COMMENTARY BY RON MARANTO Posted 29 September 2004     Ron Maranto hoists one of the commemorative flags available through the Ship's Store

I joined the U.S. LST association in 1991 when the convention came to New Orleans, LA.  It was my first meeting with some of my shipmates in 37 years.  What a great experience that was. 

I learned about the venture of finding an LST and bringing it back to the U.S., to be dedicated as a memorial ship to all who served and died for the freedom of this great country.  This was to include all vets: WWII, Korea, and VietNam.  I wanted to be among the crew to bring that ship home.  At first it seemed to be a fun thing to do, but once it became a reality, the fun became an honor. 

The honor of working with those "crazy old men" was an experience that opened my eyes to the fact that I was among real men who finished what they started.  They left no stone unturned.  When they were 17 and 18 years old, they were asked to fight a World War.  They did, and they finished it and they won.  When they were in their 70's, they adventured out to bring a 58-year-old LST back to the U.S.  Against all odds, they again finished the job.  They sailed it through the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, having problems all the way.  But they never quit. 

Every one of these men, shelled out no less that $5,000.00 each to bring that ship back, and I know of no LST sailor that didn't want a memorial ship.  Now they have it. 

How many of our LST sailors and their families think about the upkeep?  It costs $150.00 a day for mooring fees; phone and utilities no less than $500.00 to $1,000.00 a month, sometimes more.  There are materials and equipment needed to keep those who volunteer busy and productive.  If it were not for the volunteer crew, who would keep this ship going? It could become a lost cause. 

To my knowledge, in the shipyard alone, we have spent more than $800,000.00.  If this ship had to depend upon good wishes and thanks, and one-time contributions, it would sink. 

To Mike Gunjak: Yes, I do believe members of the LST Association have contributed to the memorial fund, and if you divide that by 10,000, it comes to about $15.00 per member.  Now I grant you that some contributed beyond the call of duty.  But if you consider the fact that if the members didn't pay their annual dues of $18.00, they would no longer have their Association.  No one is expected to exceed their means ... but every little something helps. 

You say the Association grew about 1,000 members since the return of the 325.  That estimate is probably on the low side, but even so that's $18,000.00 more a year, every year ... not bad. 

In closing, I wish to thank you, and all who contributed to the memorial, but please acknowledge that a one-time donation doesn't cover ongoing expenses from year to year.  This ship belongs to all of us and it needs all of our support.  Continuing support.  All the time. 

I will submit this letter to the "Scuttlebutt" in the hope that it will be published unedited. 

I thank all of you who fought for our freedom.  To those who were offended by being on our mailing list requesting donations, I apologize -- please notify us and we will remove your name from our list.  Thank you for your past contribution. 

And, of course, many thanks to those who have been to the well over and over again these past few years, and to the volunteers who have given so much of themselves, their time and their labor. 

I am proud to be a part of both the USS LST Ship Memorial as well as the U.S. LST Association. 

     ~ Ron Maranto
 

LST-325 EXTENDS  A PARTY INVITATION Posted 26 September 2004   Shown at right: Jim Anderson, LST-325 WebSkipper

You're invited to an LST-325 party! 

A work party, that is. 

Bruce Voges ("Boats") will be at the ship on Oct. 7, and hopes to get a lot of work accomplished in the weeks following.  This will be the beginning of our push to get the ship ready for the 2005 Voyage.  If you've been toying with the idea of helping out on board, this will be the perfect time to do it. 

One thing, though.  Boats says, "We always have a good time working together, but this isn't going to be sitting around and telling sea stories until 10 a.m., and then working until noon.  We need people willing to pitch in and get some real work done."  (A true BMC!)  Despite that, everyone who's ever worked on the ship knows how much fun it really can be, and the spirit of camaraderie and unity of purpose that prevails. 

Bill Kaupas will also be there from Oct. 6-10, and Gary Lyon expects to arrive at the ship in late October or early November.  These are all terrific people to work with. 

(Reminder to those who wish to qualify for the 2005 Voyage: You will need to have been credited for forty hours of on-board work during the preceding twelve-month period.) 

So if you can, come on aboard, and let's get our Grand Old Lady ship-shape and ready to sail! 

     ~ LST-325 WebSkipper

CAPT. JORNLIN CONTINUES REMARKABLE RECOVERY Posted 25 September 2004 (0300Z)     Shown at right: Lois & Bob Jornlin

Hi to all! 

I am happy to report officially that Bob returned home on Monday from the hospital in Rockford.  We were both very grateful to be home.  He continues to improve each day, although it is in small steps.  His strength was completely zapped, and he is trying to rebuild the muscles in his limbs.  He now feels the broken ribs and all the sore spots,  but is handling it well with minimal pain medication.  He wears a boot on his left foot to support the foot fracture, but otherwise is free to move and walk as tolerated.  He no longer needs the walker to help support and is gaining a little each day.  His appetite is improved and I'm giving him supplements to boost his system back up.  As expected, he tires easily, but is trying to stay awake more and concentrate on the necessary recovery process.  His lungs seem to be functioning very well.  We have numerous doctor visits in the next few weeks scheduled, but are grateful that is all that is needed. 

Bob has been going over all the cards he received -- he "slept" through most of the days in the hospital -- therefore did not read any of the cards until this last week.  He is so very thankful for the support of so many friends and relatives, and wanted me to relay that message to you.  The doctors have all said that they did what they could, but it was Bob's effort and a Stronger Power than they involved that helped him survive.  We know that to be true!  We felt it every day! 

Bob is anxious to get back to ship's work, but still needs a little more "down time" to recuperate.  We are doing fine and hope you are also! 

With our love and thanks,

     ~ Bob & Lois Jornlin

[Ed. note: I've been regularly corresponding with Kenny Adams as well.  He's also doing well following his back surgery.  He's now able to drive, but he's still under doctor's orders not to work until November.  I hope his doctor doesn't read this, but he and Anna are currently working on making covers for the LCVP's.  Let's keep him in our prayers along with the Jornlins.]

Captain Bob Jornlin was discharged from Saint Anthony’s Medical Center in Rockford, IL, and was heading home by car after spending 20 days in the hospital.  He is in good spirits, happy to be going home and had much praise for his team of doctors and nurses.  Once home, he’ll work on building his strength over the weeks to come. 

Best regards, 

     ~ Bill Kaupas

Things have been relative slow.  We had a reunion for the USS Douglas with 83 people on the 11th of September.  James Edwards and Bill Arris have been trying to fix the dryer.  The flood got to the motor when the water line broke and had 7" of water in the room.  One of the guys complained the washer still had water in the machine after the washer finished.  The washer was pumping water up hill and when the pump stopped the water ran back to the washer.  We replaced the drain to work correctly. 

My State Representative Dan Flynn donated a Texas flag that he was going to present to us when we arrived.  We were to have a flag presentation.  Since that didn't occur, I ran it up one day and made pictures. 

Every one here is in shock about the Captain and lots of prayers are going out on his behalf.  We get calls every day in the wardroom asking about him, so we know he's well-liked.  I have had people ask about him on the street. 

We had a wonderful group of volunteers that helped with group of 83 namely: Chuck Amos, Harold Childers, Paul Hannie, Cal Ellison, Pearl Ellison, Bob Ostrander, Rose Mary Ostrander, James Edwards and Doris Edwards worked the gift shop. 

13 Sept.:  Bill Arris and James Edwards, along with Slade Hooks, and the crew from the tender ship tied up with us placed four large tires between the two ships; also all lines needed (hopefully) to keep the ships safe. 

The Governor on TV Tuesday warned all people that were not residents to leave Mobile.  That is all I needed to head for Texas, Bill assured me he would be on the ship, as that was the safest place to be. 

16 Sept.: I just talked to Bill and he reported all was well, but it may be weeks to get all power and water as the Mobile area was hit dead center.  Bill said the ship had no problems. 

     ~ James & Doris Edwards
 

Bob continues to progress each day. He has walked the last two days in the halls with amazing stamina for the condition he is in! He is now off of help with oxygen and just needs to use his muscles to regain strength he lost those two weeks of inactivity. I anticipate getting him back home by next Monday. He is totally free of all "tubes" for the first time in almost three weeks. He is still amazing the doctors but they are so pleased. His fever stayed down today and all systems are a "go." Thanks again for your support through this terrible ordeal for us. 

The ship made it through the hurricane just fine thanks to all who helped secure her in Chickasaw. That news certainly buoyed him up. 

Love to all, 

     ~ Lois & Bob Jornlin

LST-325 PREPARATIONS  FOR HURRICANE IVAN Posted 16 September 2004 (0015Z)     Shown at right: Bill Kaupas

LST-325 has battened down the hatches and is prepared for Hurricane Ivan.  Here is a summary of the key steps that have been taken to "make ship ready:" 

The ship is in the Chickasaw Creek at Hook's Terminal, upriver from the City of Mobile by 8 or 9 miles, moored in 8-10 feet of water located in a small finger off of the main creek channel.  The ship's draft is approximately 3.5 ft Fwd and 7.5 ft Aft, with a slight list to port. The reason for the port list is to rest the hull low between the fenders and the pylons (where the greatest strength exists in the creek bed/pylons). 

In addition, the crew has employed a "spider mooring" method.  Lines are doubled and fed out both sides of the ship to each shore bank of the creek, including bowlines, stern lines and multi-spring lines.  These lines are secured to multiple ground sources, including bollards, cleats, trees, and anchor chain structures secured (commercially) deep into the ground.  Furthermore, a special line is fed out through the stern anchor house and secured around the aft anchor windlass of the ship (by-passing the ship's bitts & chocks on the main deck).  The anchor was lowered with additional chain paid out.  Gun tarps were removed and the guns positioned butts to the wind, hatches and portholes dogged, and the LCVP's have been gripped. 

The USS LST Ship Memorial deeply appreciates the non-stop shipboard work and the planning efforts done by several very capable and hard-working volunteers.  Thank you, God bless you and BRAVO ZULU to Bruce Voges, James and Doris Edwards, Bill Arras and his deck crew (at least 6 individuals), Carl Black, Slade Hook and his Hook's Terminal staff, and Captain Bill Doherty. 

Best regards, 

     ~ Bill Kaupas 
            Secretary, THE USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL, INC.

[Ed. note:  It should be mentioned that this website's server is located in Mobile.  That being the case, it's quite possible that it may become unavailable for a period of time.  That will not affect the Discussion Forum, which is on a server in California.  If that happens and anyone needs to contact me, please use my alternate email address: WebSkipper@gmail.com.]

LST-325 IS IN HURRICANE IVAN'S PROJECTED PATH Posted 15 September 2004 (0015Z)   Bill Arras shows that he's ready for anything from Ivan!

LST-325 sits directly in the projected path for Hurricane Ivan.  Absolutely ALL possible measures have been taken to insure the safety of the ship.  Many thanks to all those who have worked so hard over the past week making those preparations. 

Bill Arras is going "above and beyond" on this one.  He will be braving the storm aboard ship, and will take any additional measures that may be necessary.  Thanks, Bill! 

We've all been thinking and praying for Capt. Jornlin lately.  Please join me in adding an extra minute or two in your prayers for Bill Arras and for the ship.  He has assured me that he will take no unnecessary risks, but it won't hurt for us to wing a few prayers his way as well. 

     ~ LST-325 WebSkipper
 

Click on the images for enlargements

Bob has made great strides since I last wrote.  What a remarkable recovery he is making from such a horrific accident just two weeks ago.  I never lost faith in his ablility to survive and he has not disappointed me! 

The last two days were spent in attempting to wean him off the respirator he has been on since he first arrived at St. Anthony Hospital.  As you all know they were threatening to put a tracheotomy in to replace the incubation tube in his throat.  I was very reluctant to let them do that -- rather to give him a couple more days to get better and do it himself.   I was able to "buy some time."  I was right this time and he did just that.  He was down to just receiving some help from the machine but basically breathing on his own. 

Now we get to today!!! His pulmonary doctor came in and decided to pull the respirator!  Bob did well with that pulled and now he is just on oxygen by nasal cannula and keeping his oxygen levels up very well.  Later, his trauma doctor came in and decided to pull the remaining chest tube and the naso-gastric tube that was giving him tube feedings into his stomach.  So out come two more tubes.  He looks so much better and is doing extremely well.  He has managed to eat regular food, drink sufficient water and liquids, stood by the side of the bed, and is overall doing amazingly well!!!  The only tubes he now has left are the IV and the catheter.  He is still tired, but aware of what happened to him and is amazed (as we all are) that he survived it all.  The orthopedic doctor gave us some more good news.  The foot has already healed some so no cast will be needed for the broken foot, but he will just have to wear a special boot for a few weeks.  He will be able to walk with the boot, so it should not prohibit his return to acitivity.  He still has much to do to return to normal activity, but I know he can do it.  He coughs even though his ribs hurt, as he knows he must.  Meanwhile, these two weeks have allowed healing of most of the bruising and abrasions that occured with the tractor accident.  Bob's color is good, the stitches have healed and been removed, and bruising is hardly apparent. 

This man does not give up and now is worried about the ship!  We have been so blessed by all your thoughts and prayers.  Bob has received so many cards, he is surprising even the pink ladies who deliver the mail -- "never seen so many cards!!!"  We are in your debt and so very encouraged.  I expect he will be moved out of ICU and into another room in a couple days. 

Thank you all soooooooo very much for your cards and letters of encouragment.  It has helped immensely, and has meant so much to us during the past two weeks.  How very lucky we are for your friendship and love. 

     ~ Lois Jornlin

[Ed. note:  Let's keep those thoughts and prayers flowing, folks.  They really DO work!]

It's Friday evening and I just got back to my motel.  It was a busy day at the hospital.  Bob continues to improve every day.  They are weaning him off the respirator and it looks as if he will NOT have to have a tracheotomy -- rather they may be able to just pull the tube in a few days.  He was allowed to wake up a little today (decreased sedation) and he did very well.  He was moving all his extremities and was able to sit up at the bedside for about 5 minutes.  This was a first for his last 10 days and he did very well.  They will progress activity as tolerated.  He still has the right chest tube with some drainage.  He's being fed totally by nasogastric (stomach) tube and one IV.  He answers questions by nodding of the head.  He is still on the respirator but is now assisted only four times per minute.  The rest is on his own. 

He has received almost 100 cards already.  We can't tell you how much this means to us.  It is truly a blessing to have so many people praying for him.  Every day it has been progress and no regression.  We are truly blessed. 

 Thank you all!!!!!

     ~ Lois Jornlin

It is Wednesday evening and I will attempt to catch you up on what is happening with Bob.  He has continued to amaze doctors and nurses with his progress since the tractor accident one week ago.  He is still on the respirator and heavily sedated to allow healing to take place.  The doctor took out the left chest tube today, and the one on the right is slowing down with drainage. He is now beginning the weaning process to get away from the respirator.  It will be slow and may yet require a tracheotomy to be done to replace the tube which is now in the throat.  This is not a setback, but may be a necessary procedure for comfort and to assist the lungs in their healing.  He no longer has a fever.  His blood gases were good today even after he was allowed to "assist" in the breathing.  He now has multiple "colorations" from the bruising but seems to be healing at a record pace.  They are allowing him to sit up in bed more and hope soon to sit him up at the bedside.  He does have several broken ribs and a broken left foot so probably he will have considerable discomfort when he is allowed to wake up.  He is responsive when the drugs are slowed. 

All in all, this man does not or will not give up.  I am convinced he is well on the way to recovery.  Thank you to all for your thoughts and prayers.  They are sustaining us in this ordeal. 

I will stay in Rockford until Bob is off the critical list.  We are extremely grateful for your support!!! 

     ~ Lois Jornlin

Captain Jornlin remains in the intensive care unit at St. Anthony's Hospital and is stable.  The Skipper shows signs of milestone improvements.  His chest tubes were removed yesterday and his broken foot is now in a cast -- no surgery required. 

Best regards, 

     ~ Bill Kaupas

Bob's condition continues to improve a little each day.  He is still on the critical list and is on a respirator, but has made great strides.  He is off all meds that supported his blood pressure and has maintained BP on his own for a couple days now.  It stays pretty stable.  They have decided to keep him sedated to allow the healing to take place.  Still has chest tubes, but the left side has little drainage now.  His right side is still active.  Has not received any blood for two days now.  Is now on a diuretic to rid him of some of the extra fluid that he received initially to keep him alive.  He has surprised all of his doctors and I believe will continue to do so.  They have been able to turn down the oxygen levels, which is very good.  Before they sedated him, he was able to answer questions with a nod and did so correctly.  He is being fed by gastric tube and IV's. 

He has about four broken ribs and a broken left foot.  There does not appear to be heart damage and his EKG's have been OK.  He continues to run a temperature of about 101 degrees.  They have done cultures to see if they can find the source, but maybe it is just caused by the healing process and from so much lung damage.  Both lungs were flattened and have to reexpand before he can possibly breathe on his own. 

Long-term we are looking at three to four weeks here probably.  I am presently staying at a motel in Rockford about five minutes from the hospital.  I spent the first three days at the hospital and did not leave the area of ICU.  Both kids were here but both left yesterday.  I continue to be optimistic and Bob is very determined.  Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers -- we need them. 

Hoping the ship survives the attack of Frances. 

     ~ Lois Jornlin

Captain Jornlin remains in the Intensive Care Unit of St. Anthony's Hospital, Rockford, IL, and is stable.  Without going into the details, he has shown important medical milestone improvements.  We will continue to update you as information becomes available.  Please join your shipmates in continuing with the ship’s work and pray for Captain Jornlin, Lois Jornlin and their family. 

Here is a joke the Skipper enjoyed: 

A man had just mustered out of the U.S. Navy and entered the fall semester of a midwestern university.  One morning he was ten minutes late for his nine o’clock class.  The professor, knowing the young man was on the GI Bill, bawled him out in front of the whole class. 

"When you were in the service and came in late like this," the professor said, "what did they say to you?" 

"When I came in late," the student said, "they just stood up, saluted me and said, 'Good morning, Captain, sir!'" 

Best regards, 

     ~ Bill Kaupas

Captain Jornlin Hospitalized After Tractor Accident Posted 03 September 2004       Shown at right: Lois & Bob Jornlin

Captain Bob Jornlin experienced a tractor accident this past Tuesday while working on his farm.  It's not possible to go into all the details at this time, but he has a number of injuries and is in the Intensive Care Unit for treatment and monitoring.  Bob has stabilized and is making very good progress.  His physicians have used such terms as "surprised" and "amazed."  Now they know our – Captain! 

We ask that you DO NOT call or email Mrs. Jornlin.  She has much more to handle, and despite your good intentions, it would only add to her burdens.  She does know how much you care for him. 

We do, however, encourage cards or flowers.  If you decide to send flowers, please be aware that real flowers cannot be taken into the ICU -- only plastic or silk ones.  Here's the address: 

Robert Jornlin, Captain, LST-325 
Saint Anthony Medical Center 
5666 East State Street 
Rockford, IL 61108-2472 

[Ed. note: For flowers, I'd like to recommend Broadway Florist in Rockford.  They deliver regularly to the hospital, and they gave me very good service.  They can be contacted at 1-800-772-3783 or at www.broadwayflorist.com.  Ask for them to be delivered to NICU Bed #2.] 

Besides cards and flowers, please join us in keeping our wonderful Skipper in your thoughts and prayers.  They really DO help! 

     ~ Bill Kaupas
            Secretary, THE USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL, INC.

I received my orders as Prospective Commanding Officer of the USS SNOHOMISH COUNTY in November 1959.  At the time I was a Lieutenant serving as Assistant District Operations Officer on the staff of the Commandant of the Thirteenth Naval District in Seattle.  My prior experience was limited to two destroyers and an APD, so I was concerned, as I had never been on an LST before -- and judging from those I had seen, they appeared to have unusual handling characteristics to say the least.  I was familiar with the county name, as it is the next county north of Seattle. 

When detached, my family and I went to San Diego to move into government quarters and then I reported to COMPHIBPAC.  The PCO course was only one week and I was able to do two-day cruises on LST ships.  As we backed out of the slip on the first day, I asked the CO which way was he going to turn?  His reply was that he was waiting to see which way the ship wished to turn and he would then help it along!  From then on, I was very alert for additional guidance. 

At this time (December 1959), the ship was deployed to WESTPAC and I traveled to Yokosuka, Japan, and reported to the senior command for information on the current location of SNOHOMISH COUNTY.  The operations office did not have this information and it was necessary to send an inquiry, which determined that she was to arrive at the Iiwakuni Marine Corps base in two days.  After spending an overnight at the Marine Corps base, I went down to the pier the next morning to await the ship’s arrival.  There was a heavy fog and shortly after 0800 the ship loomed out of the fog and tied up.

When I reviewed the service records of the wardroom officers, I discovered that they were all very inexperienced, and in fact, I had more time at sea than all of the seven officers added together, which was not very comforting.  The XO was ENS Bruce Holmberg, who had been on board a short time and his prior experience was on an Amphibious Command Ship where his biggest concern was getting bedsores from an abundance of sack time. 

We joined with our LST Division for our first exercise, which was to be a beaching at Numazu on the coast of Japan.  Naturally I was anxious, as I had never participated in a beaching exercise before. I asked the Chief Engineer, ENS Paul Gilbert, "How do we ballast for beaching?"  He said we just go in with whatever is in our tanks.  This didn’t sound right, so I read all of the manuals written about 1942-1944 about LST operations and his answer was correct.  In wartime, you go in with all ballast tanks dry to try to get a dry ramp to unload the trucks and tanks, and hopefully you would be able to extract from the beach. However, in peacetime, you keep the ballast tanks full so you can pump them out if you need assistance in retracting from the beach.  The other critical item was to determine the correct point to drop your stern anchor.  There is 900 feet of wire on the stern anchor reel.  The ideal amount of wire to have out after beaching is 600 feet.  If you drop the stern anchor too soon the wire runs off the drum, as there is no way to stop it.  If you drop late, you will have insufficient wire out for the stern anchor to get a good purchase on the bottom.  The manuals detailed how to judge the correct moment for dropping the stern anchor as follows: standing on the forward area of the conning tower, you sight across the forward area of the conning tower, you sight across the edge of the forward 40mm gun shield and when the line of sight reaches the center of the surf zone, you drop the anchor.  OK, this sounds simple, so we are ready for our first beaching. 

The LST Division is in line of breast formation as we head for the beach at full speed.  As the surf zone draws near, I establish my line of sight and as it reaches the middle of the surf, I tell the telephone talker, "Drop the stern anchor."  The talker relays the order, and then announces that he has lost communication with the fantail.  I run to the back of the conn and wave to the Boatswain's Mate who waves back. By then most of the bridge personnel have joined me, and are all shouting, "Drop the anchor!"  Finally the anchor is released and I assume that there will be very little cable paid out.  As the ship bow grounds, the ship continues to move up the beach a good distance.  As the ship comes to a stop, the fantail then reports "610 feet of cable paid out."  It is a near perfect beaching, and I don’t understand how it happened. 

In the meantime, the Commodore’s LST flagship, USS TIOGA COUNTY, reports that it has lost its stern wire over the fantail, and is sending a boat with a grapnel to retrieve it.  In reviewing the circumstances, it was noted that beach shelves go down very rapidly, so that when the anchor is dropped, it descends a good distance.  Also, the Numazu beach is composed of round pebbles that act somewhat like ball bearings, so the ships slid up on the beach an unusual distance. These two circumstances resulted in the fact that our delayed anchor drop was the correct solution for this particular beach.  I then decided that this would be a lucky and successful command tour. 

Our next scheduled exercise was an amphibious landing on the north coast of Taiwan. 

We embarked Marines and their equipment at Yokosuka and proceeded in formation to Taiwan and completed a successful beaching.  Afterwards, we extracted from the beach and anchored in the harbor to await the time to reembark the Marines.  While at anchor, the Chief Engineer reported that we had a cracked head on the starboard main engine, which placed it out of commission.  This was a real problem, as I didn’t want to beach the ship with one engine, and also we wouldn’t be able to keep up with the squadron on the return trip to Japan.  The engine was one of a pair of GE sixteen-cylinder diesels of the same type used in railroad locomotives.  The cylinder head was not an authorized on-board spare, but we did manage to locate one on another of the squadron LSTs.  After getting the cylinder head on board, it was found that it would not fit down the engine room hatch, thus requiring a hole to be cut in the tank deck to allow the head to be lowered into the engine room.  The repair was successful, and the hole welded shut just in time for the ship to beach for the reembarkation. 

When the deployment was completed, the squadron took the northern Great Circle Route back to San Diego.  We encountered heavy seas passing South of Alaska.  When the ship drove into a large wave, there was a loud bang and a shudder passed though the hull.  In a quartering sea, if you were standing on the forward starboard wing wall looking aft, the red cross marking the ship's sick bay would disappear as the ship twisted, then reappear as it twisted back.  I thought this was quite amazing, and demonstrated the fact that there was six feet between the frames.  I was told that no LST had been lost due to a storm, which demonstrated how rugged these ships were built. 

The home coming at San Diego was a joyous occasion followed by liberty and leave.  The ensuing months were devoted to exercises, including towing another ship, pulling an LST from the beach, practice landings on Silver Strand, inspections and drills. 

We were scheduled to commence a yard overhaul in January, so in Mid-December 1961, I visited the COMPHIBPAC material officer to discuss the specifics of work to be done in the yard.  I also mentioned that we had a small hole in the tank deck that needed to be repaired.  Also, I was completing my two-year tour in a few weeks.  He said that all this was no longer a concern, as the ship was deploying on January 2nd for a highly-classified movement.  We were to proceed to Hawaii, where we would be advised of our assignment.  I had the privilege of announcing this change in plans during the annual Christmas party held the next day on the tank deck, which included a visit from old Saint Nick and presents for all the children. 

We left on January 2nd, in company with USS POLK COUNTY.  The weather for the passage was fair with blue skies and slight seas, which was beneficial in restoring morale.  The ships alternated as guide and we did underway exchanges of movies, repair parts and popcorn. 

On arrival at Pearl Harbor, we received orders to report for duty to Commander Joint Task Eight, who was an Army Lieutenant General.  Our assignment was to support "Operation Dominic," the United States’ last above-ground atomic weapons testing to be held in the Pacific.  Our first task was to proceed to Johnston Island to pick up equipment and then return to Pearl.  On our way back, we received an inquiry from the Task Force Headquarters asking if it was considered feasible to enter Johnston Island harbor, as it had been many years since a large ship had entered the port through the long narrow channel.  We answered in the affirmative, and we received a "Bravo Zulu" for our efforts.  Two days later, we were ordered to divert to Eniwetok Atoll to pick up additional equipment consisting of generators and portable freezers. Fortunately, an LST has sufficient fuel storage to go almost around the world, so we didn’t have to worry about refueling. 

On return to Pearl Harbor, we embarked a large group of civilian workers who were being sent to establish a scientific base on a remote island.  After leaving Pearl, we set course south for Pago Pago, Samoa.  This took us across the equator, and resulted in a visit from King Neptune and his court that initiated the pollywogs into the Mysteries of the Deep.  On arrival at Pago Pago, the Samoans arranged for a welcoming party, which was enjoyed by all. 

On completion of replenishing stores, we set sail for the island of Tongareva (also called Penrhyn Atoll), which is located just south of the equator.  To show how isolated this island is, it should be noted that the chart that we were issued for this island was made by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Mathew Wilkes in 1841.  As we approached the island, a native dugout canoe came out of the opening in the island reef and headed for the ship.  When it was alongside, a native boarded and was escorted to the bridge.  As the village representative sent to welcome the first visiting large ship since WWII, he announced a baby boy had been born in the village that day, and he was to be named after the ship in honor of our visit.  We carefully spelled out the name and with big smiles he reentered his canoe and they paddled back to the village.  To this day I wonder if there is an island chief named "Snohomish County!" 

Shortly after the native crew left, the official boat carrying the New Zealand representative arrived, and among other instructions, we were advised that as our last port was in Samoa, we were under a Rhinoceros Beetle quarantine.  This beetle eats the buds from coconut trees, and as the island’s main export was copra, they were concerned.  We could enter the atoll the next day, but tonight we had to be at least five miles downwind of the island, as this was the maximum distance that the night flying beetle could travel. 

We cautiously entered the lagoon the next day and secured the bow lines to coconut trees and lowered the ramp to commence offloading all of the equipment necessary to establish the scientific camp.  The purpose of the camp was to measure readings from the atomic tests far to the north.  Our arrival was met by smiling villagers who waved palm fronds and danced in the sand.  We had planned to give the native children candy from the ship’s store, but a representative of the London Bible Society mission on the island advised that it was Sunday and children were not permitted to eat candy on Sunday.  We did leave the candy for later distribution at a more appropriate time.  In all, it was a very enjoyable visit to Tongareva. 

Our next port of call was Christmas Island in the Line Islands group, where the major portion of the atomic testing was taking place.  When we were about 50 miles from the island, many hands came on deck in the early morning hours to observe a scheduled test on the Island.  Being so far away, we did not know what to expect and wondered if we would see anything.  At the appointed time the dark night suddenly turned into day and then gradually faded.  We were impressed. 

On arrival at Christmas Island, we were assigned the duty of embarking the native population a few hours before the next test to ensure their protection in the event of an unexpected shift in wind direction, which could result in fallout across the island.  Everything was proceeding on schedule until a seaman raced to the bridge with the announcement that the natives had started a small fire on the tank deck to cook breakfast.  The Chief Boatswain had the fire doused in short order. 

Other assignments included a visit to Washington Island to drop off 55-gallon drums of diesel oil over the side attached with flotation devices, which were carried to the rocky beach by the wind and surf.  The native village had no other means of receiving supplies.  On return to Christmas Island, we embarked a civilian couple and made an overnight passage to Palmyra Island.  The couple had been assigned to the underwater cable booster station located on the island. 

Altogether, it was an interesting and challenging assignment to Joint Task Force Eight.  When released, we returned to Pearl Harbor, where my relief was waiting. A few days later, after the change of command, I returned to San Diego. 

     ~ Ronald A. Campbell
           Captain, USN (Ret.)

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:

[Note:  Effective 01 JUL 04 all references to Gold and Blue Crews will be discontinued.  In addition, the placement of stars next to the names of individuals will also be discontinued.  Crewmembers may be identified on the Crewmember page.]

Archive for August 2004:

• 30 AUG 04 - Emil Kolar Gets a Nice Surprise
• 25 AUG 04 - Update from Ron Maranto
• 23 AUG 04 - The Last American on LST-325, by Bob Barger
• 22 AUG 04 - Update from Capt. Jornlin
• 18 AUG 04 - LST Brodie-Gear Flight Operations, by John C. Kriegsman
• 04 AUG 04 - Kenny Adams to Undergo Back Surgery
• 02 AUG 04 - The Navy Memorial, by Susie Bloom

• 31 JUL 04 - FINAL REMINDER: LST-325 Group Chat Session Tomorrow!
• 24 JUL 04 - The World War II Memorial, by Susie Bloom
• 17 JUL 04 - Update from Erik Eriksen
• 08 JUL 04 - Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) Annual Convention in Mobile, and LST-325 Crew Come Together, from Kenny & Anna Adams
• 06 JUL 04 - Update from Ron Maranto
• 04 JUL 04 - Online Group Chat Session Scheduled for Sun., 01 AUG, from the LST-325 WebSkipper

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