Songs of the 1940's. Those few words immediately bring to mind other times, a special someone, an event cherished in memory. A multitude of emotions. Earlier this month, many Ohio LST/Amphib veterans were remembering ... and embarking upon a "Sentimental Journey" all their own.

The call “GANG PLANK DOWN!” came before daylight ... Gators showed their boarding papers to CPO James Leach and requested permission to board.

Approximately 90 Ohio Gators were present to hear “Anchor's Aweigh” at 0800 hours. The voyage was to be of a relatively short distance ... ETA 1500 hours at the Port of Evansville including time for chow. Unlike in service days, it was not to be a four-hour watch.

From the moment the buses left Columbus, Ohio, Gator Sailors spoke of their shipboard duties, special mates, boot training, schools and favorite ports of call with a hint of excitement in their voices. Even as a stop for lunch took place, anticipation was building. Thoughts of ships were thick in the air. Moments of quiet reflection. Animated conversation. Serious events composed of people, places and things interspersed with chuckles and laughter over an antic remembered. 

The yearning to see a very special ship grew stronger -- the Last of the Class. LST 325.

Upon arrival in Evansville, James Leach and Walker Huffman passed the scuttlebutt. “Gangplank down! Liberty Call! Liberty Call!” Rooms were assigned, sea bags hoisted over shoulders and the invasion began in earnest. After settling in to their assigned quarters, just like sailors of all times, some gathered in small groups to chat. Some got to meet others for the first time, others renewed acquaintances. Some sailors planned their departure for adventures at the Aztar. Some frequented a favorite “watering hole.” At some time during the evening, most sought out a chow line of some sort.

Regardless of the specific venue, conversation flowed, just as the memories of the past flowed like willowy ribbons, curling around the anticipation for the day ahead. 

A new day dawned. Laughter over antics at the Aztar, banter about shooting craps, the quality of the chow during evening mess filled the air just as the aroma of the “Joe” came wafting from the hotel's galley.

Anticipation ... “Waiting for the ship to come in.”

An hour later, upon disembarking the buses, one could see a lighter step, an erect bearing. One could feel the sense of coming home. A sense of renewal. These sailors were enjoying their personal and collective "Sentimental Journeys." 

Gators familiar with the engineering processes were examining the new docking facility. The finishing touches were being completed as we walked down to the new Ship's Store and Office. The Gator Sailors who had visited in 2003 marveled over what had been accomplished. Volunteers in the Ship's Store collected tour fees and sold souvenirs.

Some Gator veterans approached the gangway alone ... with a need to be at one with their thoughts. Some waited for mates ... an overwhelming desire to share the experience with others who understood. 

Expressions of those standing on the deck of an LST for the first time in 60 years were those that print indelibly in one's memory. “It's been a long, long time ...”

The group was welcomed by Captain Bob Jornlin and his wife Lois. What an honor to have the Commanding Officer and the Mayor present to welcome one aboard! The sailors took their seats and gave their full attention to the remarks of Captain Jornlin and Evansville Mayor Weinzapfel. Joy at having this experience bubbled through the Ohio Gator crew complement. Jim Leach, immediate Past President and Walker Huffman, President of the Ohio LST/Amphibious Association, expressed thanks to all those who have worked so hard to give new life to LST 325, to those who have restored her and to those who have given her a new home. A formal presentation was made to Mayor Weinzapfel and the City of Evansville in appreciation to all they have done on behalf of LST Sailors by providing such a splendid home for The USS LST Ship Memorial.

Eyes raising to the mast and halyards - two flags were proudly aloft - the City of Evansville’s and our own Ohio LST/Amphibs State of Ohio ensign. Special thanks were given to those who made this special salute to the Ohio Gators possible.

Tours commenced, but they were not “just” tours ... they were journeys into the minds and memories of all of those present. Tour guides answered questions, but also listened with respect as these sailors remembered. 

One spoke of a kamikaze attack on an LST. The flames of the crash could still be seen in his eyes and the excitement heard reverberating in his voice. Silent tears could not wash away the memory of shipmates lost. Another laughed as he said he hoped that GQ didn't sound, as he could no longer run like he did 60 years ago - or lift his feet to slide down the handrails on the ladders! A cook stood inspecting the galley. One could almost sense the steam rising from the efforts of his labors. A sailor stood at the gun tub ... the ack-ack of anti-aircraft fire thundering in his ears, his expression as if he still scents the acrid smoke of exploded ordnance. A deck hand, standing near the lines. Hands grasping as they did sixty years ago - the sinews standing out with the force of labor remembered. The sailor standing on the main deck sharing his last visit to an LST with the daughter of a fellow LST veteran. The wife standing by in amazement as her husband of sixty years shares memories never before spoken aloud. The son of a veteran who softly asks whom he should thank for the fulfillment of his father's dream and for his own new understanding. The information shared on the tours will always be of importance, but the melody of these memories is beyond price. 

As tours conclude and the tide of memories recede momentarily, the group gathers on the main deck for midday mess. A box lunch is served and enjoyed by all. Mike Whicker appears and greets many of the veterans. The group appreciates so many taking their time and making efforts to ensure that they have a memorable visit. Kenny Adams visits with many from home, encouraging them to visit during Tall Stacks next year and to return with their children and grandchildren.

After lunch, many linger on the deck. Others visit the new Ship's Store and purchase some items to remember this event, books to stir further memories, photographs to share with children and grandchildren, videos to relive the experiences of returning the 325 from Greece. 

Eventually, the buses are loaded one by one. There was a sense of hesitancy, a dragging step as the sailors regretted the need to return from this very special liberty call.  A short reprieve in the form of mechanical difficulties gave these 16-year-going-on-80-old veteran motor macs a chance to examine the bus’ diesel. The delay lasted long enough for a lingering look of longing as a veteran looks down at the ship. In his eyes you can see the firm promise of return, the words "Bravo Zulu" forming silently on his lips. 

The trip back to Ohio is filled with a gamut of emotions. Laughter intertwines with stories of home, of special people. Sharing memories, some old and some new ...

As the group arrives in Columbus, Gators are thinking that this kind of “Sentimental Journey” should be an annual one ... 
 

Author’s note: The writing of this article is, in part, a way to encourage those who are considering a visit to LST 325 to do so. Make arrangements with the ship for visitation information and the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau for information on accommodations and other attractions in the area. I can assure you, from firsthand experience, that your group will be given every courtesy and consideration. 

I have often thanked all of you who make the 325 experience possible. That thanks is unending. I add my deepest personal thanks to all who made this visit so special for the Ohio Gators. I know that many of you gave up personal time and put aside other responsibilities, going above and beyond the call of duty to welcome them.  I am aware that this is just one visit of many that are scheduled, but for those who participated, it was a highlight of their lives. I do thank you and appreciate the efforts that you made to ensure a good visit for all of them. You have my deepest gratitude.

     ~ Susie Bloom (“SeaBat”)

Please join me in an enthusiastic welcome for LST 325’s new WebSkipper, Dan Engler (who answers equally as well to “Rudy”).  Dan has extensive website experience and skills and I’m sure he’ll bring a new level of quality to the ship’s website.  He’s also a lifelong Evansville resident and has close ties to the community.  That will not only lend a depth of perspective, but it will also allow for more timely updates regarding the ship and happenings in Evansville.

It’ll probably take him a while to learn the ropes and settle into the routine.  But he’s already done some of the website updates, so I’m sure he’ll do just fine.  And I’ll be available to give him a hand if and when he needs one.

Outside of that, I’ll let Dan make his own introductions.  We’ll be having a chat session to welcome him on Sun., October 16th at 6:00 p.m. CDT.  Just go to the Discussion & Chat Forum and then click on “Chat!”  Please be sure to pop in and give a nice “Welcome Aboard” to our new WebSkipper!

One final thing.  Dan will also be getting the WebSkipper email address.  Website matters should be directed to him.  Any personal email for me should be addressed to the “Jim” email address.  Also, I’ll be resurrecting my old “handle” on the Discussion & Chat Forum … Skip1110.

     ~ Jim Anderson
           USS LST-325 Lame Duck WebSkipper, soon-to-be WebSkipper Emeritus

ZCZC

TO:  ALL SHIPS ON THE OHIO
FROM:  USS LST 325, EASTBOUND AND DOWN

Just passed the meeting of the Ohio and Mighty Miss - one minute early at 0729 this fine Sunday morning, Oct 2, doing over 9 mph.

Here at Cairo, IL, we are in a safety zone and will be held up possibly an hour for barge traffic.  ETA Evansville still holding at 1200 tomorow.

Weather great, crew, Capt, and Pilots all fine.  Crew is "dressing ship" and getting ready.

"Passing score":  LST 10   Tow Boats 1.  THIS SHIP WAS MADE FOR RIVERS!    :-) 

Capt. Bob Jornlin

kkkk
NNNN

Our terrific friends at Channel 14 WFIE in Evansville will be providing streaming coverage of LST 325's arrival from their tower cam.  It requires Windows Media Player and preferably a high-speed connection.  They will begin full coverage of the arrival around 11:00 a.m. CDT during the Midday with Mike broadcast, and continue until approximately 1:00 p.m. CDT.  This is terrific because it allows those of us scattered around the country to "be there!"  Click here for more information.

Here are a few pictures from Mike Whicker showing the finishing touches being done in Evansville.  This might be a good time to thank -- and extend a heart-felt BRAVO ZULU to -- all our dedicated volunteers in Evansville.  On Monday, this will be the scene of a glorious homecoming!

Click on any of the images for enlargements

Distinctive signs show the way to the ship	The dock is ready!	From another perspective
Gangway from the Gift Shop to the ship	Getting the Gift Shop ready	The Gift Shop's office
Notice the street sign!	View from Gift Shop to the dock	View of the restaurant from the dock

ZCZC

TO:    ALL SHIPS /BOATS ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
FROM:  LST325 NORTHBOUND @ MILE 786 - 0730 SAT OCT 1

LST 325 slipped past Memphis, TN last night.  NO sightings of ELVIS!  Ship is running at 7 mph average speed the last 48 hours.  (Slowing for down-bound tows at tight corners drops our average.)  At this rate we will meet the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers at 0730 Sunday, Oct 2. 

LST 325 will enter another chapter into the history books when she turns east on the Ohio river, passes Paducah, KY at 1400 hours and then makes the final push to Evansville for an ETA of 1200 Monday, Oct 2, 2005.  An historic amphibious landing will be made at her new home at Marina Pointe on LST DRIVE!  (Yes, they changed the name of the road!)

We hereby issue a warning to all young ladies of the Evansville area ... Lock up your MOTHERS!  ...  LST 325 is coming to town!   :-) 

Our passing (overtaking) score:  LST 5,  Tow boats 1.

Crew is fine, fuel 17,000 gal, Water 5,000 gal.  Running #1 and #3 generators
and #1 Fire pump.

Capt. Bob Jornlin

kkkk
NNNN

NEW ITEMS IN THE SHIP'S STORE Posted 01 October 2005

Be sure to check out the new items in the Ship's Store!  We are now using our new LST 325 Evansville Homefront logo, which really looks sharp.  As you may know, we discontinued almost all of our clothing items in preparation for the move to Evansville.  Well, guess what ... the new ones look better than ever!  There's a brand-new sweatshirt and a couple of T's that you'll be proud to wear.

Be sure to scroll down the page so you don't miss the fantastic new coffee cup.  This may be the nicest one you've ever seen.  It has an "enamel" look incorporating the new logo and is supersized for a sailor-made Cuppa Joe.  I pushed for a $12.50 or even $15.00 price tag, but I was overruled.  It's a real bargain at $10, so order several to keep on hand!  Lastly, there's an Amphib keyring and a large Amphib pin to show your true colors.

There are plenty of fine souvenir items available for you and yours.  Items can be ordered securely online, or ordered through the mail.

And guess what else.  It's not too early to start thinking about the holidays!

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.  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 September 2005:

• 30 SEP 05 - USS LST 325 to Arrive October 3rd in Evansville, Indiana
• 29 SEP 05 - "A Homecoming of Memories" by Susie Bloom ("SeaBat")
• 28 SEP 05 - In Memoriam, Kenneth E. Knight
• 22 SEP 05 - LST 325 Departure Delayed
• 12 SEP 05 - More Photos of Dock Construction
• 09 SEP 05 - Tentative Relocation Plans
• 05 SEP 05 - Photos of New Dock Construction

Archives for current year

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