Many crewmembers move about the ship … as they pass, they stop and share a story, a bit of information, a remembrance.  One stops to check my hands to see if they’re properly grease-covered.   It is very emotional for me, I feel very close to my father during these hours.  He would be grateful to his brothers who teach me, who tease me, who watch over me.  I will forever remember their kindness. 

I think about the hours upon hours of work that so many volunteers have given … it is overwhelming to think what an enterprise this ship is.  Yet, it is an effort that so many doubted would be accomplished.  The ship is operational and among the people … a dream that is no longer a dream but a wonderful reality.  Volunteers painting and cleaning the dry goods locker, the reefers; the pride of the Chief Engineer and the black gang in the engines; the Bos’n and deck crew in the appearance and general maintenance of the ship and lines; the RMs in the radio room with their  period operating radio equipment; the First Mate and crew in the navigation abilities; the captains in the conduct and abilities of all of their men.  The shore crew that works so hard to give us the website and communications; the ballast tanks full of paperwork that need to be completed; the fundraising efforts to pay for continued maintenance and expenses.  The wives, girlfriends and children who support their loved ones in this effort and add efforts of their own.   Every single person on board and many, many who are not present have struggled to make this dream a reality.  It is a gift to the nation.

As I leave the ship for the night, a friend says to me “You’re a good girl …” I reply that he and his mates are the special ones …  and thank him for the compliment of being called a girl.   Again, teasing and laughter cover a wealth of emotion.

My last day in Boston dawns, cool with freshening winds.  I am already reluctant to leave.  I feel peace and pride in all of those who have made this visit one to remember forever. 

After morning muster, I begin the routine of helping to set up the Ship’s Store, waiting on customers.  I am excused from fire watch in the shaft alley when it is explained that I will be leaving this morning. 

I have lunch with those in the galley.  I’m given a card made by the crew thanking me for their cookies and tea bread.  I will treasure the card.  I wonder why they are thanking me when they have given me so much and I have done so little.

Too soon, it is time to leave.  I do not want to say good-bye.  I hug those I see, asking that they convey my thanks and appreciation to the others and I begin the long and lonely walk back up the pier.  The work aboard continues.

At this particular point in time, I cannot look back.  I choose instead to look forward … to seeing the ship again in it’s new home, Evansville.  In the future, she will be closer to me … in spirit and geographically.  I have yet to spend time on the signal bridge, in the radio room, the chart room.  I have not had the experience of tying knots or splicing lines, chipping paint or working other areas of the ship.  Those times, God willing, are in the future.  It will be a time for me to work, to participate in preserving a history, a way to express my thanks to my new family and honor them. 

During this Independence Day I am thinking of you, returning to Mobile.  You have again made history, set an example of the spirit and determination that have made this country what it is today.   The celebration of this nation’s independence would not be taking place without your efforts and your perseverance.  Your spirit encompasses that attitude even today.

     ~ Susie Bloom (aka “SeaBat”)

[Ed. note:  In case you didn't yet get the news, the ship is now safe and snug back in Alabama, with the crew enjoying some VERY well-deserved shore leave.  BZ, guys!  Ya done good!]

ZCZC

SITREP FROM LST 325 2200 CDT 02 JULY 2005

R 030200Z JUL05
FM LST-325 RADIO / TOM PENDARVIS
TO WEBSKIPPER
SUBJ SITREP 02 JULY 05
BT
UNCLAS

SYNOPSIS

CONTINUING TO MAKE GOOD HEADWAY TO THE NORTHWEST, AND MOBILE BAY. TODAY THERE WAS A GOOD BREEZE FROM THE WEST, AND SKIES WERE MOSTLY CLEAR. THE OCEAN WAS ONCE AGAIN FAIRLY CALM AND BEAUTIFULLY BLUE. AS OF THIS WRITING, WE'RE STILL ABOUT 170 MI FROM MOBILE BAY.

THIS AFTERNOON, AS A FEW OF US STOOD BY THE SHIP'S RAIL AFTER DINNER, WE NOTICED SOME LARGER FLYING FISH THAT STAYED AIRBORNE FOR SEVERAL YARDS AS THEY MOVED FRANTICALLY TO GET OUT OF OUR WAY. IT'S EASY TO UNDERSTAND HOW ONE OF THESE FLYING FISH NEARLY MISSED HIKE NEDEFF ON THE FOREDECK AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR TRIP.

ONE OF THE FLYING FISH STAYED ALOFT FOR A SUSPICIOUSLY LONG TIME. THEN, ATYPICALLY, IT FLEW TO THE STARBOARD RAIL AND LANDED, CLEARLY EXHAUSTED. THEN IT FLEW TO THE DECK. IT WAS OBVIOUSLY SOME SORT OF BIRD THAT HAD TO BE RATHER LOST, SINCE WE WERE AT LEAST 240 MILES FROM LAND IN ANY DIRECTION. GIVEN OUR COMBINED COMPETENCY IN AVIAN TAXONOMY, WE REASONED THAT IT MUST BE A PURPLE CRESTED, LONG-LEGGED DECKPECKER. WE TOSSED IT SOME BREAD, HOPING TO RECRUIT IT FOR CHIPPING PAINT. BUT IT FLEW AWAY AFTER RESTING. HOPEFULLY IT WILL MAKE IT BACK TO WHATEVER DISTANT MARSHES IT CAME FROM.

GIVEN THAT WE'LL BE IN MOBILE BAY TOMORROW, AND WILL HAVE COMPLETED OUR WW2 MEMORIAL CRUISE OF APPROXIMATELY 4000 MILES, IT'S APPROPRIATE TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO MADE THIS ADVENTURE IN LIVING HISTORY POSSIBLE. THANKS TO THE THOUSANDS WHO CONTRIBUTED DONATIONS, THOSE WHO HELPED WITH THEIR TIME AND SKILLS TO GET THE SHIP READY; THOSE WHO VOLUNTEERED THEIR SPECIAL SKILLS AS UNPAID CREW, THE MERCHANT MARINE OFFICERS WHO ENABLED US TO MEET THE USCG REQUIREMENTS BY VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME  DURING PREPARATIONS AND THROUGHOUT THE VOYAGE, THE WIVES OF CREW MEMBERS, THE COMPANIES THAT CONTRIBUTED PRODUCTS AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, THE PILOTS AND DOCKING FACILITIES, OUR RADIO OPS SUPPORT STATION AF2HD, BOB WILDER AND THE WEB SKIPPER, JIM ANDERSON, MARINE RADIO STATION WLO THAT PROVIDE COMMUNICATIONS LINKS, THE AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE VOLUNTEERS ON THE MARITIME SERVICES NET WHO MADE ENTRIES INTO SHIP-TRAK ENABLING UPDATES AND DISPLAY OF OUR POSITIONS, PLUS MANY OTHER VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPED US AT VARIOUS STAGES DURING THIS TRIP. TO ALL OF YOU, THANK YOU! WITH YOUR HELP, WE'VE BROUGHT THE LST-325 AND THE HISTORY IT REPRESENTS, TO THOUSANDS OF VISITORS ON THE EAST COAST. YOU'VE HELPED MAKE THE VISION A REALITY. 
 

BT
KKKK
NNNN

ZCZC

SITREP FROM LST 325 1900 EDT 01 JULY 2005

R 012330Z JUN05
FM LST-325 RADIO / TOM PENDARVIS
TO WEBSKIPPER
SUBJ SITREP 01 JULY 05
BT
UNCLAS

TODAY THOUSANDS OF TINY FLYING FISH SKITTERED AWAY FROM THE LST AS WE MOVED TOWARD THE DRY TORTUGAS. NO DOUBT THEY TOOK US FOR A FEARSOME PREDATOR.

MORE SUN THAN NOT THROUGHOUT THE DAY. LARGE CUMULUS CLOUDS IN THE DISTANCE NEVER GOT CLOSE. SEA IS A DEEP BLUE, AND ABOUT 36 FATHOMS DEEP. WE'RE TRACKING 322 DEGREES, OR NORTHWEST, AND HAVE MOVED PAST THE DRY TORTUGAS. WE'LL CONTINUE HEADING IN THE PRESENT DIRECTION FOR SEVERAL HOURS. OUR SHAFT RPMs ARE MAKING "LIBERTY TURNS" NOW (262 VERSUS 252) AS WE PUSH TOWARD MOBILE.

SOME OF THE CREW MEMBERS ARE ESCHEWING THE CUSTOMARY DUNGAREES AND SHIP'S TEE SHIRTS IN FAVOR OF SHORTS AND TEES WITH MORE CASUAL MOTIFS. WHEN WE COMPLETE OUR WATCH DUTIES, MORE OF US ARE SPENDING SOME TIME IN CHAIRS ALONG THE RAIL. SIMPLY LOOKING OUT AT THE OCEAN. AT THIS POINT IN OUR JOURNEY, THE SEA EXTENDS TO THE HORIZON IN ALL DIRECTIONS. I THINK WE EACH WANT TO CAPTURE THESE SPECIAL INSTANTS IN OUR MINDS. SO WE CAN CALL THEM UP IN THE YEARS AHEAD, AND TRY TO RECONJURE THE PERFECT SERENITY OF THE WIND, OCEAN, AND GENTLE MOTION OF THE LST.

SOON WE WILL HAVE ONLY OUR MEMORIES OF THESE "ZEN MOMENTS" DURING WHICH OUR CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE UNIVERSE ARE IN PERFECT HARMONY. BUT NOW, AND HERE, IT'S WONDERFULLY REAL.
 

BT 

KKKK
NNNN

R 010400Z JUL 2005
FM:   TOM PENDARVIS, LST-325 RADIO
TO:   WEBSKIPPER, LST-325
CC:   BOB WILDER, RADIO OPS COORDINATOR, LST-325
SUBJECT  SITREP THURS MIDNIGHT CDT 30 JUNE 05

BT
UNCLAS

SYNOPSIS

WEATHER IS MOSTLY CLEAR AS WE FOLLOW ROUTE 1 WESTWARD 10 MILES OFF THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS. SEAS HAVE BEEN QUITE GENTLE, PRODUCING ONLY A DEGREE OR TWO OF ROLL FOR MOST OF THE DAY. THE FORECAST IS FOR CONTINUING LOW SEAS AND WINDS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS AS WE CRUISE NORTHWARD TOWARD MOBILE.

WHILE ON DECK TODAY, MUSING ABOUT THE BEAUTY AND BLUENESS OF THE ATLANTIC, I RAN INTO CAPTAIN JORNLIN. HE MENTIONED SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF "A WEEK OR TWO FROM NOW, WE'LL ALL REALIZE HOW MUCH WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED". THAT GOT ME THINKING. WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT THE VISION AND TENACITY OF CAPTAIN JORNLIN, THE GOLD CREW, AND THE LST MEMORIAL BOARD? THEY COULD HAVE COME BACK TO THE US IN 2001 AND SIMPLY RESTED ON THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. BUT THEY WANTED TO SHARE THE LST-325 WITH OTHERS WHO SERVED ON THIS UNIQUE BREED OF SHIP. SIMPLY PARKING THE 325 WOULD HAVE BEEN THE EASY THING TO DO. BUT CAPTAIN JORNLIN AND THE OTHER BOARD MEMBERS KEPT FAITH WITH A GREATER VISION. FOLLOWING THEIR LEADERSHIP, WE WERE ABLE TO SHOW THIS GREAT SHIP TO 37,000 AMERICANS WHO CAME ABOARD WHEN WE TOURED THE MISSISSIPPI AND OHIO RIVER TOWNS DURING 2003. THE CONCEPT OF MAKING THE LST-325 A CRUISING MUSEUM SHIP WAS CLEARLY WORKING. SO DURING 2004 AND 2005 WE WORKED HARD TO BRING THE NEXT STAGE OF THEIR VISION TO FRUITION: A MAJOR VOYAGE, UNDER OUR OWN POWER, UP THE EAST COAST. THAT DREAM IS NOW ANOTHER FAIT ACCOMPLI. THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL PEOPLE HAVE NOW BEEN ABOARD THIS LST IN ALEXANDRIA, BOSTON, BUZZARDS BAY,AND GLOUCESTER. THEY HAVE SEEN AND WALKED ABOARD THIS MAJOR SURVIVING SYMBOL OF THE SHIP THAT THEY OR A CLOSE RELATIVE WORKED ON,SERVED ON, WERE DELIVERED BY, OR WERE RESCUED BY. THEY HAVE WALKED, AS OUR CREW HAS WALKED, AND OTHER CREWS BEFORE US, THROUGH A SHIP THAT SERVED OUR COUNTRY WELL, AND IS FILLED WITH HISTORY.

THANK YOU, LST-325 BOARD, FOR PERSEVERING IN THE FACE OF COUNTLESS OBSTACLES, AND BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE. MAY THIS GREAT SHIP CONTINUE TO BRING LIVING HISTORY TO THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE ITS IMPORT. AND MAY THE 1945-2005 WW2 MEMORIAL CRUISE ALONG THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF THE US BE BUT ONE OF MANY CHAPTERS YET TO COME IN THE LIFE OF USS LST-325, THE LAST OF THE BREED.
 

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!

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Archives:

Archive for June 2005 (second part):

• 29 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 29 JUN 05 - In Memoriam, Robert Alferi
• 28 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 27 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 27 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 26 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 25 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 24 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 22 JUN 05 - "The Return of LST-325" is Available
• 21 JUN 05 - USS LST-325 Goes to Gloucester
• 17 JUN 05 - Captain's Update

Archive for June 2005 (first part):

• 15 JUN 05 - From The Navy NewsStand
• 13 JUN 05 - An Assortment of Pictures
• 11 JUN 05 - USS LST-325 Escorts USS Constitution
• 10 JUN 05 - In Memoriam, Donald W. Wittersheim
• 09 JUN 05 - LST-325's Arrival in Boston Harbor
• 09 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 07 JUN 05 - LST-325, 61 Years Ago Today
• 07 JUN 05 - D-Day Ceremony Pix and a NEAT Panorama!
• 06 JUN 05 - "The Return of LST 325" Returns!
• 06 JUN 05 - A Few Pictures
• 04 JUN 05 - No Normal SITREP Tonight, But ...
• 03 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 02 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 02 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 01 JUN 05 - SITREP
• 01 JUN 05 - P.R.: Historic Warship USS LST-325 Making Three Ports of Call in Massachusetts

Archive for May 2005 (second part):

• 31 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 31 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 31 MAY 05 - Underway SITREP
• 31 MAY 05 - In Port SITREP
• 29 MAY 05 - In Port SITREP
• 28 MAY 05 - In Port SITREP
• 27 MAY 05 - In Port SITREP
• 27 MAY 05 - Voyage Pictures
• 27 MAY 05 - Press Release, Evansville Mayor's Office re: Movie Deal
• 26 MAY 05 - No SITREP Available
• 26 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 25 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 25 MAY 05 - P.R.: "WWII Ship USS LST-325, Decorated D-Day Veteran, Salutes Alexandria, Va.
• 24 MAY 05 - Condolences to the Taylor's
• 24 MAY 05 - Position Map
• 24 MAY 05 - SITREP

Archive for May 2005 (first part):

• 23 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 23 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 22 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 22 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 21 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 20 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 20 MAY 05 - Captain's Update
• 20 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 19 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 18 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 18 MAY 05 - SITREP
• 17 MAY 05 - P.R.: Historic Warship LST 325 Sets Sail for East Coast Tour
• 16 MAY 05 - Captain's Update
• 07 MAY 05 - Update from Capt. Jornlin
• 06 MAY 05 - In Memoriam, Albert J. White

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