 |
This page was last updated: 29 DEC 01, 1830Z |
|
|
This page was last updated: 29 DEC 01, 1830Z |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
The ship's hours are currently Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The ship's 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 just to chew the rag or to ask how things are going. Our crew are working very hard on board, and frivolous calls can only divert them from that work. It's most certainly appropriate to call for visits or to volunteer for work.
|
Dated 29 DEC 01 My return to LST 325 was like going home. As I walked up the gangplank and stood on the deck, several faces looked up and signs of recognition lit up their mugs, and handshakes and slaps on the back were the order of the day. It was as if I had been on extended liberty and had rejoined the ship after a long absence. Many of the old familiar faces were still working hard on the project; many new faces were working just as hard and with the same dedication and camaraderie; all this to meet the goal of seeing the grand "Old Lady" regain her youth and vigor. I won't itemize the work that was done the week I was there, but I must mention that all of us put our backs into moving six or seven tons of redundant gear around the tank deck for lifting ashore by crane. I noticed it didn't take long for sailors (after years out of the service and now landlubbers) to stand to and heave the lines in tandem with one another to drag huge rolls of wire cable along the deck with nothing but a block and tackle. Ken Knight (LST 473) and his wife Betty were with me as part of the Arizona contingent, adding their talents and determination to make a contribution to the work. And perhaps as important to the actual work are the little things, such as the two meals we all had on board that week. Sue Johnson brought in chili on Tuesday, then the ladies all got together and had barbecue on Friday. Larry Johnson said he'd spent two days preparing the pork, but then his wife Sue's version is: he only gave her some obscure instructions from his swing on the porch. It is this good-natured ribbing and common love for the ship that is making a lot of what's happening worthwhile to the dedicated hands. It is certainly not the money, as indentured servants in colonial days at least got the occasional pair of cotton pants. I have included a couple of photos taken from a not-often-seen vantage point, that of the "crow's nest." One is looking towards the bow with Larry Johnson and John Calvin standing on a top deck that is looking ship-shape. The other is looking down on the fantail with Gayle Lyon and Pearl Ellison caught by surprise by the hail from aloft. There's still more than enough work to go around, so don't deny yourself the memories of getting back on the solid deck of an LST and the lifelong friendships you'll make on board. |
Gayle Lyon and Pearl Ellison |
View from the crow's nest: Larry Johnson |
 |
|
Al Maunder from Ozark, AR, removing wood
|
Armed with paint brushes and scrapers:
|
G. M. Vest |
Smiles on the chow line being led
|
Ken Knight |
... and in Dec. 2001, 58 years later.
|
This quilt was made by Janet
|
for enlargements
A huge pile of trash
|
Matt Mattoon
|
The starboard wing deck after the
|
A view of the new
|
Gary Lyon |
The Chiefs' Quarters before the
|
Another view of the
|
The Chiefs' Quarters following removal
|
Tank deck with accumulated debris ... |
... and after its removal |
Location for the new purifier ... |
... and another view |
"Who sez we ain't been busy?
|
|
Dated 21 DEC 01 |
|
LST 325's radio room restoration project is one of the most intensive and far-ranging projects on the ship. A core of dedicated individuals have taken charge of this ambitious venture, and have been working hard this year to bring the 325's radio room to its WWII condition. This includes finding and acquiring very rare WWII-era radio equipment. Although much remains to be done, this group has been extremely successful in their efforts. Mr. Bob Wilder, a key player in this group, has now set up a dedicated webpage for LST 325's radio room project. On that page, he is now able to post details of the project in a manner not possible on the main website. Also, through "bypassing the middleman," he is able to post updates much more rapidly than would be possible on the main website. For specific information on the radio room efforts, therefore, we highly recommend that you visit this dedicated page at http://home.earthlink.net/~bwild/lst325.html. Many thanks to Bob Wilder -- and to all our radio room volunteers -- for their terrific work on this wonderful project! |
|
the Edwards Family |
by Leo E. Smith (LST 1046) |
through the Ship's Store |
| Commemorative envelopes with special event cancellations (known as
"covers") are highly prized by stamp and souvenir collectors both.
In light of LST 325's proud history and her recent voyage back to the states,
we felt that she deserved such a tribute, done in first-class style.
Due to the high costs of full-color printing, covers such as ours attain
even more desirability and demand.
Back in March, I began planning the cover and cancellation. I specifically wanted a WWII "look and feel," so I did some research on WWII-era covers, focusing on ship commissionings. Most covers back then were hand-drawn, the best being in color. The cancellations were almost invariably circles with the ship's name and cancellation date inside, with "killer bars" (straight or wavy lines) to the right of the circle. That theme, too, was followed. (An interesting sidenote is that the USPS people thought the cancellation was too plain, and they wanted to add a picture to it, as is common nowadays. After I showed them a preliminary cover design and explained the concept, they understood and agreed.) Coming down to the wire in August, I was having a hard time getting full-color printing done at a reasonable rate. The high expense precluded any possibility of having a good sales volume while still making money for ship. When I appealed the community for help in finding a printer who would donate free or reduced-rate printing, up to the plate stepped Larry Edwards, son of LST 325 Engineering Officer James Edwards. Unhesitatingly, Larry offered to pay half the printing costs. If not for his generosity, the covers would have to have been printed in two-color or B&W, certainly not the quality that our Grand Old Lady deserves. With the printing problems, and with the events of Sep. 11, we just barely managed to get the finished covers to Mobile in time for the Recommissioning Ceremony. The rest is history, and I think we came up with some very fine covers indeed. I wanted to express my appreciation in some way, but Larry wanted nothing for himself, least of all recognition. (Tough luck, Larry, you're getting it now anyway!) I suggested that we have the artwork stamped and cancelled in Mobile, and then have me write an inscription on it for presentation to his Dad, who's had a life-long interest in stamp- and cover-collecting. It was presented to James Edwards at one of his speaking engagements, coming to him as quite a surprise. This is a good time to point out that the entire Edwards family have had a lot to do with this project ever since its inception. I think it could be fairly said that we wouldn't have come this far without them. Through their own hard work and financial contributions, they have never failed to hit a homer when needed. Several times when I've gone to the community for help, James Edwards immediately stepped forward without even waiting to see if any other donors presented themselves. (A good example was our purchase of WWII equipment for the radio room. It turned out that other donors did cover that particular project.) In any event, there's no way that members of the Edwards family can ever be "repaid." But hopefully, the inscribed artwork will go a short ways towards expressing our appreciation. I have in my possession the first pen-and-pencil design artwork, which was also stamped and cancelled at the Recommissioning Ceremony. I will be making this available as an item for fundraising, but I haven't yet decided upon the method (auction, straight sale, etc.). Any suggestions will be appreciated. Inquiries and offers are also welcome. The covers themselves are limited edition and quite highly-prized by collectors. We still have a few remaining, and they can be purchased through the Ship's Store. The original artwork designs are, of course, even more highly valued, as they are strictly one-of-a-kind. There were four such designs for this project, evolving from the original pen-and-pencil to the finished watercolor design that was presented to James Edwards. Also being made available for fundraising in the future is a definite one-of-a-kind cover (I checked with the USPS). It was one of the covers issued by the USPS for LST 325's arrival in January, signed by Capt. Jornlin on the very evening of arrival. It was consequently restamped and recancelled at the Recommissiong Ceremony (i.e., a "double cover"), thus representing the evolution of our "Ugly Duckling." Please join me in hearty thanks to the Edwards Family for their contributions to this project, far beyond the call. Once again, I will gladly receive any suggestions, inquiries and offers regarding these other items.
|
(May be sung to tune of "The Battle Of New Orleans," or simply read)
One
The Lord called down, He said, "Here's what we're
gonna do,
Muster 29 old vet'rans for a 'special duty crew.'
Don't give me polished sailors, reg'lar Navy
just won't do;
They're not wired with experience for this special
duty crew."
"They're polished and they're perfect, and they're
always hard to start.
Give me 29 ol' Shellbacks, 'cause they're blessed
with lots of heart.
If there are none available, A pollywog'll do,
If he sailed upon an LST, he'll be one of the
crew."
REFRAIN (if sung)
So, drop your fun,
We're gonna find some glory.
Tell the Missus and the children
You've become a chosen one!
Two
There's a rusted belly vessel sitting in a Grecian
Bay,
Given to the Grecian Navy by the Good ol' USA.
So, send this crew of Geezers, send them over
there to strive,
For the timely resurrection of the Three- and-
Twenty-five.
First, we had to get permission from our nation's
government;
There we got a lot of you-know-what, and much
discouragement.
They put us through the wringer with the tape,
familiar red;
That we want this ship-museum, couldn't get it
in their head.
REFRAIN
Three
The House of Rep's and Senators were bound to
have their way.
Didn't want to see an LST down there on Mobile
Bay.
Museums for the Air Force, to that group, it
seems O.K.;
But, that bunch of Baby-Boomers wanted us to
go away.
With this we were dejected, but we couldn't give
it up;
We'll get our old museum-ship with any kind of
luck.
Somewhere we'll find an advocate who's really
on the ball;
Then came Texas Representave, The Honorable Mr.
Hall
REFRAIN
Four
The empathizing Congressman came fighting for
our cause,
Introduced a bill, our need to fill, now written
into Law.
Our 42nd president, named Bill, our bill did
sign.
For hopefully his legacy would find a place to
shine.
One hero in this saga is the Texas Congressman;
Our Mr. Hall picked up the ball, and with it
he did run.
His oratory told our story on the Senate floor.
Now, in our glee we know it's he, who opened
up the door.
REFRAIN
Five
The Geezers packed their ditty bags, a trip prepared
to make;
Said farewell to their families and the United
States.
"We won't be long!" They were so wrong,
a much extended date.
The task at hand went not to plan, but did deteriorate.
Bad went to worse at every turn, and road blocks
by the score.
These hearty men remembered when they won the
test of war.
Long working days and heat like blaze the 29
endured.
So then, alas, the meanest task performed without
a word.
REFRAIN
Six
The radar and machinery, t'was in such poor repair,
Brought out their best, it took no less, they
fixed it then and there.
That's why The Lord implored these men and led
them to this ship.
With just enough to fix it up to make the homeward
trip.
With all secured they said, "We're gonna make
a trial run,"
This was relief, t'was their belief, that it
was time for fun.
"So," Jornlin said, "We'll ply the Med, and and
see what she will do."
Upon return, "She's sound" they learned, now
they're a happy crew.
REFRAIN
Seven
A problem had to raise its head, "Had all involved
been fooled?"
How can a ship make such a trip with tanks devoid
of fuel?
They'd not be foiled for lack of oil, said all
these faithful men,
For soon they learned, respect they'd earned
from Brit's Petroleum.
This gracious corporation, from their heart perceived
the need,
Pledged fuel to burn for their return; A gift,
no strings, no greed!
"We'll fly a flag for all to see, its colors
gold and green,"
The crew did vow, upon her bow, "BP"
will there be seen.
REFRAIN
Eight
The rest is known, they're heading home, a feeling
good, of peace.
In spirits high they said goodbye to friends
they'd made in Greece.
They've had some fun, a job well done, endured
a lot of grief.
For such a task the Lord should ask, requires
deep belief.
These ancient Gobs they did their jobs. What moved
them, I suspect,
To show us all who missed the call, their kind
demands respect.
They stand aligned, these twenty-nine, they stand
for you and me,
In gratitude for any dude who sailed an LST.
REFRAIN
Nine
PS: Before they left, they were bereft by
adamant advice.
No one is sure these words were heard; ignored
would not be nice.
"Don't sail that ship, the seas will rip her
tired, welded frame."
Now it's my hunch this weary bunch sailed on
to garner fame.
Not for themselves, but in the end, for the museum-ship;
No interviews to make the news on this historic
trip.
They concentrate upon the date they've given
to Mobile.
The only thought that they have bought, like
Helmsman at the Wheel.
REFRAIN
So, drop your fun,
We're gonna find some glory.
Tell the Missus and the children
You've become a chosen one!
Copyright © 2000, All Rights Reserved
by Leo E. Smith, USS LST-1046
Reprinted here with permission of the author -- THANKS!
|
|
|
For convenient, one-stop shopping, all three video selections are now available directly through the Ship's Store. (These are: The History Channel documentary, the Recommissioning Ceremony, and Ron Maranto's two-volume set.) So now you can order all your LST 325 items all together. I haven't yet had the opportunity to update the order form or the Ship's Store page. I will do so as soon as possible. In the meanwhile, simply use the prices shown on the Ship's Store page, and write them onto your order form. The Recommissioning Ceremony video seems not to have received much attention. That's a shame. Perhaps because I was unable to attend myself, this tape has a very special meaning to me, representing the culmination of a lot of hard work and financial contributions of many dedicated people. Personally, at least, I enjoyed the recommissioning video even more than The History Channel documentary. I'm not too embarassed to say that tears were streaming from my eyes during the entire video. Whether you were there or not, this video belongs in your collection. It's the stuff from which tears and goose bumps abound. Ron Maranto's two-volume set is finding wide approval from those who have ordered it. It details the work and progress all the way from Crete to final arrival in Mobile. It not only shows the day-to-day work of our crew; it's also a fine medium to show your friends and family "what it was like" -- what it takes to make an LST work. All three of these tapes are in my personal collection. I highly recommend that you make them all part of yours too! |
|
from Michael
Smith Dated 01 DEC 01
Shown at right:
Newly-engaged Naomi Friedman and Michael Smith |
 |
|
Hello to the LST 325 community! Here is my update from my visit to the LST 325 on Nov. 22. 1. The A/C-heat pump units were donated by Hill Refrigeration, 604 Broad St., Mobile Al. Scott Boutwell is the contact person from Hill Refrigeration that helped to put this together. During my visit, Blue Crew members George Pickett and Calvin Ellison, along with Gold Crewmember Gary Lyon were cutting the old A/C unit out of officers' country in preparation for installing the new one. Another will go in the starboard wing deck and a third in the aft crew quarters. 2. A crew was to begin work on the radio room restoration on Sat. the 24th of November. All of the remaining Greek equipment will be removed in preparation for the project. I saw some of the huge old-time radios. These monstrous receivers and transmitters will really give the radio room an authentic look and feel. The ultimate goal is to have an operating radio station on the ship once again. 3. A compartment is being cleared out in preparation for the installation of the sewage system. This system would be able to service a crew who might one day be touring with the ship. A new fresh water tank is also going to be installed. As you can see from this and other recent reports there is still much work to be done and many exciting projects in which to participate. Please, head down to Chickasaw and get your hands dirty! New Bluecrew: George Pickett
[Ed. note: There are several updates to be made on the Blue Crew listing, but it will be about a week or so until they can be posted.] |
George Pickett
The old AC unit out on the
George Pickett |
This compartment is being prepared
|
Equipment stacked up
|
With its days numbered, this Greek radio
|
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! |
|
|
for volunteers and visitors |
|
|
Legend: 
with pictures
Gold
Crew
Blue Crew
Archives (click here for complete index to archives) :
|
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.
