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 This page was last updated 4 May 08 |
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This page was last updated 4 May 08 |
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Summer River Cruise Itinerary |
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TIME/MILE MARKER |
DATE |
PORT OF CALL |
WEEKEND
IN PORT |
DAYS IN PORT |
MILES |
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0800 Ohio River 792.0 |
Sun. 17Aug. | Depart Evansville |
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. | 497 mi. |
| 1000 Miss. R. 309.0 | Wed. 20 Aug. | Arrive Hannibal, MO |
Yes
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Open 5 Aug. 21-25 | . |
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0800 Miss. R. 309.0 |
Tues. 26 Aug. | Depart Hannibal, MO |
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. | 177 mi. |
| 1000 Miss. R. 486.0 | Wed. 27 Aug. | Arrive Moline, IL |
Yes
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Open 6 Aug. 28-Sept. 2 | . |
| 0800 Miss. R. 486.0 | Wed. 3 Sept. | Depart Moline, IL |
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. | 32.5 mi. |
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1300 Miss. R. 518.5 |
Wed. 3 Sept. | Arrive Clinton, IA |
Yes
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Open 5 Sept. 4–8 | . |
| 0800 Miss. R. 518.5 | Tues. 9 Sept. | Depart Clinton, IA |
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. | 63.5 mi. |
| 1500 Miss. R. 455.0 | Tues. 9 Sept. | Arrive Ft. Madison, IA |
Yes
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Open 5 Sept. 10-14 | . |
| 0800 Miss. R. 455.0 | Mon. 15 Sept. | Depart Ft. Madison, IA |
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. | 643 Mi. |
| 1200 Ohio R. 792.0 | Thurs. 18 Sept. | Arrive Evansville, IN |
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| Progress Report Update Posted April 14, 2008 Work Week 2008 Click on thumbnails for larger image |
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| #1 This is a big day for the ship. We took delivery on our new (used) crane. Here Ray and Dave look it over and check operation. #2 Dave puts the Grove through it's paces. He gave the machine his seal of approval. #3 Ray gives the ticket on the crane to Sandy. It is now officially the property of the ship. |
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| #4 Work week has officially begun. Morning muster was held on the main deck and announcements were made. And now and then a very special ceremony was held. Thanks to Doug and Rocky. #5 Ray and Butch go over details of the project they are working on. #6 Bob found plenty to do in the radio shack. |
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| #7 Jennifer, who is working on an internship, works on assembling the safety netting that is installed on the life lines. #8 Terry and the Capt. go over items the Coast Guard requested us to take note of after their inspection. #9 Work week crews are busy chipping, scraping and painting. This is the starboard bulkhead on the tank deck. |
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| #10 Fire crews flushed and cleared the fire mains. Here Tom and Fred are checking one particular hose. #11 Naturally the heart of the operation was the galley. Joe and his stalwart crew kept the crew fed for the week. GOOD chow and the soup was outstanding. #12 Our thanks and appreciation go to the Alvers Family. They are wonderful supporters of LST 325 and this plaque has been installed on the port davit arm to honor them. Mr. Alvers was a cox'n on LST 534. |
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| #13 What a great looking bulkhead! Sherry is almost hidden but she is putting the finishing touches on a fire hose rack after the bulkhead was painted. #14 In the past the engine room has not gotten it's fair share of notice during work week. Ad is overseeing work on the starboard engine and is in the engine room most of the time. #15 Rocky is another one who haunts the engine room. He is actually the Oil King and Water King. He is recalibrating an oil tank sight glass. |
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| #16 These are the screws and shaft casings brought in from the East coast by Kenny. They will be spares in case we should need them. #17 This is the first real use we have had for the new Grove crane. It would have been a monster job to move this equipment without it. #18 With all the work going on during work week the tour guides were still busy with tours. This is a group of Navy Junior ROTC cadets that came aboard. |
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| #19 There was always hurry and scurry. The ship took on the look of an ant hill with everyone moving about getting their jobs done. #20 Not only was there lots of activity on the tank deck but also topside. #21 The cleaning was not limited to the main and tank decks. There was also a lot of work doing on in most all passageways and ladders. |
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| #22 At morning muster Terry kept everyone up to speed on what was needed and expected. #23 What a pleasure it was to have the youngest member of our work crew aboard. (the one in the middle). Don gives Jake and his dad some tips on work to be done. #24 Much of our spare equipment has been painted and is on display on the tank deck. |
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| Just as a personal observation, it is amazing how much work was accomplished but this great crew during Work Week 2008. The work went on a more than steady pace and as far as I know never a cross word. To sum it up, Good People, Good Fellowship, Good Food, Good Weather (for the most part), and LOTS of Great Work completed.......BRAVO ZULU!!! |
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| Progress Report Update Posted April 4, 2008 Click on thumbnails for larger image Things are beginning to pick up on LST 325. The days are getting warmer and visitors are beginning to show up more frequently between rain showers. The maintenance guys are continuing their work and the tour guides are having sea stories interrupted more often by tours. We even saw a few rays of sunshine yesterday. |
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| #1 With safety always the most important factor on any job, Ray is working on an extension for our scaffolding. This will make for a more stable work platform. #2 Larry does a happy dance on his way up the ramp. #3 Nick drills the sleeves for the locking pins. This has really been a team operation, as is most of the work done on LST 325. |
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| #4 A sure sign of spring is when you see the tour guides start to gather outside on the main deck to await visitors. #5 Pete is repairing a sound power phone connection on one of the forward gun tub. We must be prepared. You never know when we'll have a frontal assault. #6 Ray can stand on the docking barge and reach the top of the cell. Of course Ray is taller than most and did jump center for the Mechanic Arts Bolt Breakers when he was in high school. |
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| #7 A momentous day for Harry, he's working on the last light fixture to be repaired on the tank deck. The tank deck is much lighter now. #8 Harry, Dave, Pete and Ray discuss the movement of the equiptment into the old boiler room. The clean up in this space is nearing completion and the move will be made soon. #9 As usual Nick can be found doing chores around the ship. |
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| #10 Roy continues to chip away at the old paint in the boiler room. Soon to be the transformer room. #11 As mentioned before visitors are beginning to show up again after a rough winter. Here Jim guides a family through. #12 One of Pete's favorite tools is the needle gun. Here he works on the starboard side dog house. |
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| #13 One of the benefits of the continuous rain is that small leaks can be found. Ray is welding a patch over one such leak. #14 Dallas starts a tour on the main deck. #15 After Pete and Roy wear out the needle guns it's up to Ray to get them going again. They get lots of use. |
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| #16 As the river rises and falls the lines that hold the ship have to be monitored continuously. Here Fred makes an adjustment to the line tension. #17 One of the best tools that the ship has is our sizzor lift. It has been in continuous service lately with the repair work that is going on with the tank deck lighting. Harry is checking out the batteries. #18 Ed has been at it again. He is refurbishing the switches and covers in the bow door control room. Can you tell which one he has worked on?? Just kidding Ed, it looks great. Also seen are some of the brass switch covers that Ed has done. |
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| #19 The ships new rifle squad really looks great. This squad was formed for saluting on special occasions and memorial services. Left to right are Larry Hahn Squad Leader, Marvin Oeth, Fred Kerstein, Vernon Barnett, Chris Donahue, Jim Roach, Sam Richey, Dallas Fickas, Bob Lenn Bos'n Piper and Millard Wilke Bugler. We'll have a better photo of them later when they come out into the light. This occasion was the visit of the Veterans for Freedom presentation on Sun. March 30. #20 ANSWER TO LAST REPORTS MYSTERY PHOTO: It was for a basketball goal. Larry Hahn came up with the answer and a photo to prove it......maybe our next mystery question should be "whose laundry is hanging out"? Until next time that's about it. Please bear in mind that this photographer is not on the ship at all times and this is but a sample of the things that are going on aboard. Our next report should be a good one because work week is coming up in a few days and there will be much activity aboard. See you then....... |
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| Progress Report Update Posted March 18, 2008 Click on thumbnails for larger image |
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| After weeks of bad weather we are finally getting another progress report out. Things are slowly beginning to roll again and we can see the work beginning to pick up. Below are a few of the things that are going on around the ship. |
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| #1 Nick, Pete and Harry inspect one of the in-line fans coming from the old boiler room. #2 Harry has been busy for a long time getting the lighting going at full tilt on the tank deck. #3 You can see the results of Harry's labors. The tank deck is much brighter now. |
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| #4 Ray and Nick swab up some dirty water that ran down onto the port deck area. #5 Sam and Mike chip and shovel ice and snow from one of our many snowfalls we've had this winter. #6 Marvin chipped in to get the snow off the main deck. The big problem was that not long after this snow was removed we got more. |
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| #7 The old boiler room is shaping up pretty well. Here is a view from the tank deck. A new door will be welded into the opening when the interior work is completed. #8 Ray steps into the boiler room to help with the needle gunning. This is an ongoing project and will last a while. #9 Meanwhile in the ward room Glenn unveils his latest patriotic, high tech, jet propelled leg. Just don't steal his remote or he may get launched.... |
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| #10 After several weeks of slow tour business because of the weather we had a very nice group of Evansville home schoolers come aboard. Home schoolers are always a pleasure to work with. They are very well behaved. #11 Ray drops through an inspection hatch in the tank deck to inspect a bulkhead between one of the ballast tanks and the void under the tank deck. #12 Once again the office is floating. This year the river is the highest it's been since the ship has been in Evansville. It crested at 41.7 feet, only .3 of a foot below flood stage. The office ladies can attest to the fact that the office does rock and roll at times. |
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| #13 Bob celebrated his birthday by bringing in a pumpkin and pecan treat to share with the crew. It was delicious. About the same time we received a package of cracked pecans from some folks in Texas who had toured the ship and wanted to thanks us for our hospitality toward them. #14 New gangways have been received by the ship to be used to get guests on and off the ship when on summer cruises. Here the guys from Crane Construction move them aboard. #15 It would appear that this crew had the same work direction classes that Doug conducted. We miss you Doug... |
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| #16 We were really pleased to have help again from students at USI. Here are Matt, Sarah and Phantasia. Thanks a million for the help. #17 Once again Bill came all the way from Kentucky to prepare lunch for the crew. Here he gives the "evil eye" to a cornbread thief (probably Ray). #18 Dave got to get up close and personal with a swab in the galley after a great lunch of vegetable soup and cornbread. Thanks Bill... |
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| #19 Pete puts the final adjustments to the traffic light on the tank deck. We've been waiting a long time to get this light up and it's finally up and can be operated. Originally there would have been three lights in service. #20 Actually Ed worked with Pete on installing the light but when the photo above was taken Ed was not aboard. So that Ed doesn't feel slighted we stuck his head in the light. That should scare a brave tanker. #21 I asked Bob if he were a space alien and he said "No but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night." |
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| Mystery of the month. These four hinges are located right below and aft of the cargo hatch. Does anyone have any idea what they would have been used for????? Please answer on the discussion page....... |
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| Progress Report Update Posted March 18, 2008 A Note from Captain Hal |
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| One of the high points in Mobile history was the historic welcome and nurturing of the LST-325. That crew of old men came to love and appreciate Mobile and its people. That love affair was strengthened by the remarkable phenomenon of the "Blue Crew", volunteers who swung into action to help restore and preserve the ship and by the community. Shipyards were supportive, the people loved the ship and went way out of their way to get a look at it. Many, many LST and Navy reunions came to mobile because of the ship and LST veterans traveled from all over the gulf coast to see it. Our veteran community honored all the Gold Crew with our famous "patriot of the year" award. After two memorable trips from Mobile to show the ship to people of the United States, LST 325 moved on to a permanent berth in Evansville, Indiana, where 167 of those ships were built. Evansville and the whole mid-west has turned out to support and fund their LST 325. While many people in Mobile wanted the ship to stay here, the ship and its LST Memorial owner have done extremely well in Evansville. Part of the crew went all the way to Iceland to play a part in the movie "fFag of Our Fathers". One thing they will never take away from Mobile is the role we were able to play in the life of the ship. We gave it a destination and its arrival attracted the entire world. We got it running. We fixed it up. We gave it a safe home even through a hurricane. Everyone involved with the ship, Gold Crew, Blue Crew, and many others nationwide has recognized the critical part Mobile was able to play in what has now become one of the most important and popular war memorials in the united states. Our relationship with the LST 325 and its crew remains strong and affectionate. Hal Captain Hal Pierce, Navy Port Coordinator, Mobile. |
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| Progress Report Update Posted February 9, 2008 Click on thumbnails for larger image |
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| #1 Pam organizes and inventories items from the gift shop. #2 A light snow gives LST 325 a definite look of winter. #3 Just enough heat comes from the tank deck to melt the newly fallen snow on the main deck. |
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| #4 With the river being up we are once again looking down on the office/giftshop. A cloudy day but still a pretty scene. #5 Jim sweeps the wet snow off the main deck and gangway. #6 Inside Gene continues to run pipe. |
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| #7 Gene cuts more pipe to length. #8 Nick measures pipe for the current plumbing job. #9 Harry lays into a hole cutter adapting a box for electric. |
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| #10 Pete examines a fire fighting nozzle. #11 Joyce and Debbie work on giftshop inventory. #12 A view of the boiler room. Work continues on needle gunning the bulkheads and general cleanup. |
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| #13 Another view of the boiler room. Much work has been done in this area. #14 Ray mans a chipping hammer to remove even more of the crud on the bulkheads. #15 Harry has constructed tool storage boxes for the sizzor lift and is here going through one of his many blivits he uses to keep electric flowing through the ship. |
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| #16 Nick on his hands and knees cleaning one of our seldom used compartments. #17 Dorris and Ray carry gear to another job in the port doghouse. #18 Dorris grinds out area to be welded. |
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| Progress Report Update Posted January 17, 2008 Click on thumbnails for larger image |
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| #1 Nick receives his 80 hour badge from Pete. Nick is a real asset to the ship. #2 Kenny, Ray and Pete discuss the ongoing work in the old boiler room. #3 Joe Cox, our newest maintenance. volunteer is seen here welding a patch into the tank deck. |
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| #4 Ed stands by to assist Pete in the removal of old piping in the boiler room. #5 Fred and Pete work on a balky fitting in ships piping. #6 Fred receives his 1000 hour badge and in the process nods off for a quick nap. |
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| #7 The cameraman was assaulted by Frick and Frack and a piece of rusty pipe. #8 Just a few of the goodies served during our 7th anniversary of the return of the ship from Greece. #9 The food was excellent thanks to the cooks, Joe (stew) and Mike (chili). No one went away hungry. |
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| #10 Even the mess cooks got in on the goodies. Bill and Larry did a fine job of serving. #11 Some of the folks who came out on a miserable rainy day to partake of good food. #12 Harry cannot believe what Marvin has done with his thumb. Dave and Ray egg them on. |
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| # 13 Frank, Bob and Dallas can always be made happy by feeding them, as witness this photo. #14 Pete is laboring to get the tank deck traffic light put back together and installed. We'll show the installation in a later report. #15 Ed directs the lowering of the port LCVP for installation of cover. |
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| #16 Mike and Jennifer, our newest tour guide, discuss the goings on around the lowering of the LCVP. #17 These are door hinge pins. They were made by Dan Desgroseilliers. Thanks for a good job. #18 Another example of Dan's ability. He also made these brass valve stem nuts. |
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| #19 It's really great to see a person enjoying his work. #20 Nick works on vent from boiler room. The motor inside needs to be replaced for proper ventilation. #21 Both LCVPs have now been covered for the winter. |
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| Progress Report Update Posted January 05, 2008 Click on thumbnails for larger image |
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| 1. Nick and Ed work on removing deck access cover in boiler room. 2. Brandon runs tools. At times the right tool is not easy to find. 3. Matt and Brandon are disconnecting the piping from the fuel oil supply tank to the old boiler. |
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| 4. Through the smoke and dust Ray works on the bulkhead section that will be welded back in with the new door to the old boiler compartment. 5. Jim is working on the area of the bulkhead section where the new door will be welded in. 6. Ray tacks the new door frame on to the prepared bulkhead section. |
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| 7. Dave and Harry are working on one of the main breaker boxes on the tank deck. 8. Some of the heater elements in the tank deck heaters have burned out and Harry replaces them. These help to keep the tank deck tolerable during really cold weather. 9. Larry sweeps water off the main deck while Doug gives close supervision. |
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| 10.Nick, Gene, Doug and Ray have a work planning meeting in the galley. 11. Some of the fresh water piping from the boiler room will have to be rerouted. Here Gene installs hangers to hold the new piping. 12. There are some deck plates on the tank deck that have been perforated by rust. Dale, our new maint. man is cutting out a bad place in preparation of welding in a new patch. |
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| 13. The new golf cart used by the maint. dept. is used to carry light loads. Sometimes the load will be pipe sections. Doug is frabricating a bar to protect the windshield from pipe sticking through the cart. 14. Doug mounts the safety bar on the golf cart. This will protect the windshield from being broken. 15. The boiler has been completely removed from the ship and now the process of cleaning the room is going on. Roy needle guns the bulkhead to remove many layers of old paint. |
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| 16. With the recent heavy rains upsteam the Ohio has reached about a half foot below flood stage. 42 ft. And we are once again looking down on the office and gift shop. The office floated and when a large tow went by it felt like being at sea. 17.We'd like to wish our Greek friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 18. The hands of a man who knows what he's doing. Ray grinds out a clean surface for the new door to welded into. |
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2007
A productive year! |
| 19. After being away on sick leave Dorris is back with us and we're glad to have him back. Here he begins to make final welds on the bulkhead door. 20. After making a pass with the MIG welder Dorris stops to inspect his weld. Looks good so he'll continue. |
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| Progress Report Update Posted December 30, 2007 Click on thumbnails for larger image |
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| #1 Meet Nick Jochim, our newest maintenance man. Nick is a hard working young man and a good guy to have around. #2 In preparation for winterizing the ship, Pete is at the controls for the bow ramp and doors. We'll be without daylight on the tank deck for several months now. #3 Sam, Keith and Larry are awaiting the bow ramp to be raised into the closed position. They will then dog it down. |
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| #4 The bow ramp is up and ready to be secured. #5 Jim looks away as Ray strikes an arc to weld up a hole in the exhaust manifold on the port engine. #6 Harry working on one of our welders. This is in preparation to the boiler removal. |
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| #7 As always someone has to point out the proper way to go about doing the job. Doug is more than suited for this chore. #8 With the boiler removal coming along Pete takes time to work on repairing one of the lights in the boiler room. #9 A group of Mater Dei High School students toured the ship. Here Bob is explaining the after crews compartment and mess deck. |
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| #10 Bill came all the way from Brandenburg, Ky to cook up a pot of soup and a batch of cornbread on a cold day in December. #11 Pete's grandson receives his 80 hour badge. #12 Ray and Pete present Ed with his 1000 hour badge. |
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| #13 Pete presents Sherry and Fred their 80 hour badge. #14 Gene receives his 1000 hour badge from Ray and Pete. #15 Tyler, our youngest member, gets his 80 hour badge from Ray and Pete. |
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| #16 Roy is needle gunning one of the cabinets from the galley. Preparing it for a new coat of paint. #17 Gene silver solders one of the copper lines to the heat pump in preparation for heat in officers country. #18 It is not unusual for someone to bring in goodies to the ward room. Here Howard samples some great cherry crisp. |
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| #19 No matter how hard he tries to keep clean, it is bound to happen that Harry gets a hand dirty. Only one at a time though. #20 Gene and Pete are placing a heat shield above where Gene will be soldering. #21 Capt. Jornlin and Ray position a plaque to commemorate the contributions the Luhr family have made to the ship .. |
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| Progress Report Update Posted December 26, 2007 Click on thumbnails for larger image |
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| #1 Ad in his usual position. Nursing all he can get out of the engines. These old engines still purr like a kitten. #2 Wally is seen here working with Ad to keep the engines going. #3 Capt. Jornlin speaking at the board meeting and announcing that he will not be a candidate for president this year. |
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| #4 Bruce gives his report. #5 Boats and Ron cleaning up fire hoses. #6 After the hose is rolled Anna gets to carry it to it's storage space. |
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| #7 Boats at the controls of the elevator. #8 Doug and Boats removing the elevator cover in preparation of moving the vehicles to the tank deck for the winter. #9 It's good to see Joe back in the galley. He shares a coffee break with visitors. |
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| #10 Gene plumbing new lines to heat pump. It'll be nice to get that going this winter. #11 Kenny and Anna working on getting the ambulance started. It's been sitting for a while and is a little cranky. #12 Ray lends a hand with the ambulance. |
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| #13 Kenny up close and personal with the carburetor on the ambulance. Sweet talk and patience gets it running. #14 After lowering the jeep to the tank deck it is pushed off the elevator. It'll be on the tank deck for the winter. #15 Harry and his crew work on the shore power cable. This is a big job that is finally coming to a close. |
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| #16 Harry (green jacket) has no problem at all getting directions from his helpers. #17 Ray did a fine job of fabricating a support for the shore power cable. #18 Doug and Ray work on a safe opening in the life lines for access when we have a vessel tie up along side the 325. |
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| #19 Doug is adapting an old cable spool to be used for line storage. This is mounted next to the stern anchor winch. #20 Ray and Doug position the line storage spool while Pete looks on. #21 Pete works on an electrical circuit in the galley. |
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| #22 While all the work is being performed on aboard the tours are still going on. This is part of a group of 100. Our tour guides always step up when they are needed. #23 Say hello to our new Board of Directors President. Terry Tull. Terry was elected at the last board meeting. |
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| Progress Report Update Posted December 19, 2007 |
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| #1 Temporary lighting has been installed in the boiler room in preparations for the removal of the boiler. The removal work will be contracted out to a private construction company. #2 Millard Wilke, the official ships bugler, plays for memorial ceremonies. #3 Reitz High School students interview Charlie for the production of their television program that can be seen on the public access channel. |
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| #4 Cotton and John are continuing to refurbish the twin forty mount on the stern of the ship. It is coming along very nicely. #5 Mike briefing tour guides prior to the arrival of more than a hundred elementary school students. #6 Students from Scott School arrive for their tour. This was a very well behaved group. It was a pleasure to show them around the ship. |
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| #7 As the Scott group finished their tour they gathered on the main deck to ask questions of Mike. #8 Tour guides speaking to groups of reunion attendees. #9 Ray making repairs on aft fire control tub. |
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| #10 Ray and Gene are welding brackets for the large cable that supplies shore power to the ship. Up to now this cable has been draped across the ship but now it will be very neatly strung in it's own brackets. The next several photos will show the progress on this project. #11 Ray welding on one of the many brackets that are needed to hold this cable in place. #12 Harry moves chop saw to cut brackets. (It's really not that heavy.) |
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| #13 Harry cuts more brackets to be welded along bulkhead. #14 Gene takes his turn with the stinger. #15 This photo shows the cable nested in the brackets that have been installed. |
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| #16 Harry, Ray and Doug wrestle the shore power cable in to the disconnect box. #17a Same crew continue the termination. Of course someone always has to be in charge. #17 Final termination of shore power cable. |
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| #18 Pete needle guns on the aft Fire Control Tub. #19 Dave, on one end of the wire, helps Harry to ring out electric circuits. #20 Harry on the other end of the circuit checks to make sure the wires go where they are supposed to. |
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| #21 Openings in the starboard life line are made safe by Doug. More on this in the next report. #22 There is nothing like having a happy painter on board. Here Marvin is applying a coat of primer to the aft Fire Control Tub. #23 When you paint it's always nice to have a good apprentice to help out. Here Larry paints on the same F. C. Tub. You will notice that Larry is painting under Marvin. Maybe that's the reason for Marvin's big smile ... |
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| Progress Report Update Posted November 20, 2007 Captain's Update |
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| Hi LST Fans -- Just a short update on LST 325 and Annual meeting info.
We held the seventh annual meeting on Nov. 14, 2007 at 1000 hrs in the Executive Inn, Evansville, IN. We had about 25 members in attendance. The main business is to elect 3 board members for a three year term and one replacement for a two year term. Close to 450 votes/proxies were sent to the CPA. We had one floor nomination. Those elected to the board were: Ray Rappold, Ray Cashen, Garry Hisel, and Bruce Voges. Many thanks to Terry Leahy and Don Chapman who retired from the board and have given many years of valuable service.
A general summary of the past year was given, a treasurer's report, minutes from last year's meeting were handed out. The floor was opened for comments, motions, new and old business, etc. The meeting was adjourned.
The LST Memorial Board meeting was then called to order by President Robert Jornlin, roll taken, new members introduced, minutes of the Aug. board meeting read, another treasurer's report and the call for nominations for 2008 Memorial Officers was made.
I requested that I not be nominated for President. I have asked to be replaced several times, feeling that I have been in the President's job for all seven years since we have been back with the ship. I firmly believe that all offices should be rotated, especially the president of an organization. New people come with new ideas, new ways, new enthusiasm. They also can learn what the job of President is all about on LST 325.
They can start fresh with an open mind, they can see things from a different view. They do not carry the scars of battle, the differences of opinion that have come up in the course of trying to do what is best for the 325.
I am very happy and satisfied with the job I have done. It has not been perfect; I am not perfect and never said I was. It certainly has not been easy. I have always tried to do what is best for the ship. I have made some very tough decisions, but I am not sorry for any of them. I have absolutely no regrets. I plan to stay on the board, and I am still the Captain. I will give 100% support to the new President, Mr. Terry Tull, and to all of the board members, and Mike and Sandy Whicker.
New Memorial Board officers are:
Terry Tull, President
Ron Bezouska, Vice-President
Bruce Voges, Treasurer
Ray Cashen, Asst. Treasurer
Kenny Adams, Secretary
Garry Hisel, Asst. Secretary
Directors: Ron Maranto, Ray Rappold, Bob Jornlin
A couple highlights of the meeting:
Work Week in April to be April 5 - 13th.
Clarification of hours the ship is open: Will now read closed at 4:00pm instead of last ticket sold at 4:00pm. The tour guides asked for this. People were thinking we still sold tickets until 5:00pm.
Discussion on forming a Memorial Foundation to protect the financial future of the ship.
The ship has come a long way in restoration; we have made many trips, have a great home in Evansville, and have hundreds of supporters and volunteers. We have always paid our bills and the Memorial is financially sound. I was told you will never get the ship away from the Souda, Crete pier -- we did against all odds. I was told it would never make it across the Atlantic -- it did. I was told it would never sail again -- it has. I was told you cannot run a ship with volunteers -- we have. I was told people will not continue to come and see an LST -- they have and they do. My personal goal (one of them) was to emphasize and make everyone aware of the important role LSTs have played in our wars. This is something that historians have missed or just left out. When the "Hero ships" segment to be on the History Channel soon comes out, I believe that goal will be fulfilled. Watch your listings for the "Hero Ships" and be sure to see the one on LST's which features our LST 325.
Bob Jornlin
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| Progress Report Update Posted October 21, 2007 An LST Week Recap by Susie Bloom |
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| Many have asked about the experiences of LST Week 2007. To relate the atmosphere, we must take a voyage - a voyage back in time. NOW HEAR THIS! Captain Jornlin orders: “Set the Special Sea Detail!” later followed by the Bo’sun’s cry “Single up all lines!“ The Bo’sun soon cries “Cast off all lines!” A long blast from the Ship’s horn echoes… |
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| We drift back... 30 years to Vietnam... 50 years to Korea... or 60 years to WWII... and to times and places during all of the years in between. Hands reach out to grasp the memories eagerly, pulling in the lines that connect us to other places and other times, to each other, to a very special ship…. Special surprise events were held throughout the week. An excellent presentation (given many times to overflow crowds) on the Brodie Gear by Ken Crawford; special appearances by dignitaries including the Lt. Governor of Indiana, the Honorable Becky Skillman; Art Pope who did a marvelous presentation as Gen. George Patton were all very well received and attended. One of the highlights late in the week was a very special surprise - a viewing of a rough cut edition of the upcoming "Hero Ships" saluting LST's. Shuttles and buses were provided throughout LST Week to ease transportation needs. Food and snacks were plentiful for all who wanted to partake. |
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| Poignant moments... a Veteran standing quietly at the rail, gazing out at the river but in truth voyaging back to the seas of his youth. Private moments, quietly supported by a son standing at attention beside his father; seeing back through the years in his father's words and memories. A silence of honor and respect as he listened to the tides of memories his father was sharing. A Veteran seated in a chair along the rail with tears flowing freely as he thought of his shipmates and knew that they were sharing the experience with him in spirit. He honors them by remembering. The widow who exclaimed with smiles that she felt so close to her husband at this particular time - even though he had passed away several years before - their love still vital and alive. |
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Ship mates, now bound more closely together by their reunion. The sons and daughters who reveled in the experience of being on an operational LST, anxious to savor every moment of this dream come true. The professionalism of the sailing crew who, while feeling the strong appreciation of their guests, attended to the ship's operation with skilled efforts in their assigned duties. |
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| A veteran who quietly shared that this would be his last sail in this life, wanting to make sure that those who organized the event knew how much it meant to him. I paused to give thanks to God above for each and every Veteran who fought for our freedom to enjoy this occasion; for each member of our Gold Crew who toiled to return this ship for us to experience; the Board who plans for the ship's future; for each pair of hands that have chipped paint, wielded a paintbrush, welded steel, coiled lines, oiled machinery, hoisted signal flags, obtained permits and plans, investigated voyage routes, operated LCVPs, folded letters, sold souvenirs, answered the telephone, donated money or materials and equipment and prepared meals to fuel the force. Each is an integral part of the whole that has become The Ship Memorial. |
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Memories fashioned those lines in the best tradition of marlinspike seamanship with patterns of thought and experience intertwined to show the finished product – a history of preservation of freedom, a beautiful work of art presented by those work-worn hands. |
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One evening, when returning to the Executive Inn, I stepped into the elevator to go to the Hospitality Room. Getting into the elevator behind me was a World War II Veteran. As I turned, I saw him looking at the men in the elevator behind us. He looked up at them and held out his hand. His words were so simple, yet moved me deeply. "I see you served on the York County…" One of the Vietnam Veterans raised his eyes and looked into those of the WWII Veteran, holding out his hand. Their hands clasped firmly, the WWII Veteran continued, "I want to thank you for your service… so many of you have never been thanked properly, and I want you to know how much you are appreciated." As the elevator doors opened, I discovered tears in my eyes and a very full heart; I knew that I had been |
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| privileged to observe a very special event between very honorable men. Each of us went our own way, forever changed, forever grateful. Many Gator Sailors enjoyed touring the displays at Marina Pointe, looking at the vehicles of those who are affiliated with the River City Thunderbolts Military Vehicle Collectors Club. The Thunderbolts will be integral in the 2009 MVPA Convention in Evansville and the World Water Week that for the first time will be held outside of Europe, and of course our LST. Their love of the vehicles and equipment that our LST's carried makes the partnership perfect.All too soon, Sunday morning dawned. The hotel lobby was full as Sailors and their families preparing to disembark, on leave and headed for home. Tearful goodbyes were said with smiles and heartfelt hugs were shared with promises to make plans to meet for LST Week 2008. Smiles were seen on every face, hearts were overflowing with newly created memories and the fresh recall of past events. Many exclaimed that they would need a vacation from the vacation… and a few days to ‘rest up’. |
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Out on the Ohio River, I thought about how many people I have been blessed to meet, being involved with the LST 325 and Ohio LST/Amphibs. Each one has their own story to share, each one very special in their own way. Each one an important part of the LST family. The actions of 28 men who had a dream began all of this. 28 men from very different backgrounds had the same heart’s desire. 28 men who refused to hear the word “can’t”. 28 men who set an example of what it means to work for something worthwhile. 28 men who weren’t afraid to do whatever it took to achieve their goal. Each one is a gentleman, each one a hero. Let us all learn from them. We are very fortunate to call them friends. We are blessed to know them. Their lives and actions are like a ship’s bow cutting through the sea… the water breaks against the bow, the waves ripple out expanding and spreading their pattern over the surface. |
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These 28 men of the Greatest Generation are sharing their mission with us. The very least we can do is join them. We must haul in our share of the line by volunteering, doing public relations, sending donations or any one of numerous tasks to be performed. It is our time to learn and recruit others to learn. By doing so, we honor the Gold Crew who returned the ship to us. We honor all of our Veterans, our fathers, uncles, brothers and friends who served. We ensure that LST 325 will be shared. We draw on our gloves and will learn to handle the lines, a promise in our heart to honor and thank them always. The waves ripple outward…. |
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| Progress Report Update Posted October 13, 2007 More LST Week 2007 Photos Visit by Indiana Lt. Governor, LST Week Banquet and Canteena |
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Can't wait 'til LST Week 2008!
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| Progress Report Update Posted October 11, 2007 Captain's Update |
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The river trip is over, LST WEEK is over, summer is over, and all have been great! The year 2007 is winding down, but will be long remembered -- how fast they go when you are having fun! As you know already our trip up the Illinois River was a Huge success with over 38,000 LST FANS coming aboard to see this historic, great ship. Someone in Peoria said "Who is going to come here and see an LST?" I love it and so do the ones who worked hard in Peoria to get us there. Then they worked harder to make our stay a success; but they smile when the line of kids and adults gets two blocks long! This statement is made in every city we have stopped and when we open the doors -those disbelievers eat their words in big gulps. When will these people learn that LST 325 is an IRON MARVEL, a kid's fancy, a deck full of memories, an impossible dream, the veterans greatest wish, the biggest traveling WW II museum ever, the real thing, history that's alive, haze gray and underway. It is liked by young and old, and truly loved by those not so old - that remember when. It was said that when a Veteran sees that ship his mind, his thoughts, his every feeling goes back to 1945. He is not here in the US, he is somewhere -- Normandy or the South Pacific, maybe Korea or Vietnam. Don't even try to talk to him; he will be telling you of his encounters and experiences once he is aboard and has a moment to his thoughts and memories.
LST WEEK was also like that on Thursday, Sept 27, 2007 -- a day not many will forget -- when they got another ride on an LST. They got to see friends, make new ones, felt that rolling deck, smelled the exhaust of the two mighty GM 12-567's as they came to life, and the ship pulled away from the dock into the Ohio River. I cannot imagine the thoughts of these Navy veterans. All I know was the many hand shakes and thank yous given to the crew and to me.
The whole week was super; everything went as planned even though we more than doubled our crowd. The hotel, Executive Inn, did a fabulous job. The Evansville CENTRE that served the banquet to almost 700 people also did a great job. Mike and Sandy Whicker deserve most of the credit; but they had some great volunteers that worked hard to make all happy, feel welcome, have a good time, and make this LST WEEK a big success. Thanks to everyone who helped.
All of you LST FANS have a big surprise coming this fall -- I wish I had the dates, but LST 325 will again be a star on the History Channel. There will be a 13 part show called "Hero Ships" and the LST will finally get the recognition it deserves. One segment of this show will be on the importance of LSTs in the Wars with LST 325 being featured throughout the story - the bloody battles, invasions in the Mediterranean Sea, Normandy and many of the South Pacific Islands being told. It tells how and why there came to be a ship like the LST, how they were built in the Midwest, how D-Day was set back so more could be built. It is one true story that has never been told up until now, but this fall it will be told from the failed "Operation Tiger" and "West Loch" disasters to success after success because the LST brought the goods to the beach. I can hardly wait fans. Oh! I forgot, there will be the story at the end of how 29 Vets returned an LST to the US! Now how could I forget that part?
Bob Jornlin, Capt.
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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! |
| Archives: Archives for July, 2007 through September, 2007
Archives for April, 2007 through June, 2007
Archives for January, 2007 through March, 2007
Archives for September, 2006 through December, 2006
Archives for June, 2006 through August, 2006
Archives for May, 2006 through March 2006
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Situation Reports from XO Jackson Carter
for the period: 17 JUL 00 - 09 JAN 01 (see below)
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| 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!
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In Memoriam |
All contents of this website are Copyright © 2001-2008 The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Please email the WebSkipper with comments, corrections or suggestions.
