 |
This page was last updated: 31 AUG 01, 1600Z |
|
|
This page was last updated: 31 AUG 01, 1600Z |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES: You may need to click on your Reload or Refresh button to see the latest updates on this page. The first half of August has been placed in an archive file, which may be accessed below. |
|
Our primary contact for the ship is Mr. Earl Stone at 251-604-5492 (M-F, 8 am-4 pm CDT only ... please!). The ship's general telephone number is 251-402-1225, which can take messages when unattended. 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. |
|
A THOUGHT FROM ONE OF OUR SUPPORTERS: "We just received our notice from IRS about the refund, and my wife said, 'Why don't we pass this on to the LST Memorial Fund -- it's something we didn't expect, so we can do without it.' I thought it was a great idea -- maybe others could do the same. Do you think the LST people would respond?" That sounds terrific! Simply endorse the back of your check: "Make payable to 'USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL FUND'" and send it to: USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL FUND, c/o American Savings Bank, P.O. Box 627, Danville, IL 61834. If only just a handful of people accepted this challenge, it would make a HUGE difference! |
|
||
| I was down to Mobile on the ship while in dry dock; also Bartlett,
Voges, Chapman, Maranto and of course, Hal Pierce and the Blue Crew.
Met with Coast Guard officials and went over plans of docking at the Convention
Center, tour routes, qualifying tour guides, and the length of time we
may show the ship at the Convention Center. We are asking for one
week before the convention date for Mobile people and other ship reunions
that will be in town, of course during the convention, and for one week
after for Mobile and other reunions. The week of the 18th-24th, we
are trying to keep exclusively for the LST convention people. We
will need cooperation as everyone cannot see the ship in one or two days.
Too many people at once. We must spread out if more than 4000 are
there as we think there will be.
The tour will include the wheelhouse, conn, officer's country, aft crews' quarters, main deck. Can view tank deck but not allowed to let people on there because of only one good exit - we need to comply with safety rules. From the crew's quarters, we can show entire starboard side coming out from the starboard bow doghouse. We are thinking of having professional pictures taken at the 40mm gunmount, if you like the idea. There will be a re-commissioning ceremony at 2:00pm on Friday, Sept. 21st either on the ship or close to it. We looked at the ship in drydock and found that the bottom of the old girl has some wear and tear but looks surprisingly good. We have several small holes that are no real problem and two cracks that will have to be cut and metal inlaid to correct. Our problem, as we have mentioned many times, is lack of funds, as we are spending the bulk of it to make the ship look good for the convention. The LCVP's that the Blue Crew painted and made look good have LST 325 painted on all of them. We are all very impressed with the work the Blue Crew has done and so will you when you see her. We are hoping to make arrangements for times that those with physical disabilities can tour the ship. This tour will be slower paced and more assistance available and will be exclusive for these people. We are thinking from 8-9:00am Tuesday and Thursday if that works out. Captain Hal Pierce has done a remarkable job with his committee in preparing for the display of the 325. We are getting a lot of help from many people in Mobile that is greatly appreciated. I also sat in on a meeting for planning for the Veteran's Day Award presentation for the crew. They are planning a very nice ceremony and celebration. ~ Bob Jornlin |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Pearl Ellison |
Helen LaMore |
|
FROM CAPT. HAL PIERCE DATED 29 AUG 01
With our heartfelt thanks going to
|
Calvin Ellison Photo courtesy of Margret Burke |
| We were underneath the LST 325 several times in the last couple of
days. The ship's bottom ain't pretty, but I have to tell you that
this ship's bottom, 58 years old, looked pretty good and better than I
thought it would. Pressure washing of the hull is complete and sand
blasting is about to begin.
In about two days we can examine the hull. We have about eleven trouble spots, two cracks to fix. This can be done. When the bottom is fixed, we will be painting, painting, painting. We are being well-treated by Bender Shipyard personnel. We have been trying to reconcile what we have to do with the funding we have. Earl Stone is personally responsible for a $50,000 donation. I'll let him announce the people, who should be highly honored. [See the Special Bulletin below.] Actually, at this point in time we may have most of the money we need, but you must remember: While the ship is in dry dock, dry dock work is the Number One Priority, and if we go broke on the dry dock it will be money well-spent. Personally, I think if we had $50,000 more we would be in the clear. To summarize, the ship work is coming along fine; we are pretty close to schedule; we haven't had any big snags; and we are looking at a really big time for September. That LST parked there should make this convention hum and be a life's experience for many attendees. Anyone who has any money to help the LST and Blue Crew get over the hump, check right in. ~ Capt. Hal Pierce
[Ed. note: Please remember your donation can be quickly and easily made by visiting the Donation Page.] |
|
|
||
| In a telephone conversation that took place just moments ago, Capt.
Jornlin reported that the drydocking is going very well indeed. There
are a few small holes in the hull to be repaired; other than that, the
hull will be washed, sandblasted, and the sides and deck are scheduled
to be painted. Things are going right according to plan and our Grand
Old Lady should be looking fine for her "formal presentation" coming up
very soon now. Capt. Jornlin also reports that approximately 90%
of the Coast Guard standards and requirements have now been met.
Even with things going so well, YOUR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS STILL NEEDED. Quite simply, this drydocking is a rare opportunity to get work done that cannot be done in the normal course of things. The more donations that are received within the next week or two, the more can be accomplished NOW while "the iron's hot." We're certainly looking forward to proudly welcoming you aboard in just
a few short weeks!
|
|
||
| We've finalized plans for the ship to be at the north end of the Convention
Center. I am going down to Mobile this weekend for three days for
the dry docking which had been postponed until this Friday 24th.
Some ship had to be moved out first.
There is a recommissioning ceremony scheduled for Friday, Sept. 21, at 2:00 pm. It should be a very nice event and we hope everyone will include it in their plans. ~ Capt. Bob Jornlin |
|
FROM BRIAN
BALDWIN |
|
Well, this is far from an update since it's been almost a month since I was physically aboard the LST-325, but in spirit, I'm there every day (I bet those actually doing the sweating might have a different opinion). To see the progress and the accomplishments made in a month's span is phenomenal - the radio room painted; the LCVP's scraped, painted and hoisted; the stern anchor removed for easy tugging - all the special machinery and equipment in the world could not have made these tasks easy. I'm sure there were plenty of grunts and groans and sweat shed during those arduous tasks, but I'm also sure there were plenty of smiles and chuckles as well. I traveled from eastern Pennsylvania to spend one week aboard ship back in mid-July. My goal was to try to help out wherever I could, plus to tap the LSTers' memories for some old sea stories. My grandfather, Leonard Musalavage, was a BM2/c on LST-703 in the Pacific during WWII. He passed away five years ago, and I thought lending a hand on the 325 would be a great way to honor a man who is one of my true heroes. My grandfather never spoke much about his life aboard ship or his encounters in the Pacific. I thought traveling to Mobile would be a great way to see what life was like aboard an LST (in my mind, one of the most influential ships of WWII) and to imagine what it was like for him personally. During my stay aboard the 325, Mr. Vance Barnes was kind enough to take me under his wing and attempt to show me how to paint. But I learned quickly that no one can keep up with Vance when he has a brush in his hands. I even enjoyed raking rocks with Pat Johnston in preparation for the plastic screening under the LCVP's before they were painted (Pat had a couple of blisters to show for it too, but he was treated expertly by Medic Barnes). Unfortunately for the local Blue Crew who show up week-in and week-out to put in a good day's worth of labor, I spent a good bit of my time aboard sitting in the shade of the fan tail listening to some incredible stories. The old saying "If walls could talk?" Well, let's just say I sure am envious of that old stern anchor cable. A Fleet Tug sinking a German sub off the coast of South America, the PBY miracle over the South China Sea, seeing daylight underneath an LST on the rough English seas - these are just some of the stories told while I was in Alabama. Plus, I learned a few things about southern Alabama, like I-10, Eastern Shore, and LA. I received quite an education. If you are even slightly thinking about heading to Chickasaw to lend a hand, PLEASE DO SO! You will not regret it. In fact, it just might change your life. It's changed mine. To paraphrase Pat Johnston on his last day aboard, you leave a lot of sweat on board, but you take home a sense of accomplishment, pride, and many new friendships. Plus, I personally discovered a whole new set of heroes to look up to. Keep up the good work, Gals and Guys! I hope to see you all again real soon. And I am VERY proud to be a member of the Blue Crew Family! |
|
IMPORTANT! |
|
Ticket stubs, along with their accompanying receipts, MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN SATURDAY., SEPTEMBER 8TH. They should be mailed to: The USS LST Ship Memorial RaffleSales volunteers attending the convention can turn them in there, directly to Mr. or Mrs. Voges. Either way, please be sure to have the stubs submitted in time for the drawing (Sep. 23 at 8:00 pm). |
|
FROM MICHAEL
SMITH DATED 20 AUG 01 Mr. Stone was nice enough, once again, to meet me at the LST 325 during his day off and let me take a few pictures. Remember that the ship is always closed on the weekends. The Blue Crew just cannot stay away from the heavy lifting work. The four LCVP's are back in their davits after having a cleaning and some paint work. Getting those boats up and down is a big job (see previous report about getting them down) and the Blue Crew didn't have a dry shirt in the bunch after that job. But they were not done. Since the ship is going into dry dock, it was decided that the stern anchor should be removed, in order that the tug may have an easier time maneuvering the LST. Sure, its a great idea, but who's gonna wrestle that thing off the stern and onto the main deck? The Blue Crew and the crane went at it again, safely storing that anchor up on the main deck. Things are really coming along in Chickasaw, and even though I jump at the chance to visit on my day off, it really makes me miss my days of work with those Blue Crew guys! |
Port and . . .
. . . Starboard views of the
|
Zinc plates like these are attached to the
|
This view is looking down from the
|
This is a good example of the
|
The stern anchor at rest on the main
|
Auxiliary engine room bilge: this is the
|
The port forward LCVP snugly
Once again . . . kudos to our Blue Crew! |
UPDATE FROM EARL STONE, DATED 18 AUG 01: Earl Stone reported yesterday that drydocking has been pushed back to Fri., 24 AUG. The LCVP's are back aboard, having been freshly-painted and they're looking great! Michael Smith is at the ship today and will soon be submitting our last report and set of pictures prior to drydocking. It promises to be a dandy, so look for it!
 |
Dick Ehlert contacted us to let us know of a lady who wanted to donate several stainless steel mess trays. (Those trays that you recall with such fond memories.) She'll be sending them along to the ship and they'll look right at home in the galley. Mr. Ehlert then made the decision to donate his Seth Thomas key-wound wall clock that he liberated from LST 495 shortly before scrapping. This will be a most valuable addition to the ship! |
 |
The prestigious Audie Murphy Patriotism
|
At an Independence Day celebration, our Sailing Crew was honored with the prestigious Audie Murphy Patriotism Award. Thanks to Gold Crew member Ron Maranto, we now have a photo of this wonderful tribute to the crew (at left). Speaking of tributes, Peter Leasca reminds us that the White House has been considering Presidential recognition for the crew for quite some time now. He feels that a groundswell of grass-roots support will help sway the White House to finally move on this. We all know that the crew richly deserves such Presidential recognition, but apparently we need to make that known to those who make such decisions. Please contact the White House and your Senators and Representatives, and have them urge President Bush to honor this fine crew for their dedication and accomplishments. They've done wonderful things for this country, and it's only fitting that our country should now publicly acknowledge that. Don't wait ... DO IT NOW! |
|
FROM
Tom Sparkman's son Patrick
|
When Tom Sparkman visited the ship on July 18, he took a number of terrific pictures. If this gentleman isn't a professional photographer, then perhaps he's missed his calling. These are most definitely quality photographs, and you're sure to enjoy them. It was our original intention to publish only about half a dozen, but the weeding-out process was a complete failure. None of them could be discarded lightly. So we're posting 23 of them. The thumbnails on this page only barely do them justice. Be sure to click on the thumbnails to get MUCH better quality pictures. Keep in mind that these pictures were taken on July 18. There's been quite a bit more work done in the meanwhile. For example, we recently posted a picture of the newly-repainted radio room that was taken after Tom's visit. Once again, please have patience while this graphics-intensive page loads. It will be worth the wait! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
for better quality pictures!
|
|
|
FROM PAT
JOHNSTON |
Pat Johnston at the stern anchor |
Pat Johnston also served with the Blue Crew in July. He now would like to share a few nuggets with us:Although I am 2,000 miles away from the 325, she is never far from my thoughts. I recently received a letter from Pearl and Calvin Ellison, members of the Blue Crew, and they filled me in with some of the ongoing work progress. The Ellisons tell me that the LCVP project is coming along, although a lot of hard work, they have been short-handed. The plastic screening was laid beneath the craft (to collect lead-based paint chips) the plastic screening allows the water from the high pressure cleaning to pass through, while retaining the toxic paint and debris. The cleaning got rid of the barnacles, old paint and grime, the engines were removed (to alleviate the need for cleaning oil from the craft asthey will be for display only) and they are hoping to start painting. Pearl reports a lot of little paint jobs on the ship have been completed, little jobs that go unnoticed until they start to add up. Also broken deck slats around the signal deck are being replaced and painted. Pearl warns that whoever the scoundrel is who keeps running the coffee pot over better get his act together, or she will enforce the Walk-the-Plank rule for messy coffee drinkers.
Getting the letter from Pearl and Cal reminded me of the many stories I heard on the ship, these are two from Calvin Ellison, repeated with his kind permission.
Cal remembers being in a convoy of about 20 LSTs one day, he was on LST 23, all the ships were testing their bow doors and ramps. As they sailed along at about one and a half knots they were being hit occasionally with large swells. The swells were large enough to lift the ramp of LST 23, and drop it down hard enough for the sound to vibrate all the way to the bridge. The Captain called Cal, who was the carpenters mate in the carpenters shop, located forward, on the starboard side of the tank deck and close to the bouncing bow ramp.
Cal went out to check and figured he'd place a 2 by 4 between the bow door and ramp and hold it steady that way. Just as he began to get the job done a large swell hit, came over the ramp and pulled Cal back out with it. He was dragged under the ramp; struggling, breathless, and preparing to meet his maker when he grabbed the bottom rung of the bow door ladder. With no hope of pulling himself back aboard, just holding on and his strength failing, he felt a hand grab his wrist and haul him in. It was a stewards mate named Bradford, one of the few Black sailors on board and according to Cal someone who never came near the tank deck bow area. Brad saved Cal's life, and what circumstances brought Brad to that particular area, at that particular time, on that particular day is one of the mysteries that are common in war time. Sadly when Cal traced Brad to New York in later life, Brad's wife told him that her husband had passed away a few years before.
Cal's second story takes place during the invasion of the Marshall Islands. The LST 23 continued to bring in supplies after the major fighting had moved inland. They were ferrying gear and supplies in from transports offshore and
bringing it onto the beach. Cal got left behind on one trip and figured no problem, they'll pick me up again on the next run. Meantime some Marine MPs spotted him on the beach, asked him what his business was and why he wasn't
wearing a sidearm. Being a carpenters mate Cal held up his claw hammer and said he didnt need one as long as he had this. The MPs didnt like the answer (no fun those MPs) and stuck him on a burial detail interring the bodies of dead Japanese. Cal had to stay overnight and was glad to get back aboard the 23 the next morning; Cals biggest complaint about the incident was that the MPs never did give him back his hammer. I enjoyed these reminisces by Blue Crew members and know there are many sailors out there who will get a chuckle, or recall some event that stirs similar memories in them.
|
Two Lucky Winners At Scott Air Show! A double drawing was held by the LST Memorial booth at Scott Air Force Base's recent air show. The first drawing was for a LST 325 hat autographed by Cpt. Jornlin. The lucky winner was Traci Baker of St. Louis, Mo. Congratulations, Traci! As you wear your hat remember a lot of envious people will be watching! The winner of the second drawing received a LST 325 Memorial Commemorative T-shirt. The excited winner of the T-shirt was seven year-old Braden Reid of Scott AFB. Braden attends Mascoutah Elementary and loves baseball and fishing. Braden's shirt was delivered in person by a member of the Steering Committee. She had the pleasure of meeting Braden's mother Tammi, who works for Video Odyssey, as well as his older brother Jordan. Braden is justifiably proud of Certified Young Eagle Jordan. At the age of 11, Jordan has already had the experience of flying a Mooney Mark 21! Unfortunately, Braden's dad, Staff Sergeant Ron Ried was unavailable. He is kept busy between his Air Force job and his teaching position at Mid America Airport. What does one teach at an airport? How about C-9 engine maintenance? When asked what he thought of his T-shirt, Braden's emphatic reply was, "It's really tite"!! For all the old folks out there, that is the same as groovy and cool. Check out the photos of Braden wearing his tite (not tight) T-shirt. Grandparents and parents: If you know a kid who thinks having a LST 325 shirt would be "really tight" be sure to visit our website store. Kid sizes are available. |
Tammi, Braden
Braden Reid
|
|
POSTCARDS NOW AVAILABLE! Do you remember that thin, red line we were all watching with bated breath on the Internet, as LST 325 and her crew slowly inched their way across the Atlantic? You know ... the one that we all pulled up about three or four times a day, hoping for a recent update? Now it's available as a souvenir postcard. Be sure to look for them at the convention, where they'll be available for sale (50 cents each) while quantities last. For sure, you'll be wanting to send them out to your friends and relatives. And, of course, you'll want to save a few as souvenirs. While advance sales are available, resources DO NOT permit us to mail small quantities of these. With all we have to do before the convention, it's simply not a cost-effective use of our resources to mail out small quantities. For the moment, we need to limit such mail orders to quantities of 50 or more. (Interested persons can pool together on an order, of course.) The cost, as mentioned, is 50 cents each, and you'll need to add an additional $3.95 for Priority Mail. If interested, please email us. |
Click to enlarge |
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: 
with pictures 
Gold
Crew
Blue Crew
Archives: Archive for August 2001 (first half):
|
All contents of this website are Copyright © 2001 by The
USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Please email the WebSkipper
with comments, corrections or suggestions.
