I arrived Thursday at the Brookley Center, got a room, went to the ship and was happy to see Capt. Bob Jornlin, Ed Strobel, Hichael Nedeff, Gary Lyon, Don Lockas, along with their wives, and Bruce Voges with his daughter.  The whole day we chipped and painted, wives included, and cleaned the decks.  A lot of Blue Crew was there doing the same things.  Some of them brought their wives and put them to work too.  There were new faces and I can't remember the names.  We quit at about 5:PM. 

Got up at 5:30 to make ready to take the ship out of drydock.  We were supposed to leave around 7:00 AM, but because a container was occupying part of the dock, that we were going to use, we had to wait for it to finish loading and move.  Around 9:00 AM they started to lower the dock but had to raise it again due to finding a leak in the main engine room bilge.  It seems that an angle iron support to the deck in the engine room was resting on one of the dry dock blocks and punctured a hole in the bottom.  So they had to raise the ship again to weld a plate on it from the bottom.  I guess it was close to 1:00 PM before we got that fixed and lower the ship into the water to check again for leaks.  The second try was successful.  In the meantime we turned to painting and made ready the lines to tie to the dock.  On the way to the Convention Center we passed a USN cruiser and as we did the crew came to attention and saluted us as we passed by.  That was very moving for us.  We got to the dock at about 2:30, at which time the gangway was installed, and no sooner was it secured, people came charging aboard.  There's still a lot of work to be done to make ready for the 17th.  More painting, hosing down the deck and a lot of sand all over the place to be removed.  I left about 4:PM for home, looking forward to Tuesday.

I would like to mention that Devoe Paint donated 40 gallons of paint and it was delivered to the ship a while back by Charlie and Jean Marking of the Blue Crew by way of their motor home from Ky.  They spent 10 days working on the ship and small boats earlier, and are back at it again and will stay the rest of the month to help out.  Boy!  That what I call true love for the cause. 

  ~ Ron Maranto
 

We are also planning two great ceremonies, the Recommissioning Friday at 1400 and the Memorial Ceremony Sunday the 23rd at 1000.  As you can well imagine, a purely patriotic project such as this is now taking on a new dimension because of the shocking events of the last few days.  We intend to add these events to our memorial recognition of our LST veterans in the Sunday ceremony.  I am going to work on demonstrating a sensitivity to that scene wherever I can. 

In any case, the ship is in place, there were dozens of people waiting to come aboard to see it when we pulled in, and we made a good start today. 
 

WE ARE COOKING!
 

  ~ Capt. Hal Pierce
 

The drydock is a place which requires constant care as to one's own safety and well-being.  With heavy equipment and high ladders, all must take care to guard against injury.  The LST volunteers have moved right in and become adept at working in this tough environment.  Yet again, the  volunteers have proven their dedication and devotion to this project and their dream of preserving this ship for future generations!

     ~ Michael Smith
 

AT THIS TIME IT WILL BE 24 HOURS BEFORE YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE BEFORE YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR NOT CANCELING OR SHOWING UP.  THANKS FOR THE PATIENCE AND WE WILL SEE YOU IN MOBILE.

  ~ LINDA GUNJAK
 

The USS LST Ship Memorial's Steering Committee will be operating booths for sale of fundraising items, distribution of informational materials, etc.  Volunteers are needed to help man these booths from Thu., Sep. 20 through Sun., Sep. 23 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

You're certainly free to choose your own days and hours (min. 2 hrs.).  Please sign up NOW with Shailee Upadhyaya.  You can contact her at 1-212-586-1972, or email her at shailee_upadhyaya@hotmail.com

You will have a MUCH more satisfying visit knowing that you helped to make it work!

  ~ Shailee Upadhyaya
    USS LST Ship Memorial, Steering Committee

Update from Capt. Jornlin

In a telephone interview just a few minutes ago, Capt. Jornlin expressed sentiments shared by all those working in Mobile on LST 325.  "We watched the coverage yesterday and we're extremely saddened by these events.  Our thoughts are with those who are still trapped; and with those sorrowed by the loss of loved ones.  These acts were perpetrated by cowards, whose attacks on innocent civilians are reprehensible."

Capt. Jornlin reports that work and plans are still on course and "full speed ahead."  He hopes that visitors will be able to overcome any travel obstacles that may come about as the result of yesterday's events.

He reports that work on the ship is progressing extremely well.  The hull has been fixed; painting has been completed; trim painting is being accomplished today; and the ship will soon sport shaded hull numbers.  It is still expected to move to the Convention Center on Friday (9/14), where the Gold and Blue Crews will receive a 3-hour course for giving tours and coping with any problems.  It's anticipated at this point that all of the Coast Guard's criteria will be met.
 

The National Reunion of the LST Association is proceeding as scheduled.  We have not changed anything.  Unless we are instructed by the President of the United States we will continue with the reunion.  Our attendees
deserve the right to come together and remember our freedom and show that we are the greatest nation in the world and we will not give up.  I believe that this will be the best way to show the world that we are not giving up to this terrorism.  I know it is a difficult decision for some of our people but they must make that one.  We all understand and will stand by there right of choice. 

If you are not coming and will be canceling please first call your respective hotels and then give me a call so I know what is going on.  We will be here until Saturday September 15, 2001.

Thanks and God Bless America and our fallen people.

     ~ Linda Gunjak, Meeting Planner, United States LST Association
 

I am posting this to several reflectors so I can get the most coverage to the most people.  I am currently involved in the restoration of the radio room aboard the museum ship "USS LST Ship Memorial" which is the LST-325 that made the historic journey across the Atlantic earlier this year. 

We want to thank every one of the people who have donated equipment for this very worthy cause.  To date we have secured the following items:

1. TDE Transmitter
2. TBS-1 Radio Set
3. Stromberg PA System
4. TCS Remote control Unit
5. Standard Navy Clock
6. Communications Typewriter (2 ea)
7. RBO Receiver
8. RAK-7 Radio Manual
9. RAK-5 Receiver
10. RAL-5 Receiver
11. RS-38A Microphone
12. RBS-1 Receiver
13. 26001A Telegraph Key
14. LM-10 Frequency Meter
15. RAK-7 Receiver w/Power Supply
16. RBL-5 Receiver 

We are still in need of the following to complete the radio room as it was on June 4th 1944 when LST-325 went ashore at Normandy.  For both the radio room and museum aboard depicting communications equipment used
during the landings:

1. BC-536/611 Transceiver
2. MAB Radio Set
3. TBY Radio Set
4. TBX Radio Set
5. SCR-300 Radio Set
6. SCR-606 Radio Set
7.SCR-610 Radio Set
8. RAO Receiver
9. RBH Receiver
10. RBL Receiver
11. RCH Receiver
12. Manual for Items #1 - #11 above
13. FT-237 Mount
14. Sound Power Telephone(s)
15. Navy type Speaker Amplifier(s)
16. Fire Extinguisher (Type used in WW2)
17. Navy Battle Lantern
18. Desk Lamps
19. WW2 Type Headphones
20. Pencil Sharpener (of type used in WW2)

We know that some of this equipment is becoming very scarce and appreciate those collectors who would rather see the equipment on display for all to see and to remind those who were not even born just what these gallant servicemen went through in the name of freedom.

Any help any of you can do to direct the coordinator of this effort in procuring this much needed equipment would be greatly appreciated.  Please either contact me or Fred Chapman, W4CHT at <nnn0ppe@infi.net>.

Also, as the LSTmemorial is a non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductable. 

Please help us make the LST Memorial a lasting symbol of the sacrifice many made to insure the freedoms we all enjoy today.

     73
     ~ Bob Wilder, AF2HD / AFA2HD
     TSgt, USAF (Retired)
 

Received today from Capt. K. Saflianis, Greek Naval Attaché:

"Thank you very much for your invitation to attend the LST 325 Recommissioning Ceremony of September 21, 2001.

"I tried my best to fit this event in my schedule and regardless of my profound willing to be among you, I regrettably inform you that already planned commitments do not make my presence to this noteworthy event possible.

"Taking this opportunity I am asking you to convey my best regards to the board of the USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc, as well as to the return crew of LST 325 and personally to Captain Jornlin.

"I also assure you that I will update my information through your web site and that my mind will be with you.

"Best Regards,

  ~ Captain K. SAFLIANIS, HN
       Naval Attaché
 

I talked with Linda Gunjak this morning -- yesterday morning, I guess -- about possible alternate plans for the convention.  At the time I talked with her, she intended to keep current planning in place and on schedule.  It goes without saying that air passenger travel will not be the same when it resumes.  Be prepared for that, and plan accordingly.

I've been trying all day to get hold of anyone in Mobile.  I haven't had any success.

Thus, for the moment, I'm assuming that all current plans are still in place, and that we're staying the present course.  Unless I hear otherwise, I'll plan to do the same myself.  I wish I had more information to share with you.

This is a sad day for America.  Those words may sound trite, but they've been my overwhelming thought since I first learned of events.  Some of the talking heads seem to indicate that the perpetrators somehow won.  How hard is such a "victory" when you sneak up behind someone and crack him on the head with a bludgeon?  This particular talking head -- me -- says that the winner is the last one standing.

The Greatest Generation has given us lessons and inspiration.  Let's put those to good use in the trying days ahead, as we're reminded that liberty and freedom don't come without a price.

     ~ The WebSkipper

The ship will be CLOSED on the 16th of September. 

The Ship will be open September 18th to September 24th.  Operating hours:  8am to 4pm.

The ship will docked at the Mobile Convention Center from September 15th to about the first week in October. 

Starting September 25th the ship will be taking visitors Monday through Friday:  8am to 4pm. 

     ~ Earl Stone

Steve Finelli, the gentleman from whom we obtained our original WWII radio equipment, was kind enough to send along several photographs for posting on the website.  Because this page has become so graphics-intensive lately (due to all the pictures from drydocking, etc.), it's possible only just to post a few of them at this time.  But at least this will give you an idea of what's been in the works.

Unfortunately, it's not possible to have this equipment delivered and installed on the ship in time for the convention.  Although this project has been in the works for a couple of months now, the size and weight of this equipment has presented complicated transportation problems.  Therefore, it's now scheduled to begin installation of this radio equipment in October.  Spearheading this effort is Fred Chapman, who has invested quite a lot of himself and his time.  Many other individuals are involved as well, but I would rather not post a partial listing (I don't have all the names).

Once again, our thanks go to Donald Wittersheim, William A. Sharpe, Robert Englund and Lloyd B. Roach for their special donations which made this project possible.  Our gratitude goes as well to Mr. Finelli.  While he was unable to make an outright donation of this equipment, he provided it specially to us at a cost far below what we might expect to pay.  On top of that, Mr. Finelli has been actively engaged in the logistics and execution of this project all along.

     ~ The WebSkipper

Move out of the dock on the 14th of September and go to the Convention Center.  We can take a limited number of visitors onboard on the 15th and the 17th (ship will be closed on the 16th).  Ship will be open daily from the 18th to the 24th.  After the 26th the ship will be open Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm.  Ship will be moved back to Hooks Terminal in Chickasaw the first part of October. 

Donations:

HILLER SYSTEMS, INC. has donated all of the fire extinguishers required by the Coast Guard for our limited "Attraction Vessel" permit. 

A very special thanks to: 

    Mr. L. Duncan Greenwood, Owner 
    Mr. David Perkins, Service Manager 

     ~ Earl Stone

We had a joint meeting of the Task Force and Blue Crew today, visited the warehouse where our boarding platform and gangways (brows-Navy) are stored.  We committed to their use and they are being readied for pickup.  The Alabama State Docks is allowing their use at no charge. Say again ... NO CHARGE! 

Bill Vogtner at Waterways Towing has a 45X100 fendering barge which we will place at the Convention Center.  We are designing the access to the ship using this barge and the platforms and gangways (brows).  There will be no way to ever recognize the support that we are getting from friends of mine in this support. 

Today we had the Harbormaster, Dave Carey, the host of the ship, Slade Hooks, the Blue Crew, Earl Stone, Waterways' Bill Vogtner, State Docks' John Goff and me working on the safe and convenient docking and access to the LST.  How do you appraise that stuff? 

Today I filed the berth application for the LST to the State Docks.  I forecast 12,000 visitors during her stay.  I am also being pulled away to the National Assocation reunion to help with ceremonies and other stuff. 

I can assure you that this is going to be a life's experience to anyone who comes here this month.  I cannot see all this stuff ever coming together again.  And let me tell you, comrade, me (Hal Pierce), Earl Stone, Slade Hooks, Bill Vogtner and the rest will be proud, proud.  Come on down on the 14th.  We don't have a ceremony cooked up yet but it will be a natural! 

     ~ Capt. Hal Pierce
 

Just got back from the ship.  When I left the ship they were finishing up blasting the deck.  3/4 of the deck had been primed.  Took a trip to the bottom and found it had been blasted and primed.  Tomorrow they will start the patch work.  About 2/3 of the hull has been blasted and maybe 1/2 primed.  It has been raining a lot so that slowed the work down. Earl and Ad were there checking everything out.  There's not much one can do at this point except watch, but when the ship comes out of drydock a lot of help will be needed for the clean up.  So we will be hoping for volunteers to help the Blue Crew. It would be great if we could get some of the Gold Crew to help.  We are looking at the 14th for completing work in drydock.  Here I go again with some pictures. 

     ~ Ron Maranto 

They will be working overtime trying to get us out on the 14th instead of the 17th. 

Weather is our problem at this time. No sand blasting or painting when it rains. It rained every day for the past 5 days and it is raining at this moment.

     ~ Earl Stone

I CAN SEE A VISIT TO BALTIMORE WITH LST 325 AND A VOYAGE TOGETHER WITH THE BROWN TO SOME GREAT CITY ON THE EAST COAST.  WE ONLY HAVE ONE THING TO GET CLEAR; WHICH SHIP WON THE WAR?  THAT LITTLE ARGUMENT IS NOT VERY IMPORTANT, AS WE KNOW BOTH SHIPS WERE 1 & 2 ON THE TOP OF THE LIST. 

THE JOHN BROWN HAS A MASCOT NAMED "BROWNIE".  I THINK THE LST 325 NEEDS ONE.  BROWNIE IS A BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN A SAILOR'S HAT. SHE HEADS UP ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES AND FUND RAISING, PR, ETC. WE JUST NEED A NAME FOR OUR MASCOT.  STACEY, THE GAL WHO WAS VERY CAPABLY FILLING IN FOR THE REAL BROWNIE ON THIS CRUISE, SUGGESTED "LuSTy".   " LiSTy" AND "LiSTa" WERE ALSO SUGGESTED. ANYONE HAVE ANOTHER IDEA? 

      ~ BOB JORNLIN C. O. LST 325

We have a week of hard work to get the ship ready to show.  It may be necessary to accomplish this work while still in the dock. 

Not to worry, we will have the ship ready to show on September 18th. 

We have four LST ship reunions scheduled before the 18th.  We will take these people aboard while we are still in dry dock. Not easy but we will manage. 

     ~ Earl Stone , Blue Crew
 

[NOTE:   This editorial contains personal opinions only, and it does not necessarily reflect the views
of The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.]

Not claiming to know absolutely everyone's involvement with this restoration project, I'd make a rough guess that that's also the number of people that have been actively engaged in working on this effort.  Not all at the same time, of course.

Money seems always to be the proverbial bottleneck.  People have been amazingly generous, and many have been to the well over and over again. But a project this massive requires injections of funds that are hard to find at the grass roots level.  Corporate donations and grants are being sought, and certainly we'll find such support.  But anyone ever involved in corporate fundraising knows how slow, tedious and exacting a process that can be.  The simple name of the game has been to keep this project alive until we can find some success in that arena.  And we've DONE that!  True, we're working on a shoestring budget and we're not able to do absolutely everything that we'd like to do, but nevertheless we've been moving forward all along.  From those who have given tens of thousands of dollars to those who have given just a few, it's very true that every single dollar makes a difference.  We kid you not when we tell you that the smallest donations add up and carry their weight.

236 days ago.  Count 'em.   It seems like yesterday ...

After the Gold Crew accomplishes their miracle, the Blue Crew immediately goes to work on one of their own.  The ship was a wreck in Greece.  When it arrived in Mobile, it was a seagoing wreck (calling it "seaworthy" might be subject to debate).  Inch by agonizing inch, the Blue Crew has performed their miracle.  With a "where do I start" project like this, they simply rolled up their sleeves and started right where they were standing.  Their results are nothing short of incredible. You have to agree that two major miracles in a mere 305 days are testimony to those who have worked so long and hard; to those who have willingly and unselfishly given so much of themselves and their money.

In just a few short days, many of us will be headed to Mobile to attend the convention.  It's a no-brainer that everyone will want to visit the ship.  And I'll state this right up front: things are NOT going to be as organized as everyone would like them to be.  There will be SNAFU's, and possibly a couple of FUBAR's thrown in for good measure.  Expect that, and avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Ever since the inception of this project, it's been pretty much a day-to-day affair.  It's impossible to make plans for next week because you need to know first what will happen tomorrow.  Eight months might seem like sufficient time to make detailed plans and arrangements, but when you stop and consider all the various tasks that needed to be accomplished -- by so few people -- it's hardly been the blink of an eye.

Consider too that this work has been performed and accomplished by amateurs having zero experience in these kinds of activities.  All of us are common, ordinary Joe Blow's who are doing things we never imagined we'd be doing.  Despite our best efforts, you won't find a full-blown, professionally-organized Hollywood gala in Mobile this month.

Excuses?  Rationalizations?  I prefer the word "reality."  Keep that perspective you considered a few moments ago, the one where you stopped looking at trees and beheld the forest.  When you go to Mobile, reflect upon how much has been accomplished by so few, with so little.  And have a little understanding and patience before proclaiming that "they" should have done this, and "they" should have done that.  Because "they" have already accomplished miracles far beyond any reasonable expectations already.

"I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together."  The Beatles, 1967

I'd very much like to finish this by saying, "See you in Mobile!"  But I can't do that.  Personal considerations prevent it, not least of which is that my right shoulder might be under some surgeon's knife at that time.  So I'll just conclude by saying ...

I HOPE that I'll be seeing you in Mobile!

     ~ The WebSkipper

    Not being privy to information pertaining to donors, I'm unaware of any other State Chapter having undertaken a similar fund-raising project.  I just assumed that all the other State Chapters were going all out to raise the money needed to make the 'old girl' fully seaworthy and safe enough to allow civilian visitors as it tours the country's ports.

    If there are other Chapters so involved, they too rate some acknowledgement on your website.

    I remember the great disappointment we all experienced when our efforts in Taiwan didn't work out.  This turned into hope and anticipation when we all learned about the old LSTs made available by the Greek Navy.  Some of us said  "It will never happen".  Others said "I'll believe it when I see it".  After overcoming innumerable major and minor obstacles, the Gold Crew sailed the 325 from Crete to Mobile on January 10th this year, thus fulfilling our dreams.  Hip-Hip-Hooray!!

    Well, It did happen and many of us have seen It.  Now is the time for all good LST'ers to come to the aid of our reborn LST.  We can't sit back and wait for "Them" to do it all.  We all have to kick in with as much money as we really can afford.

       See you all in Mobile!

        ~ Gene Creedon, President Massachusetts LST Chapter

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 (click here for complete index to archives) :

Archive for August 2001 (second half):

• 18 AUG 01 - Update from Earl Stone
• 18 AUG 01 - Memorabilia Donations
• 18 AUG 01 - Awards Update
• 18 AUG 01 - More Photos from Tom Sparkman
• 18 AUG 01 - Blue Crew Yarns from Pat Johnston
• 18 AUG 01 - Airshow Postscript from Anna Koepp
• 18 AUG 01 - "Proud Voyage of LST 325" Postcards Available!
• 20 AUG 01 - Progress Report from Michael Smith
• 24 AUG 01 - Update from Capt. Jornlin
• 24 AUG 01 - Update from Brian Baldwin
• 24 AUG 01 - Announcement:  Raffle Ticket Deadline Sep. 8
• 28 AUG 01 - Update from Capt. Jornlin
• 29 AUG 01 - Progress Report from Capt. Hal Pierce
• 29 AUG 01 - Special Bulletin from Earl Stone
• 31 AUG 01 - Update from Capt. Jornlin

• 03 AUG 01 - Update from Frank Earley
• 04 AUG 01 - Radio Room Progress Report from Fred Chapman
• 05 AUG 01 - Update from Frank Earley
• 09 AUG 01 - Open Letter from Gary Lyon
• 09 AUG 01 - Pictures from Tom Sparkman
• 10 AUG 01 - Update from The WebSkipper (promotional materials available for download)
• 10 AUG 01 - Announcement of Naming Opportunity at Public Auction
• 11 AUG 01 - Progress Report from Ron Maranto