US LST MEMORIAL/MUSEUM SHIP
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USS LST 325 |
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USS LST SHIP MEMORIAL |
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The
Log of the Return Voyage of the 325 
Check this web site for in-port and underway status reports of this historic voyage as they happen .
"12/23/2000 - We are approaching the halfway point of the Atlantic crossing and we have committed to be in Mobile for a 10 Jan arrival. Thanks, Jack"
"LST 325 Thanks British Petroleum"
Subject: Status Report LST 325,1300EST 9 Jan 2001 1. Position N29-02, W87-11 J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2001 19:52:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N27-57, W86-39 J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2001 18:14:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N25-35, W84-31 2. Ships systems: No. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001 18:55:00 -0000 (GMT) Item 11 Best wishes to Darla, Ron and Georgia, Pam and Curly
and all my good friends at the Clarion VFW Club and the American Legion
fron Corbin Fowkes on the LST325 after 25 days at sea somewhere off
the Florida Keys. Also to my wife Eileen and our dog Pete who I hope
to see real soon. We have a great crew who are looking forward to our
arrival in Mobile, Alabama in the next few days. Happy New Year. Item 12 To all my family and friends, Date: Sat 6, Jan 2001 1300EST (GMT) J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 18:54:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N25-59, W078-18 J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 20:07:00 -0000 (GMT) item 10 Hi- This is Dominick R Perruso from Palmer Township, PA. I have been aboard the LST 325 since July. I want to tell my wife Dottie that I love her and miss her, also Mingy, our little Jack Russell terrier also all my relatives. I want to say hello to all my friends in Palmer Township Wilson Boro West Easton and Easton, PA. I want to thank everyone that helped to make this voyage possible. I am proud and honored to be a member of this crew. (An extremely long and detailed list of ship's work done by Mr. Perruso was deleted to allow radio transmission of this message.) I am looking forward to arriving in Mobile, AL, that will be one great day for the whole crew. Happy New Year.
Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 19:31:00 -0000 (GMT) Cc 1. Position N25-05, W077-20.5 J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR (Ret.)
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 18:51:00 -0000 (GMT) Item 8 I would like to express my feelings on being able to make this trip by saying it has been an emotional experience to relive old times, meet different people of the world. Being physically able at age 74,to accomplish this is something I am very proud of. My family's support in helping me do this is very important to me. To me it is a once in a lifetime event. Harold Slemmons, Mayor of Lone Oak, Texas Item 9 Hello- I'm Bailey Wrinkle from Tennessee on board as an electrician, crewmember of the LST 325 from Crete-Greece to Mobile, Alabama. I am extremely proud to be a member of this crew and to represent the great state of Tennessee and the town of McKenzie. I have acquired a good bunch of new friends with the crew and am totally amazied at what they can repair and put together when the chips are down with so little to work with. This was supposed to be a trip of 50 days. As of this week I will have some 130 days and some even longer, but Mobile is getting closer. My best to Bobby, Paul, Joel and all my friends. Without their help this would never have happened. Christine with broken foot, tell all our friends, Thanks for their interest and support. To Mark and Amy and the grandchildren - Matthew, Kyle, Abby and Luke, that Pop-Pop has lots to tell you. They said it could not have been done. No Way - To bring a WWII 60 year old Naval Vessel, LST 325 out of the graveyard - Bring it back to the US from Crete, Greece - No Way, it could be done. (But we did it). Best Wishes, Bailey M.
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 14:32:00 -0000 (GMT) Message Item 6 Happy New Year from Joe Sadlier, to my loved ones and friends, from the LST325. We're still cooking and having a blast. Item 7 Hello - Albert White here: We are crusing in the Atlantic on our WW2 LST, heading west about 3 or 4 days from Nassau. We sill stop briefly for some supplies, then sail for Mobile, Ala. We plan to arrive about the 12th of Jan. At this time I want to wish everyone back home a very very happy new year. this will include my very wonderful and understanding wife, Gloria; all the kids - Nancy, Bonnie, Albert, Edwin, John, Wendy, Mat, Mark, and Jan plus all the grandkids and great grandkids. Check the TV news for any news of our trip. You will be hearing from me again about the 10th of Jan. May God bless our ship and our crew and may He bless and keep all you healthy and safe in the new year.
te: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 18:02:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N26-30, W073-16. ASAP. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR (Ret.)
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 13:38:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N27-16, W069-38. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR (Ret.)
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001 14:47:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N27-51, W066-22. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.) From: Bill(Rocky)Hill somewhere in the Atlantic. I wish a Happy New Year to all my LST 465 Shipmates, Arizona LST Ass'n, Sunflower Resort Friends, My Family and my Kaiser Aluminum fellow employees in Spokane and especially my wonderful wife, Deanne. You too Mike and Linda Gunjak. From Jim McCandrew To my wife and our families and all our friends in Titusville,PA and Sebastion, FL. Wishing all a Happy New Year, I am still at sea bringing the LST 325 back to the good old USA. To: Roger and David Meyer 4200 Mohawk St, Lincoln,
NE Sorry I couldn't reach you Roger yesterday (12/29). Had gale winds
and waves. Now trying to make Mobile by Jan 12. Roger take my medication
to Liz, I am getting low. Medication on shelf by kitchen sink. I am
feeling fine, ship running OK. Will get to Nassau on about 1/5/011.
See you soon.
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 08:16:35 -0800 1. Position N28-12, W063-30. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000 11:38:33 -0800 1. Position N28-14, W061-00. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.) "Ship's Company Speaks" My name is Joe Milakovich; I reside with my wife Drucilla in Wauwatosa, WI. I am 74 years old. This once in a lifetime experience has been rewarding. The camaraderie amongst the crewmembers is outstanding. We enjoy some leisure hours sitting on the fantail; we call it the sundeck, and also enduring the rough seas during bad weather days. I'd like to thank my wife and family for the encouragement they gave me to participate in this voyage. I am looking forward to being reunited with them in Mobile. John Calvin, Chief Motor Machinest, USN(RET.)
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 14:02:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N28-36, W059-04. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Report from LST 325, 18 Dec 2000 Well we are scheduled make quick in Nassau on 3 Jan to pickup up supplies, etc. Then it's onward to Mobile for the return to the return of the LST 325 to the US on Jan 10, after over 35 years of absence. We know that the citizens of Mobile are waiting to welcome us with open arms. The big question is what kind of arms will the all too numerous bureaus and agencies of the federal government use to welcome us. We are determined to make sure that our good Captain leaves the ship with honor even if he is in hand cuffs and leg irons. If that is the case the entire crew will form as 28 side boys and one Bos'n. As the Captain leaves the ship the Bos'n will pipe and the 28 side boys will salute and sing that old favorite "For He's a Jolly Good Felon". It should be great on the national news. Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 14:31:00 -0000 1. Position N28-33, W056-06. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 15:21:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N28-38, W053-00. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000 15:25:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N29-07, W050-37. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2000 14:27:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N29-05, W044-30. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2000 16:04:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N29-00, W047-34. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 15:38:00 -0000 (GMT) Subject: Christmas Report from LST 325, 25 Dec 2000 We are approaching the halfway point of the Atlantic crossing and we have committed to be in Mobile for a 10 Jan arrival. Thanks, Jack 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the
ship, THE SHIP'S COMPANY OF THE LST 325, 2000 WISHES TO EXTEND OUR WARMEST SEASONS GREETINGS ALL OF OUR FAMILY MEMBERS, LOVED ONES, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS. The year has been a difficult period for all of us and the continued support of those at home have always been a source of strength and support for us. The realization that we would not be together with our families for the holidays was truly painful. We hope that the joy of our forthcoming homecoming will in some way makeup for the disruption of the Christmas season. _________________________________________________________________ This Radio Email Message is provided courtesy of the WinLink 2000 Global Gateway. This is a slow radio link. Please be brief with your reply. For information, visit http://winlink.org/wl2k.
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 15:48:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N29-06, W041-05. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Friday, 22 Dec 2000 14:06:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N28-52, W037-51. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
Date: Thursday, 21 Dec 2000 15:50:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N28-27, W034-34. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR (Ret.)
Date:Wed, 20 Dec 2000 16:34:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N28-33, W031-30.
Date: Tues, 19 Dec 2000 16:44:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N29-20, W028-27. J.R. Carter, CDR, USNR(Ret.)
LST Memorial Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 16:44:00 -0000 (GMT) Subject: Status Report LST 325,1200Z 18 Dec 2000 1. Position N30 deg. 13 min., W025 deg 40 min. by direction
Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2000 16:50:00 -0000 (GMT) 1. Position N31 deg. 47 min., W022 deg 48 min. by direction
Status Report - December 16, 2000 1. Position N32 deg. 34 min., W019 deg 00 min. 2. Ship;
All systems operational. 3. 51,500 gal fuel. by direction
15 December 2000 Status Report LST 325,1200Z Sir, 1. Position N33 deg. 48 min., W015 deg. 20 min. by direction
14 December 2000 Status Report LST 325,1200Z Sir, 1. Position N34 deg. 33 min., W011 deg. 49 min. by direction
Status Report LST 325,1200Z Sir, 1.
Position N35 deg. 13 min., W008 deg. 00 min. by direction
12 December 2000 Report from LST 325, Cammell-Laird Shipyard, Gib. It's mid afternoon, and we are waiting for our fuel barge to arrive. As soon as the fuel on board we will get underway for the start of our Atlantic crossing. The crew is anxious to be headed for home. T he crew voted to bypass Grand Canary. They may change their minds after a few days of heavy seas. We have been here longer that expected because of the engine repairs which could not have been done at sea. The engines, steering and the gyro-compass are all in good working order and we are ready take on the Atlantic. Mobile here we come!! My guess is 15 Jan 2001. by direction
LST
325 hits the ink big time LST 325,10 Dec 2000; Article in "Stars and Strips" You can read the 3 Dec article on the LST 325 on the Internet: www.pstripes.com/dec00/ed120300g.html We may leave Gib on Tuesday. We have additional engine repair work to finish and must pump aboard more diesel fuel on the Spanish side of the harbor before we leave. Everyone is anxious to get going again, despite reports of heavy seas in the Atlantic. A Navy ship, which will arrive soon from Norfolk, was asked if they wanted an arrival party. Their reply was that the crossing was so rough, they just wanted to rest. Hmmm. Keep watching the Tom Brokaw program every night until you see the LST325 segment.
LST 325,9 December 2000; LST 325 on National TV " ....An NBC camera crew has been on the ship all day and is preparing a segment for the Monday night Tom Brokaw Show. It may be on as soon as 11 December. CBS was also here today. National Public Radio is coming. Navy Times and Stars and Stripes have been here already. We will not leave Gibraltar before Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. We must go to the Spanish side of the harbor for fuel, and they are now celebrating a week long national holiday which ends Sunday. Cheers and beers, we're very British here, Jack..."
7 December 2000 Report from LST 325, Gibraltar We have been in Gibraltar a week, the repair work is winding down. We plan to return to sea and face the Atlantic on Saturday. It will be a long voyage, 32days at 7 kt, 28 days at 8 kt. We were thinking of stopping at Key West, however we have been told that the Coast Guard will lock us up the minute we put our bow into any US port. If they lock the ship up in Mobile at least it will be there for next years reunion. We have been told that we have been breaking many laws. It seems strange that you can be on the high seas in a non-US vessel and still break many US laws. This should be very interesting. Could it be that we have too many laws in the US? Don't be disappointed, even though we are not a US registered vessel, we will fly the US Flag every day. The crew has enjoyed Gibraltar, but it is no compensation for not getting home for Christmas. Everyone on board has taken that well and feels that this job must be completed, regardless of setbacks.
LST 325,4 December 2000; Report from LST 325, 2100z, Gibraltar We are still in Gibraltar. The repairs to the starboard engine have taken more time than planned. There is a water leak inside the engine and several cylinder heads have been pulled to replace head gaskets. The work to restore the sea suction also continues. Both are essential before continuing the voyage. Our steering and the gyro-compass problems are solved. Gibraltar is a fine place to visit, as our crew has found out. Its great to go ashore and find English being spoken. There are lots bars. Two of the crew's favorites are the Clipper and the Cannon. The place is reeking of history,especially naval history. The locals are very interested in our ship and us. We have had tours of the Rock and seen the famous Barbary Apes. The Apes love people and uncooked pasta. They will sit on your shoulder and pick your pockets as long as you have pasta. They are delightful little thieves. Its is said that they have a cave somewhere which is full of hats, purses and cameras. The Rock also has a wonderful natural cavern with a concert hall, tunnels with guns, which held off the enemy during the Napolionic Wars and a magnificent view of the harbor and the coast of North Africa. We hope to be off to sea again soon, this is a hard place to leave.
28 November 2000 Report from LST 325, 1200 1.
Position N36 deg. 58 min., E002 deg. 12.3 min. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sir, 1. Position
N36 deg. 36 min., W000 deg. 45 min. 1 case of American
Cheese slices 10. Additional Repairs: 2 pair of binoculars need ocular realignment
23 November 2000 Report from LST 325, 0912 Well here we are sailing due west along the coast Tunisia on a bright sunny morning. The temperature is 18 C, the wet bulb temp is 15 C. You can convert that into humidity if you wish. The sea still has a few white caps, but is much moderated from yesterday. The wind is on our port beam today instead of on the bow. We are chugging along at 5.5kts. At present we are 20nm north of Bizerte. At 1000, we will line the port rail and render a traditional passing salute to "Dirty Gerty from Bizerte", a nearly forgotten WW2 creation. We had very smooth seas last night, with little wind. The sky was very clear on the Mid watch, an astronomer's dream and nature lover's delight. The Big Dipper and Cassiopeia were circling Polaris on opposite sides and Orion and his dog walked across the southern sky. We are now more than half way from Athens to Gibraltar. Our cook is down in the tank deck chasing the turkeys around. If he can catch enough of them, we'll all have turkey dinner today. The Chief Bos'n is hoping the cook will catch them all, because those birds sure mess up the tank deck and he is about out of feed. And I am about out of b.s., see you tomorrow. I forgot to tell you that yesterday we were honored by a 1315Z flyover by a U S Navy P3. I hope they send us copies of the photos. Our 0830 position was N37-34.6, E010-13.4.
21 November 2000 Report from LST 325, We have been sailing along the south side of Sicily since midnight last night. It has been slow going because of engine down time and steering problems. Don't worry because the US Navy is watching over us like a mother hen. The weather has also dealt us another bad hand. We are back in the rock and roll days again. All the LST sailors back in the States remember those 6 second rolls and the jarring shutter when the bow dives into a big one (We just took one as I type). Life is now long watches in the engine rooms, the wheel house or the bridge. Its also hurried meals quickly eaten so you can relieve the watch on time. Its also finding your way around a ship in the blackest night imaginable, hanging on to something, anything, with the ship rocking and pitching and a ferce wind chilling you bones. Don't cha just love it, this is when you know your alive and you can take anything that's thrown at you. JIM BARTLETT COME BACK WE NEED YOU. JIM BARTLETT COME BACK WE NEED YOU. JIM BARTLETT COME BACK WE NEED YOU. JIM BARTLETT COME BACK WE NEED YOU.
20 November 2000 Report from LST 325, We are about 70 miles east of Sicily. In about 10 hours we will enter the Malta Channel. After we left Athens, had 2 days of beautiful weather and great views of the Greek islands. The water was like a mirror. Sunday the weather changed. Strong winds were blowing from the south and heavy swells were doing a rock and roll number on this old LST. There was thunder and lightening for good measure. We were hanging on all night. No one got much sleep that night. On Monday it moderated a little and this morning it was smooth sailing again. For the armchair sailors, this afternoon at 3:46PM (1546 here)we were at N36deg. 31.50sec, E16deg. 02.69sec. Pray for good weather and no breakdowns. 18 November 2000 Report from LST 325, Underway report from LST325, 18 Nov 2000,0430UTC After sailing from Athens to the eastern end of the Corinth Canal and calling the pilot for a hour on channel 16, I called any station and learned from someone on a ship at the western end of the canal, that the canal was closed for 4 days. So much for "A Little Help from our Friends". After nearly 4 months of disappointments, we just put the rudder over to starboard and made a U turn toward Athens. The film crew in the Helicopter, called the Captain on his cell phone to ask why we were turning around, Ha Ha. We now have "steamed" south thorough the night, passing Athens to port. In a few hours, we will turn west and begin crawling westward through the Med. Gotta go, I need to eat before going on watch at 0800. From: N36 46, E23 20
17 November 2000 Report from LST 325, Underway for the Corinth Canal We got underway this morning from Athens and are about 2 hours from the Corinth Canal. This canal is one of the wonders of the ancient world. It is still heavily used. We have been given special priority passage permission to transit. A film crew will record our transit from a heliocopter. After the passage we head towards Gibralter. Its a warm sunny day at sea, with smooth water.
16 Nov 2000 Report from LST 325,
24 October 2000 Report
from LST 325
We send our most sincere appreciation to British Petrolium for their gift of fuel. Will be proud to display their Logo Flag on our ship forever as sign of our gratitude and appreciation. We also want to thank Ms. Priscilla Thompson, Congressional Assistant to Congressman Ralph Hall of Texas, for the fine work which she did in interfacing with British Petrolium.
19 October 2000 Report
from LST 325, I will give you the good news first. On 16 October 2000, the LST 325 performed sea trials. The ship, the engines and crew preformed excellently. By the end of this week we will be ready for extended sea service, with the exception of the fuel purchase. We will quickly take care of that matter when we learn how to move money from Ohio to Crete. Is it time for a celebration.
15 October 2000 Report from LST
325, We have a week of highs and lows. Early in the week we had 3 men leave the crew. Two of the men left for medical reasons. A day later we learned the one had died in J.F. Kennedy Airport in route to his home. Both men were dedicated to the project and had strong desires to make the voyage home, it had been their dream for years. Lee James has returned to the crew after attending to personal business and Engineman Ray Mai has joined the crew. Ray sends his regards to all his former shipmates whom he met at the recent LST 887 reunion. I thank them for their donation of $250. We delayed the sea trials from last Friday to Monday due to some minor but vital problems. The is a growing air of optimism in the ship now. Hearing the main engine’s powerful throb and seeing their strong prop wash makes us anxious to be under way and headed west. Some problems refuse to stay solved. We bought liferafts. Now the delivery is being heldup because there has been a run on liferafts in Greece because of the ferry sinking. It’s always something. We have been hoping for a donation of fuel, but will have bite the bullet and are trying to buy it with our own funds. Have you any idea what 40,000 gallons of diesel cost? Our deck crew has painted most of the starboard side and it looks great. After the sea trials we will moor port side to so they continue their fine job. So Monday we will break our bonds to the shore and move about the sea as a ship should. This will be the fulfillment of months of labor and sweat, advances and setbacks, successes and failures, but never a surrender. The box score today; 3000 gallons of diesel fuel (40,000 more needed). !!!!!!!!!ENGINEMEN ATTENTION LST 325 NEEDS YOU!!!!!!!!!!! Help Wanted: Healthy Enginemen and Machinist Mates, Qualified Underway OD’s, go to sea and make history, contact the LST Ass’n. OR CALL US AT: 011 308 218 9561 X9561
10 October 2000 Report
from LST 325, Things are going well, we still have much work to do. We will replace the No. 3 Generator and do some other electrical repair jobs. We will do sea trials this Friday with a little luck. Its clear that we will be out of here by the end of the month.
2 October 2000 Report
from LST 325, From day to day things do not seem to be changing, however we are making steady progress. A few days ago we ran the main engines for an hour and a half. They made beautiful music to our ears. Two days ago the numbers 1 and 2 generators were both running at maximum voltage. The PA system is working. One of the two MG sets, which generate our 110V AC, is running. We hope to have the other one up soon.The gyro compass and radar are running fine. All our deck machinery is working. We are planning to conduct some dockside trials on Friday and sea trials a week later. Our crew count is up to 37 and 2 more are expected this week, but 2 fellows on the binnacle list are expected to depart soon. We are hoping they can make the voyage to Athens with us before going home, so they will have sailed on the LST 325. In addition we have installed several new gleaming white commodes with regular flushing. Our Cook the, Ketchikan Kid, is continuing to amaze us with his great menus. Yesterday about 28 of us were treated to find day in the old Venetian Harbor section of Chania, pronounced Hania. The weather was perfect for strolling around the shops near the harbor and delightful lunch at a harbor front café. The group was in great spirits and all are optimistic about the future voyage. Our favorite Master Chief and his wife hosted the whole event. Please don’t get the wrong idea, the name of the game here is still work and its rare for us to get away from the ship to see any of Crete. The weather has moderated, its fall here now and the working conditions are much more tolerable. We are told the rainy season in coming, we hope to be gone by then. It seems apparent that we will be leaving Crete for Athens by the end of the month. We have to go there to pickup our small boats (LCVPs). The press of time is forcing us to consider making a straight run from Gibraltar to Florida for the home voyage. Also the North Atlantic in winter is a bit intimidating. Not going to Normandy will be a disappointment, but the most important thing is to get the LST 325 back to the US. The remaining big hurdle to cross will be getting our fuel and lub. oil for our homeward voyage. The box score today; 16 engine-starting batteries, 3000 gallons of diesel fuel. Help Wanted: Healthy Enginemen and Machinist Mates, go to sea and make history, contact the LST Assn.
19 September 2000 Report
from LST 325, I have avoided mentioning names up until now, but find the act of one crewman is such that I must share it with you. Frank Conway came on board in early September with the remainder of the original crew. Frank immediately proved that he was valuable engineman and was quick "to pull his oar". The heavy work and climbing up and down the engine room trunks began to take its toll on Frank. He began show serious symptoms and was hospitalized. He was released from the hospital with instructions, to return to the US, but must be accompanied. Enter Les Harrison, another old timer who was having trouble running at Flank Speed, but remained mentally sharp. When Frank’s needs were explained to Les and he was asked if he would consider accompanying Frank to the US, Les did not hesitate. He quickly said, "Yes". This meant helping Frank through plane changes in Athens and Atlanta to Philadelphia for Frank going to New Jersey and a continuing flight to Washington, DC for Lees. Lees went beyond his original assignment and accompanied Frank to his home in New Jersey and stayed an additional night with Frank to make sure he would be cared for. We the salute our fellow crewmen, Frank and Les and hoist our biggest "Bravo Zulu" flags to them ("Well Done" to the landsman). Frank and Les are fine examples of the fighting spirit, which drives our crew. They are still our shipmates and will be with us in spirit. We know there are "Doubting Thomas’s" who say we will not bring this ship back or we will have to tow it back. If you harbor such thoughts, don’t bet on them, instead read Shakespeare’s "Henry V", particularly his address to his men before battle. Regarding the status of the Ship, the remaining items are the checkout of the Main Engines and the N0s 1 & 2 Auxiliaries, repacking the inner stern tubes, obtain submersible pumps and P-250 pump, educators, magnetic compass, Life rafts and preservers. We had set a departure date for 1 Oct; it appears we will have some slip. We received most of our batteries today. The box score today; 14 engine-starting batteries, 3000 gallons of diesel fuel. Help Wanted: Healthy Enginemen and Machinist Mates, go to sea and make history, contact the LST Assn. Until we leave Crete the mailing address of the ship is: M/V
LST Memorial
13 Septembr 2000 Report from LST 325, Soudas, Crete, Yesterday was a big day if the life of the M/V LST Memorial. Following the change of command ceremony at US Naval Support Activities, Souda Bay, the United States Ambassador to Greece, Nicholas Burns, the new commanding officer of the US Naval Base, the commander of the Greek Naval Repair Base and an entourage of 50 military and civilian dignitaries and guests attended a informal lunch with the crew on the main deck of our ship. With the help of our friends from the Naval Support Activities, a large white shade awning was erected over the main deck. It made a delightful setting and change in appearance for our tired and rusty old ship. Hot dogs, barbecued chicken breasts, baked beans, potato salad, draft beer and sodas were enjoyed. Ambassador Burns toasted to the success of the Project after expressing his strong interest in the Project and assurances the he would support the Project and work for its successful completion and urge the US Navy and the Greek Navy to do likewise. This has been a tremendous boost to our morale. It was really great. As I put away my clean, pressed, nearly unused uniform, I was embarrassed to notice the black grease and dirt under my finger nails, it was grim reminder of what my shipmates and I have been doing and what still must be done. Somehow it now seems easier. The box score today; 0 engine-starting batteries, 0 gallons of diesel fuel. Help Wanted: Healthy Enginemen and Machinist Mates, go to sea and make history, contact the LST Ass’n.
10 September 2000 Report from LST 325 Soudas, Crete, Yesterday we had a group group of sailors from the NSA, USS Austin and USS Ashland come aboard to help with the work of making the ship seaworthy. These guys are unbelievable. They give up their Liberty days to come down here to work, just because they enjoy it. They work hard and accomplish a lot for us. They seem to have just as much interest in the Project as we do. Lately the temperatures have moderated, it has been pleasant to work topside. It is much easier to work in the lower compartments. Next week we will lose 3 more men for various reasons. This is not a good place for those with serious health problems. Many have come expecting to come on board the ship and enjoy the voyage home, before this can happen, there is still much heavy hard work to be done. HELP WANTED: Enginemen, Motor Machinists, Ship Fitters who are strong and healthy and want to work. Call Linda at the Ass’n. or Call; 011 302 218 9561 X2954 for the adventure of a life time. Things are starting to move faster. Last week we made the radar came to life, one of the oil purifiers is working , one to go, the fire and flushing system is working, both main engines were cranked over manually with normal response, the port reduction gear, which had caused some concern, passed inspection, we restored the signal halyards, the lifelines are rigged, the old bomb sight “heads” have been ripped out and normal commodes will be installed and our master plumber has returned to us. We have only one aim, “Get this ship seaworthy as soon as possible”. For the armchair navigators, the ship’s location is and has been for a month: 35 Deg. 29.26N 024 Deg. 04.99E The box score today; 0 engine starting batteries, 0 gallons of diesel fuel.
6 September 2000 Report from LST 325, Soudas, There are lots of personnel changes on the ship these days. I end up changing the Quarterdeck Watch list everyday because of people coming and going, even the upper management changed. Unfortunately the needed work load has not changed. To understand our work, you must realize that the ship was stripped and ready to be scrapped when we arrived. Everything had to be restored. The subject of towing the ship to the US has even been considered, but that is the last thing we will consider. We want to push hard for a month or so and them see how close we are. There seems to been a new and positive attitude among those in the Greek Navy and the US Navy whom we interface with. We are focusing on getting the engines running and only the things directly needed to go to sea. We want to return this ship to the US. This is our last chance and we don't want lose it. We need good healthy Enginemen badly, how about it guys? Call the ship at: 011 308 218 9561 X2954
4 September 2000 Report from LST 325 Souda, Crete, We celebrated Labor Day today by working, Sunday we had the second holiday routine since we arrived. We often feel quite lonely copping with the problems of getting this ship ready for sea. Saturday we were treated to a great uplift of our spirits. A group of sailors from the US Naval Support Activity, Souda Bay lead by Master Chief Rabb, USN, came to the ship as a working party to help us with some of our toughest, nasty and dirty jobs. Knowing these fine American young men and a few ladies would give up a day of their valuable long Labor Day weekend to help out a bunch of over the hill sailors, gave us a message that I find difficult to express. Their spirit, energy and enthusiasm was an inspiration everyone in the crew. If anyone is wondering where you can find American young people who are NOT Bored, NOT Lazy and NOT Jaded, you can find them in uniforms of Navy Blue. To All of you who were with us last Saturday, We the crew of the M/V LST Memorial (ex-USS LST 325), hoist the signal "BRAVO ZULU" and extend our most sincere thanks and gratitude. The box score today; 0 engine starting batteries, 0 gallons of diesel fuel.
3 September 2000 Message to: The Worldwide LST Community From: M/V LST Memorial, USS LST Ship Memorial Inc., USN/LST Crew Subj: Appreciation 1. Part of the Third crew group has arrived on the vessel, Thirsty, Tired and Anxious to get started. 2. Progress is steadily moving forward. 3. We wish to extend our grateful thanks to all those who have helped us. In particular we wish to extend our thanks to Naval Support Activity , Souda Bay, with special thanks to Capt Einsider, CDR Popovith, Command Master Chief Rabb, Senior Chief Roland, PO Pournarakis, Chief King and all the many fine NSA Personnel assisting in this project. 4.We also wish to extend our special thanks to the Greek Naval Shipyard/support Activity ofNAVSTATHMO Kriti, Greece. In particular we wish to thank Capt Papapashalis, Capt Pateraius, CDR Nasopoulos, CDR Somacis, CDR Nikolidakis, LCDR Caris and ENS Mardakis. (signed) M/V LST Memorial (ex-HN Syros, L-144; ex-USS LST 325)
27 August 2000 Report from LST 325, Soudas, Crete, A month ago I thought we would be in Athens now to receive the rest of the crew. I am a little more realistic now and have quit worrying about when we will leave Crete. Now I worry about trying to find turkeys (Turkey is a bad word in Greece) for Thanksgiving and whether Santa Claus knows where Crete is. The Greeks are a very religious people. The ship has many religious icons on board. I did not find any Bibles. The Greek sailors seem to have a very strong interest in the poor. We found many many Greek magazines on the ship which delt with women who were too improvished to afford clothing and therefore could not find employment, so they spent their time practicing strange exercises. It is really sad see people suffering like this. Our fearless leader made a stroke for separation of church and state by ordering all crosses removed from the ship's flagstaffs. After doing that he ordered that we turn to (work) on the Sabath. "No Rest for the Wicked". The box score today; 0 engine stating batteries, 0 gallons of diesel fuel.
25 August 2000 Report from LST 325, Soudas, Crete, Its been another hot day, which is not unusual. The big event in my day was, I washed my coveralls. Coveralls are the only allowed clothing suitable for the crew of this ship. I ruined 2 pair of dungrees mucking in grease before I wised up. Not even multiple alternate washing and dry cleaning will remove heavy grease stains. You might think coveralls would be hot, not so if you size them correctly, they are very lose around the waist and have less body contact particularly if you leave them unzipped to the waist. The other big event today was the replacement for the sliding seat on the commode in the officers head. Everyone is happy about this as most people use it. We're very egalitarian. The big rumor is that the US Navy, upon hearing of our wretched state, is coming to our rescue. The box score after 6 weeks; 0 engine stating batteries, 0 gallons of diesel fuel.
23 August 2000 Report from LST 325, Soudas, Crete, We had a new man report aboard last night. He insured his popularity by bringing a whole load of tools and other useful stuff. He dosen't look like a chief bos'n's mate, he isn't 75 lb overweight and he dosen't have coffee cup grafted to his right hand. He noted the disorder on the after cargo hatch cover and quietly asked a few guys to help him and had it looking good by working along side them. I like that kind of guy. An Officer from the ODC office arrived this morning with all of our APO shipped boxes which they had been aging in Athens for 3 weeks. He used his own van to bring them over on the overnight ferry run. He brought his wife along, I hope she didn't see any of our "heads". She might think we enjoy living this way, "you know how homeless people are." I have banged my head on the galley overhead for the last time. I will not go in there again, even to save a dying man. Every night between 1700 and 2000 UTC I talk to hoards of European Hams who are very anxious to make radio contact with the ship and learn about our voyage. Their enthusiasum reminds me of how I felt before I got on the ship, Ha Ha.
20 August 2000 Report from LST 325, For you to understand our lives an board the LST 325, you must know about our toilets, which all sailors call "heads". Forget about gleaming white porcelain. The appearance of ours would shock a skid row resident. They defy cleaning. The commode in the officer's head is flushed by filling a plastic pan in the basin and dumping in the commode. The seat is not fastened and tends to slip and slide from side to side. The user must always worry about the loss of small body parts. The starboard crew head features an interesting two way combination, conventional urinals, which leak on the deck and strange contraptions which look like a training stations for low altitude bombardiers. The idea is to squat over the concentric circles and hope your aim is good and your feet don't slip. If you miss the bulls eye you have an additional cleanup job. Its best to empty your back pockets before using this thing. The loss of a passport or wallet, during use of this thing would be hard to cope with. There is a rumor the one of the guys froze up in the squatting position. When they found him in the morning, they had to pull his legs straight with a block and tackle. The life of a sailor never has been easy.
19 August 2000 Report from LST 325, After a morning of compartment cleaning and returning the port side troop space to their original configuration, we received some interesting news. It has been over a month since the first members of the advanced crew arrived to begin the reactivation of the LST 325. During this period the role of our Department of State, which exercises control of the ship has been somewhere between disinterest and stonewalling. They have always been opposed to the project for many years. We really have made very little progress in making the ship seaworthy. This is because the Greek Navy has been very slow in giving us any support and we can't even get the Department of State to ship the materials that we shipped to Athens from the US. Today we heard the the US Ambassador to Greece will send a representative to Crete to evaluate progress and report to Amb. Burns weekly. Amb. Burns will visit the ship early in May. Also the US Navy found some Boric Acid real quick and gave it to us today. I wonder how that happened, Ha Ha. We offer our profound thanks to all of you who have been reading this web site and who have decided to write to US government officials and express your displeasure with cognizant US government officials who chose to ignore the will of the US Congress.
18 August 2000 Report from LST 325, We started our day with a breakfast of wheat flakes and milk and toast and then turned to restoring order to the port side living compartments. Most of these were used for Army or Marine troops in the past, but looked like a complete mess after the Greeks left. These bunks are 4 stacked 4 high and were some what less the 1st class. Sandwich and salad for lunch. In the afternoon, we checked out the main fire pump. When we got it up to 115 psi, one of the fire pipes on the port side burst. We capped it off as well as possible and started out testing 1.5 inch fire hoses. Three of 10 leaked and were scraped. We then had refresher training on use of the 1.5 in fire fighting. Everyone had a turn on the front of the hose and went through all 3 nozzle positions. After that we tested the ships cargo elevator for the first time after restoring function. We moved a lot heavy items from the main deck to the tank deck. It sure beats hand carrying. Also moved a lot of heavy stuff to the main deck. About 1700 my neddle was on zero and fell asleep, around 2000 I went into town to eat (chicken and rice). Now at 2300 I type this.
17 August 2000 Report from LST 325, The evening ferry to Athens just passed the 325 on its way out of the harbor and not a single one of the remaining 14 souls was on it this time. This bunch of hard noses is content to work and sleep in over heated compartments, use toilets with unknown liquids on the deck and no seats. Why? To fulfill a dream. A dream of having our own LST forever. The trouble is that some dreams come hard and this one has been Hell. No big news, 5 of us were allowed to walk around in warehouses and write up wish lists for tools we should have had weeks ago. Now we submit our list and wait for approval, wait for instructions on acceptance, try to find transportation to the ship. My how time does fly, when you are having fun, Ha Ha.
16 August 2000 Report from LST325 "In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening" is the sweetest time of the day. Its 2230 and I am in our penthouse radio shack with cool breezes blowing in the port holes and a fan going. We are slowly working toward having a ocean going vessel. Today the forecastle winch passed inspection as well as the steering engines. It appears that a good grease job will bring the stern anchor winch to full function. A Greek WO came be to inspect the one remaining but inoperative radar and appears to want to help. Still no batteries to start the mains or auxiliaries. The crew can now eat 2 meals a day on the ship (free) and the ship laundry is reported to be fully functional, no dryer is need in this climate. The advance party has been reduced to 2/3's of those who came to Crete.
15 August 2000 Report from LST325 : We thought our main problem was to get this ship back from the Greeks, but lately we have been fighting with another group as to who will control this vessel. The deck house can be rightly called Cockroach Hotel. The sounds of stomp, squish and whap, are heard at all hours. Apparently the Greeks were content to coexist with them but the new gang in town is not sharing the action with and other species. We have been told that the the best weapon is Boric Acid, but we can't find in Souda. So we use aerosol spray.
14 August 2000 Report from LST 325, Yesterday, Sunday we had holiday routine. Some of the guys took the bus to the south side of the island. They reported the the girls at the beach were getting a 100% suntan, they managed to enjoy their trip any way, Ha Ha. Last night we almost completed the repair of the bow ramp hoist but for the loss of a brass spacer sleeve (to be continued). We have completed the preliminary bilge pumping of the all spaces except the auxiliary engine room and the fire pump room. We have yet to test the steering system, checkout the snaking winch, repair the stern anchor winch, receive and install the starting batteries and checkout the main and auxiliary engines. The Greek Navy has told us to be gone by the end of August, Ha Ha. Out merry little group now numbers 16. With no disrespect to anyone, Darwin was right. The heat was so bad that my computer died from the heat while typing this the first time. I came back to life after a cool down. I now left an air space under it. To the Hams who may be waiting to call us, I called CQ on 14.244 at 1400 UTC and quickly had a European pileup, at 1730 UTC I had to QRT from stress out. The other JC just worked E30MA, Eritrea, a rare one. Our call now is SV9/WW2LST/MM.
12 August 2000 Soudas, Crete: When the advance crew came on the 325, there was water and oil up to the deck plates in both shaft alleys, the main engine room and the auxiliary engine room. After 2 weeks a barge was brought along side into which our bilges could be pumped, in one day the starboard shaft alley was pumped out and the barge started to leak oil and we had to stop pumping. The barge sat here for 4 days until this morning when they brought a another and towed the leaking one away. Its hard to get the ship ready fast with that kind of support. We do not have the batteries to start the engines yet. Tonight we will make a midnight (its cooler) effort to replace the intermediate drive ship with its associated gears in the bow ramp hoist. This is the Amphib dirty dungaree navy, no place for those who want to wear whites and parade. Today's temp is 107.6 F in the and much hotter below.
11 August 2000 Report from LST 325 The summer heat continues, some of the guys have been sleeping on deck, where its nice and cool in the evening. When the sun comes up, The ship turns into a big solar heater, which does not cool off until midnight. We use the tank deck vent blowers to to draw fresh air from the crews quarters on starboard. Today we enjoyed pancakes and eggs from our own galley and tomorrow morning its oatmeal and fruit. Today we got the galley freezer working, no refer yet have two small home type ones. Last night between midnight and 3am, we pulled the primary gear shaft assembly from the ship alongside and man handled it from that ships bow ramp hoist room to our main deck. It weighs about 500 lb. It was very tough job and the crews performance was outstanding. It will be installed in our bow ramp hoist (to be continued). I asked our leader if he had anything to say to the world. He replied,"Tell them we've got a Hell of a crew, they're doing a Hell of a job, and it hot as Hell over here, but we're sailing this ship to Boston and we'll have the ship ready for the rest of the crew when they arrive."
10 August 2000 Report from Souda, Crete: Many needed items are missing from the ship or damaged beyond use. Since there is another inactive LST tied up alongside us, the usual solution is based to the idea the God helps those who help themselves. Otherwise we'll be here forever. Up to this point, every crewman has paid for all meals. Tomorrow morning we will enjoy our first free meal at breakfast. It will be a double pleasure not the walk a mile to eat and not pay for the meal. Pancakes and eggs to order. Well I must now rest a few hours before the trip the the midnight storeroom, Ha Ha.
9 August 2000 Souda, Crete Not much new here. We are all living on the ship. The galley is not in operation yet. We still walk to town to eat. Its less than a mile. Its cool enough to sleep in the ship by midnight. We got "bed" sheets yesterday. Repairs of the bow ramp hoist have begun and promise to be a major effort. The laundry on the Base is closed and after 7 days we have found a laundry in Souda. Clothing gets ripe very fast in this work environment. We are very hardup for tools and cleaning materials. My 6 inch crescent wrench is very popular. This ain't no job for sissies. Its great to see the ship coming back to life. The crew is great and doing a terrific job. We haven't used "The Cat" once, Ha Ha. I can almost see the ship sailing in Boston now!!!!! Splice the Main Brace!
8 August 2000 Dear Friends, I have finally found time to get in my radio setup and get on the air with Winlink and send email messages. As of today we are all living on board the ship, all 20 of us. The temperature here this afternoon is over 42C and there is very little breeze. When we arrived there was some minor flooding in the shift alleys and the engine room bilges had considerable accumulation of oil. Today the Greek Navy men brought a submersible pump and cleaned them after 3 weeks. Yesterday we repaired the jam of the starboard bow ramplift chain sproket only to learn that the drive gear shift of the reducing gear drive of bow ramp motor had sheared and must be replaced. This will be a big tough job. Yesterday we opened the the bow doors for the first time. Everything went well, but the bow ramp is another story. The ships galley in not yet in operation. We are all eating ashore in the small town of Souda, Crete. If you want to know what it is like to be a member of the crew here in Crete. Its very easy to describe, its hot as Hell and work all the time. If you chose to reply, please keep it short. This email link can not handle heavy volume. Best Wishes to All from Sunny Crete, Jack, KC6WYX, SV9/WW2LST/MM
5 August 2000 More cleaning and trash removal. All the crew to be moved on board tomorrow morning.
4 August 2000 Began cleaning living compartments for movement of crew onto ship, scheduled for Monday. Ship has large accumulation of trash on board. Galley needs much work to be ready to feed crew. Weather is very hot and very dry. Heat at midday is nearly unbearable in some compartments. All must carry water bottles and drink often to avoid dehydration. 3 more advance member have arrived in Crete - which makes a total of 20.
3 August 2000 Ship moved to service pier at 1315. Water and some power later in the day. Ship's crew did well in line handline and mooring. 3 tugs used to move ship to pier.
2 August 2000 11 more members of the advance party arrived in Souda, Crete. Cdr Melcher has reached an agreement with the Greek Navy Officials which insured their complete support of the program. Tomorrow the ship will be moved to a pier which will provide shore power, shore water and a telephone. All previous restrictions on crew member work activities have been lifted. FULL SPEED AHEAD!
31
July 2000 As of yesterday there was no shore water or heavy duty shore power connections for the ship.
17
July 2000
The USS LST 325 Amateur Radio Club will be active during the return voyage, using call sign WW2LST. Operating schedules will appear on this web site later. QSL cards are available commemorating the Year 2000 return voyage of the former USS LST 325.
For more information check these web sites: www.uslst.org
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