Progress Report for December 2002
from Gary Lyon
Dated 29 December 2002

The best three weeks of the winter are over.  Fifteen members of the Adams family from Covington, Ohio, and 12 to 16 terrific Blue Crew members have been aboard.  We've had people working from the shaft alley to the O3 deck.  The whole crew has completed an amazing amount of work.  Unfortunately, 13 of the Adams' had to go home last Saturday.  Luckily, the local Blue Crew has returned and are working as hard as ever.  We have 30-plus workers every day.  It's difficult to keep that many men and women supplied with material at all times.  The main reason we get so much work done is that no one wants to drive this far just to sit around telling sea stories.  We use Smith's Hardware in nearby Saraland, which is very well equipped. 

The work on the drive shafts is complete.  All bearings have been cleaned and well oiled.  This is a very hard and dirty job.  We are also rebuilding some water valves in the shaft alley, and all the lights have been repaired.  Dominick Perruso will appreciate that because he had to do all the work down there.  It's a difficult job because the area has a very high overhead and it's difficult to get a ladder down there.  Dominick had to lower a very heavy pump down 20 feet to pump the water out of the leaking shafts, in the dark.  The old wiring was rather poor.

We removed the #3 DC generator and replaced it with a rebuilt 1942 model 100-kw 460-volt AC generator.  This takes the place of the two AC-DC MG sets that were installed in a compartment above the galley.  We pulled out all the heavy armored cables connected to the main switchboard and installed new armored cables through the deck to a new 3-phase 600-volt transfer switch that we installed on the tank deck.  All the AC equipment is controlled from one location.  We have three 3-ton air conditioner/heat pumps for three levels, plus hot water heaters, plus a sewage plant.  We have two new refrigerators and will have a complete P.A. system and alarm system which requires AC current.  We have a 400-amp DC invertor on the tank deck that furnishes enough DC power without running a second generator.  We just received a 150-kw diesel generator for emergency power.  We can power the entire ship with one generator, be it AC or DC.  We are replacing more wiring throughout the ship to conform to regulations.  I purchase the armored wire in New Orleans.  The best part is that we get to stay with Ron and Barbara Maranto and enjoy their southern hospitality and delicious cooking.  I think that Ron could have cooked some interesting food on the way home from Greece.

The Stewart & Stevenson engine repairmen will return soon.  Four men worked three weeks on the engines.  Six pallets of new parts were delivered before they arrived, and more arrived each Monday from New Orleans.  Another company will be here soon to take the reduction gears apart and repair them, plus other equipment.  Stewart & Stevenson installed all-new temperature sensors in the exhaust manifolds, which they replaced also.  They rebuilt all four superchargers that caused the excessive oil consumption, and the air induction system.  Clutches and flywheels were inspected for wear.  We installed two new air compressors.  They installed new air starters on the engines, which is the best thing that could happen.  We had a terrible time with the electric starters and controls.  Other equipment was installed and will be listed later.  We can use air-operated needle guns to remove the 19 layers of paint that the previous owners installed with great care.

The fifth LCVP is being rebuilt now on the dock.  This is Ron Maranto's project since he helped build the new one in the D-Day Museum in New Orleans.  The ramp seals have been replaced, along with the stainless steel cables that control the ramp.  The deck is being repaired with new oak deck cleats.  The boat will be sanded and repainted soon.

The new sewage-treatment equipment has been tested three times now by the Green Marine Co. of New Orleans, which was donated work.  As you know the entire system was donated to the ship.  We have connected water to the ship now and can use the system when we are told to. 

The last of the new ladders (stairs) from the portside galley entrance to the crew's quarters below is being constructed.  This will make it easier for guests to go to the tank deck.  Remember when you slid down the ladder to General Quarters?  It's fun now with the new rails.  In January we hope to start the remodeling of the starboard crew's showers and lavatories with a 50-gallon water heater (hidden) for ample showers.  The old two-pint water heaters were worthless.  This will be a pleasant change when going to sea.

We have moved the two new electric ranges into the galley now.  These are original 1942 General Electric stoves that have been in storage for 40 or more years.  We just received a new stainless steel 49 cu. ft. two-door refrigerator for the galley (see photo).  We installed new stainless countertops last spring, along with four stainless sinks and a 40-gallon water heater.  We had a two-quart water heat in the galley coming home from Greece.  Now where can we find a gourmet cook???  Maybe Kevin from the Royal St. Café will volunteer.

The forward chief's quarters are being remodeled and are soon to be repainted.  This area was in terrible condition.  Forty new mattresses are in town and about ready for delivery.  This will be a great improvement from sleeping on lumps.  We are thinking about making the small troop pantry on the starboard side of the second deck (presently the tool room) into a galley for the crew when in port for privacy.  That way the hatch could be locked for crew only, and we wouldn't have to move around the guests that are touring the ship.

The original steering system has now been completely overhauled by Bill Arras, and it works perfectly.  The refrigeration equipment below the crew's quarters has been rebuilt.  Bill is the most talented mechanic I have ever had the pleasure to work with.  He is a great teacher, and he loves a challenge.  On this ship, absolutely everything is a challenge.  Bill is the Project Coordinator and he keeps all the various projects moving smoothly.  All of the Blue Crew really appreciate the system we have in place now.  They all know that he is in charge, and that's very important.

We all have a lot of fun working on the ship, especially when the Adams family is aboard.  They are all very talented, and very hard workers.  They didn't come to play.  Being farmers really helps.  I have them divided into groups.  This may sound odd, but it works.  I have the younger guys (18 to 20) do the light work everywhere.  They are Matt Adams, Michael Adams, Charlie Adams, Bill Drieling and Rusty Sink (no jokes).  They look exactly like the young sailors that came aboard in WW2 to man the new ships.  They're 5'7" and 150 lbs. and they work like journeyman laborers.  They don't stop, and are always asking what they can do next.  There is always a lot of kidding around going on all the time.  It's rumored that Rusty used Lee Adam's drugstore camera to take five or six pictures of his profile for all his girl friends.  Wait till Lee gets his pictures.  Poor Rusty.

The old folks keep the kids working and help them on projects.  Last Tuesday, Anna and Ann brought a huge pot of pheasant stew for dinner on the deck for all 30 people (see photo).  Kenny Adams, Anna Adams, Will Adams, Ann Adams and Doug Drieling are the heads of the clan.  Kenny and Will are expert welders with all their own equipment.

Wednesday night, 26 of us went to Nan Seas Restaurant on Dauphin Island Parkway, and we had a wonderful time.  When my wife made the reservations they knew all about those LST guys, so we had our own private room.  After dinner, we were out in the parking lot and Lee and Jake S. started singing Celtic and Irish folk songs, and then everybody joined in.  Even the other customers that were leaving joined in!  That is hard on a full stomach, from laughing so much.  We all have a lot of fun together and forget how hard we have been working.  The good part is that they all will be back in March, so get your reservations in to help. 

Sorry for such a long report but everybody deserves credit.  The ship is lucky to have all the Blue Crew.  Just think what it would look like without them.

     ~ Gary Lyon

Dominick Perruso touched lightly on this in his 28 NOV 02 report, but he didn't have final details at that time.  You may recall that Dominick led a crew in the installation of the new ORCA unit from EVAC.  He mentioned that there would be a special testing of the system to insure proper installation and to show compliance with Coast Guard standards.  As it happens, that testing went perfectly!

We'd like to extend our thanks to Mr. JOHN GREEN for performing this critical and valuable service for us.  Mr. Green is the owner of Green Marine in Metairie, LA, and has been EVAC's representative in the Gulf Coast for over 15 years.  Mr. Green's service trip was donated to LST 325, and we appreciate his time and energy spent in insuring a successful startup of the system.  One more item is now off the checklist for our 2003 voyage!
 

The Time for Giving

Yes, it's the time of year for giving.  And the holiday season is the perfect time to be thinking about LST 325.  Your contributions are always appreciated, of course, but this is the time of year when you might wish to consider your tax deductions as well.  Assuming that you use the calendar year as your fiscal year (most of us do), any donations dated on or before December 31^st will count toward your itemized deductions for the year 2002.  (Our Tax ID number is 25-1581762.)  Please take a moment to consider if this fits into your financial planning.  Thanks!
 

Have You Considered Your Legacy?

Speaking of financial planning, have you considered your legacy to present and future generations from an historical perspective?  Many of the values and traditions that we hold dear and seek to preserve with LST 325 will remain important to our friends, families and communities long after we are no longer here ourselves.  Including The USS LST Ship Memorial in your will is one way to help preserve the things you've worked for, fought for and believe in for your community and loved ones.

Leaving your legacy of an historical LST is easy through a simple bequest.  You should consult your lawyer or estate planner, but a basic bequest might read "I give and bequeath to The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc., the sum of $______."  Bequests can also be made as a percentage of your total estate, or the remainder of your estate after all other bequests are fulfilled.  Please email the WebSkipper  if you have decided to, or are thinking about, including The USS LST Ship Memorial in your will.
 

Progress Report from Michael Smith
Dated 16 December 2002

Report on my visit of 06 December 02

I'm sorry for the delay in getting this posted, but this report will tell about my visit to the LST on December 6.  Work was continuing on the main engines and I met another of the talented folks from Stewart & Stevenson.  Mr. Donald Richard had been aboard completing welding work in the main engine room.  Among other things, he welded the new starter brackets in place.  Also in the main engine room, Blue Crew members Donald Wittersheim and Chuck Frawley were removing old ventilation ducts above the battery rack.  Since compressed air will replace battery power for starting the mains, this area will house the new compressed air tanks.

I met Jack and Hazel Mulford, who have arrived in Mobile for a month of volunteer work.  Jack and Hazel have jumped right into the mix; Hazel was watching over the wardroom/souvenir shop, while Jack worked all over the ship.  Jack and I removed the motor for the ship's service compressor from its base in the auxiliary engine room.  The motor will be serviced and reinstalled to run the compressor which is also being overhauled.  Mr. Collins Lawson was busy continuing work on the ship's lighting systems.  The aft crew quarters were looking much better after he finished replacing all the fixtures in this compartment.

The Adams family had also arrived.  Kenneth, Ann and Garth were already knee deep in work, and report that more of the family was on the way.  Kenny and Ann were working on the plumbing, while Garth was assisting the Stewart & Stevenson guys with the main engine work.  There was also a crowd of students from a local Mobile Home School group that volunteer regularly aboard the ship.  These students work hard with chipping paint, cleaning and any other thing the LST can throw at them. 

     ~ Michael Smith

Note of Appreciation From Doris Edwards
Dated 15 December 2002

I think it is time for people to know that the LST 325 has a wonderful bunch of people who volunteer their time and donations to help get this ship ready to sail.  We have over one hundred guys and gals who work from can till can’t for nothing more than seeing this ship in top shape again.  If it’s hot, cold or raining they are there.

The Sailing Crew (Gold Crew) and wives would like to say "Thank You" for all the work, parts and donations. 

     ~ Doris Edwards,
          Gold Crew wife

Progress Report from Ron Maranto
Dated 14 December 2002

I'm home once again after three and a half great days aboard the 325.   The Adams family has arrived: Kenneth, Ann and their son, Garth.  Kenneth and Ann will be working aboard the ship until around March of next year.  Garth will go home in about a week.  This weekend about 12 of the Adams family will arrive to add to the many hours which they have already contributed to the ship. 

The AC generator is installed on the #3 aux engine.  Two of the exhaust manifolds have been replaced on the main engines.  The flywheel has been replaced and the four superchargers have been completed and overhauled.  Temperature sensors on the manifold have been replaced.  Walter Isham was removing a mixture of water and lube from the shaft bearing lube box and refilling it with new lube.

Dan Toole completed the aft ladder from the O1 deck to the main deck.  The galley oven has been removed, as well as the grill and deep fryer, to be replaced with new USN 1942-era models.  We are now in search of a stainless steel commercial refrigerator.  Forty new mattresses will arrive soon to replace the lumpy 30-year-old Greek mattresses.  The 150-kw emergency generator has arrived and will be installed in the near future. 

Wednesday, we took time out to celebrate Kenneth's and Ann's birthdays with a birthday cake and ice cream.  About a dozen Blue Crew attended the celebration. 

The ladder that went from the galley to the aft crew deck was removed by the Adams', and will be replaced by a ladder with easier accessability, as required by the Coast Guard. 

As I was leaving on Thursday, the Adams' had just about completed the safety railing on the port side of the main deck.  Collins and Wilbur Lawson, along with Jerry Bailey (a friend), were installing and repairing light switches and fixtures.

     ~ Ron Maranto

I have just learned that our bill for exemption from Coast Guard inspection requirements under Chapter 33 of Title 46, United States Code, has now passed the House and the Senate, and has been signed into law by the President.  We are now under the same exemptions as the Liberty and Victory Ships, the SS Red Oak Victory and SS American Victory.

I want to personally thank Congressman TOM DAVIS of Virginia for introducing this bill for all of us and the LST 325.  He did this on March 5, 2002, and has stayed with it until it passed just a short time ago.  I also thank each and every Congressman and Senator that has helped us get this bill passed.  We can now keep our "Historic Ship" for all generations to see and enjoy.  I also want to thank Mr. SEAN CONNAUGHTON, our Marine Attorney, for all of his help in writing this bill and for the thousands of other things he has done for the LST 325 from Greece until now.  Certainly not least, I want to extend thanks to all those who heeded our call for letters of support. 

History will repeat itself next summer, when LST 325 will be the second LST to return up the rivers to where they were built.  It has not been done since 1945 when LST 512, under US Navy Command, sailed up the
Mississippi, Illinois, and Ohio Rivers to raise money and support for the War effort.  They had 50,000 people come aboard and look at an LST! I anticipate that we will break that record, and break it by a substantial margin.  I personally know of LST 325 supporters who are going to travel in excess of 300 miles to see this great ship that "truly Won the War."

The LST 325, and USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL, INC. will continue to work with the U.S. COAST GUARD in Mobile, AL, on all safety concerns and suggestions necessary to bring our ship up to their requirements, and we welcome their help.  We want to do everything that is possible in preparation for our summer trip up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.  Towards this end many things have been done to make the ship safe for visitors and crew.  We have now an emergency generator, the ladders to the tank deck and O1 levels have been widened and made with less slope, a new PA system is going to be installed so all could be warned or made aware of a situation if a problem arose.  New life lines on the main deck and O1 level are almost done.  We have new fire hoses and CO2 fire extinguishers.  The LST Crew will be trained by a professional fire fighting school before we leave on the summer trip.  A great deal of electrical work has been done, gas-tight globes installed, and switches replaced.  It is our goal to have all of the electrical wiring fixed or replaced to CG standards.  We had a Professional Marine inspection done on the ballast tanks and they all passed.  The steering system has
been completely overhauled, and many more things have been done. 

Thanks again Congressman Tom Davis of VA, Speaker Hastert of IL, and to all who had a part in helping the LST Ship Memorial reach this important goal.

  ~ Bob Jornlin, President
       USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL, INC.
       Captain, LST 325
 

Donating Appreciated Securities

Federal and state laws on income tax encourage charitable giving.  All contributions to the LST 325 effort are tax deductible for those who itemize their deductions.  It is particularly advantageous for some people to contribute appreciated securities.  If you choose to contribute appreciated securities, you will receive double the tax benefit by:

• 1.  Avoiding the capital gains tax which would be paid if you were to liquidate your securities.
• 2.  Receiving a charitable deduction equal to the fair market value at the time of the gift as opposed to the purchase.

Please email the WebSkipper if you are interested in further details.  We also have several other donation options such as bequests, planned gifts, life insurance, etc.  In addition, we are currently exploring the feasibility of offering a gift annuity option.
 

Update on Michael Smith's video clips

Michael Smith has generously provided hosting for his video clips on his own website, insidelst.com.  (Yes, there are now two video clips!)  The first one shows Bill Arras and Jim Bartlett starting and running one of the aux engines.  You can view or download it by clicking here.  A new one shows Jim Bartlett operating the breaker for power to the ship, and then running a check on the switchboard.  That one can be accessed by clicking here.  Once again, these are large files that will require quite a bit of downloading time on a dial-up connection.

While you're there, take some time to explore Michael's website.  It's a comprehensive, informative and intriguing study of LST design and operation, amply illustrated with his photographs.  It's well worth a visit!

Progress Report from Michael Smith
Dated 05 December 2002

Report on my visit of 27 November 02

It’s been a month since I was last aboard the LST.  In that time much work has been accomplished and the ship continues to improve.  For this report, I will tell everyone about the most exciting day I have had on the LST 325 since beginning to volunteer in March of 2001.  What made this day so special for me was that I could really see the ship’s goal of being an operational vessel coming together. 

Upon arriving, I was informed by Mr. Bartlett that the Stewart & Stevenson mechanics were aboard and that work had started on the main engines.  As fast as I could, I headed down to the engine room and met the guys working on the engines.  They were Mr. Kelly Marie, Mr. Danny Tybussek and Mr. Yongyth "Young" Jarusook.  These gentlemen were all very nice, and took the time to spend a few minutes talking with me and telling me a little about their work.  The first thing I came to understand about working on the main engines is the large size of many of the parts.  The crew was constantly working together to move components into and out of position before they could be bolted together.  Then, just as one of the big jobs would be finished, they would return to working on various components by themselves.  Everyone was very interested in doing their part in restoring the LST.  Part of the work on the main engines will include the replacement of the electric starters with air starters.  These air starters will make the engine operation simpler by eliminating the need for the large starting batteries. 

After spending some time in the main engine room, I followed Bill Arras and Jim Bartlett into the auxiliary engine room.  For over a year I’ve been asking Mr. Bartlett when I’d get the chance to see some of the engines run on the LST.  He would always tell me, "one day ..."  So I was really surprised when I inquired about what was going on and Mr. Bartlett told me casually that they were going to start one of the auxiliary engines.  That statement completely made my day!  So, after checking the water level, and checking all the fuel and water valves, they engaged the starter and the engine came to life.  After letting it idle for a few minutes they brought it up to 1200 RPM, which is the engine's normal operating speed.  It really makes a difference once you’ve seen the ship operating as it was meant to.  The fact that this ship will still be operational really sets it apart from other museum ships.  After shutting the engine down, I spent some time asking questions and then my day got even better.  After the Stewart & Stevenson mechanics finished for the day we were going to run the engine again, but the second time we would engage the generator and the ship would make its own electricity.  So later that day, Mr. Bartlett and Mr. Arras started the engine again.  Mr. Lyon came down and made some voltage checks on the generator.  A few moments later the shore power was disengaged and the ship went momentarily dark.  Mr. Bartlett turned on the breaker and the lights immediately came back on.  LST 325 was making its own power!  At long last, I was aboard the LST while she was up and running, and it wasn’t a far stretch to imagine that we would be casting off in a few hours. 

These two experiences, of being in the auxiliary engine room while it was operational and seeing the main engines receiving the work needed to get them up and running again, should make it clear how hard everyone is working towards the goal of having an operational ship. 

  ~ Michael Smith

[Ed. note:  Don't forget that Michael passed along a ten-second audio/video clip showing Bill Arras and Jim Bartlett starting up this aux engine.  It can be downloaded or viewed by clicking here.   Though it's short, the filesize is 2,382,836 bytes, which will take a while to download if you're on a dial-up connection.  And, due to the large size, this clip can only be made available for a short time.  You'll be able to "be there" for this exciting moment!]
 

Click on any of the images for enlargements

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:

Archive for December 2002:

• 29 DEC 02 - Progress Report for December 2002 from Gary Lyon
• 20 DEC 02 - A Note of Thanks
• 20 DEC 02 - The Time for Giving
• 20 DEC 02 - Have You Considered Your Legacy?
• 16 DEC 02 - Progress Report from Michael Smith
• 15 DEC 02 - Note of Appreciation from Doris Edwards
• 14 DEC 02 - Progress Report from Ron Maranto
• 09 DEC 02 - Great News for LST 325 from Capt. Bob Jornlin
• 09 DEC 02 - Donating Appreciated Securities
• 09 DEC 02 - Update on Michael Smith's Video Clips
• 05 DEC 02 - Progress Report from Michael Smith

• 28 NOV 02 - Progress Report from Dominick Perruso, Jim McCandrew & Corbin Fowkes
• 20 NOV 02 - Captain's Update from Bob Jornlin
• 18 NOV 02 - In Memoriam, Dewey Hardy
• 14 NOV 02 - Progress Report from Ron Maranto
• 07 NOV 02 - Note from Danny Sulkin
• 03 NOV 02 - Note re Hichael Nedeff's 24 OCT report

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