War Fish blog

Jim Allen Remembers Captain Kennedy, Pappy Rau

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:41:00 +0000

A while back I had the opportunity to talk at length with former Wahoo crewman James Allen. Jim joined the boat in Pearl Harbor for her second war patrol. We began by discussing his commanding officer at the time, Captain Marvin Kennedy. Given some of the negative things written about him, I asked Jim about his impression of Kennedy.

“Kennedy was an elitist. Every morning he took a freshwater shower in the forward torpedo room while forbidding showers for the rest of the boat. It was very disconcerting for morale. He was very aloof. I only had two interactions with him the entire time I was aboard.”

Jim went on to describe the first encounter which occurred when he was heading forward to check the battery levels. This was done using a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of each cell. The task required him to crawl across the top of the cells. As a result, he frequently came in contact with battery acid which ate holes in his dungarees. Jim trimmed the legs and arms of his dungarees to eliminate the holes. It was standard procedure at the time but decidedly non-regulation.

As he passed through the control room, Kennedy entered from forward. “At this point,” Jim said, “I made my first mistake. I said, ‘Good morning, Captain.’ Kennedy looked at me like I was a piece of meat on a hook. He turned to the Chief of the Boat, Pappy Rau, and said, ‘Rau, have this man change into proper clothes.’ After Kennedy continued on, Rau looked at me disgusted and said, ‘You heard the man.’”

Jim stood watch with CTM Russell “Pappy” Rau and Ken Whipp in the control room at the electrical panel – the dry side of control. Jim recalled, “Pappy Rau was easy to talk to and knew his stuff which gave confidence to the rest of enlisted men.”

Jim was standing nearby in control when an incident occurred between Rau and the boat’s Yeoman, Forest Sterling. Dick O’Kane had removed Sterling from the regular watch list so he could concentrate on typing the patrol report mimeograph stencils. While typing, Joe Vidick called him to go on his usual sonar watch. Sterling refused impolitely.

Thinking better of it, Sterling went to control to advise Rau he had been reassigned. Before he could get his second word out Rau slugged him hard, driving him into the air manifold. Sterling regrouped and glared at Rau who was ready to go another round. “I’m gonna report you,” Sterling said. Rau replied, “I’m counting on it.” Sterling retreated and the misunderstanding was soon sorted out.

Jim recalled, "When Rau gave an order he expected stuff done -- right then."

Mare Island Memorial Conducted

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Bell tolls for 579 men, 7 subs lost

By Lanz Christian Banes/Times-Herald staff writer

A wreath is cast into the Mare Island Strait from berth 6 on Mare Island, part of SundayÕs memorial ceremony for submarines constructed at the shipyard that were lost in World War II. With his ancient, tremulous voice, John Berger blessed the seven wreaths that represented Mare Island's lost ships.

"The symbols will speak for us, for we cannot," intoned Berger, the chaplain for the USS Hornet in Alameda, on Sunday.

The wreaths were made by volunteers from plants and flowers found on Mare Island the day before, said Myrna Hayes, who organized the memorial.

This is the third year Mare Island's lost World War II-era submarines - the USS Pompano, Swordfish, Gudgeon, Trigger, Tullibee and Tang - were honored in a day-long series of ceremonies.

"What I found from the last two years is a tremendous longing by the people who come here today to honor the 579 (lost) men," Hayes said.

The Mare Island Naval Shipyard produced 22 submarines that fought in World War II. Seven did not come home.

In total, 52 U.S. submarines were lost during World War II, with a combined crew of about 3,500 men now on "eternal patrol."

Larry Maggini, who wrote a book about the USS Wahoo, gave a presentation at St. Peter's Chapel about each of the lost seven, weaving their stories with the early history of the American submarine.

Though submariners accounted for only 1.6 percent of Navy personnel during World War II, the submarine fleet had a 22 percent loss rate, Maggini said. Still, the Pacific submarine fleet was responsible for 55 percent of Japanese ship losses, he added.

The 30 or so people who attended the ceremonies, which began by raising a flag to half-staff at Morton Field, were offered a chance to tell their own stories at St. Peter's Chapel.

"The wives of the men of the submarine service went through hell, too. We ought to think of that also," said Don Dickson, 93, who served on the USS Skate.

After a reception at Quarters C on Walnut Avenue, the group went to Berth 6, where submarines were repaired during the war.

"This is a place they last moored and from whence they cast off from our log of memories onto their eternal patrol," Berger said. And with a bell tolling for each of the lost ships, the wreaths were cast into the Mare Island Strait.

Lost Boat Memorial Service at Mare Island

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:16:00 +0000

Mare Island to honor subs lost in WWII
By Sarah Rohrs of Vallejo Times-Herald

An annual service to honor the crewmen of Mare Island submarines lost at sea in World War II takes place Sunday afternoon.

The event, "Lost Boats of Mare Island Memorial," is the third annual tribute to the seven Mare Island-built submarines that never made it home, their crew members on "eternal patrol."

The event is to help keep alive the memory of Mare Island Naval Shipyard's history and prominence, Lost Boats Memorial co-founder and organizer Myrna Hayes said.

"Mare Island is the oldest Navy installation on the Pacific. We need to keep that memory alive. What better group to honor than those men who left on those seven boats and never returned?" she said.

Seven of the 23 Mare Island submarines that fought in World War II were among the 42 submarines lost at sea, Hayes said.

They are the USS Pompano (SS-181), USS Swordfish (SS-193), USS Gudgeon (SS-211), USS Trigger (SS-237), USS Tullibee (SS-284), USS Tang (SS-306), and the USS Wahoo (SS-238).

Events start 1 p.m. with a flag raising at Morton Field at G Street and Walnut Avenue. A memorial service from 2 to 3:30 p.m. will follow at St. Peter's Chapel, 10th Street and Walnut Avenue.

A former Mare Island submarine combat systems engineer, Larry Maggini, will give a slide show and present research from his book "On Eternal Patrol," which will be available for sale in print and DVD versions.

At the service, participants can share memories and recollections and recognize all members of the military's submarine force.

At 5:30 p.m. a wreath will be laid at Berth 6 -- at A Street and Nimitz Avenue.

Vallejo California Chapter of U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II members will call out the names of all submarines lost at sea as they ring a bell for each boat.

The memorial program coincides with the anniversary of the loss of the USS Wahoo, built on Mare Island.

Launched Feb. 14, 1942, the USS Wahoo was lost at sea on Oct. 11, 1943, with a crew of 80 men, Hayes said. In 2006 remains found in the Soya Strait were confirmed as those of crewmen from the Wahoo.

For more details on Sunday's events go to www.MareIslandLostBoats.org.

"Wahoo" Image Actually Trigger

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:29:00 +0000

Was browsing NavSource.org for updated images and discovered something regarding an image in "Wahoo" by O'Kane.

In the first set of photos in the book, the first image is a port quarter shot of an as-built fleetboat. The description reads "USS Wahoo (SS-238) departing Mare Island". For some reason the look of that photo never felt quite right to me. The general arrangement is correct for the most part. But I could never find the shot in any of the archival sets of Wahoo images.

Then today I noticed an image had been added to the USS Trigger (SS-237) page on NavSource. As I scrolled down, I found the identical uncropped shot (see below). It is clearly marked as Trigger. Whether it was intentional or not, the image denoted as Wahoo is in fact Trigger.

Upon closer inspection I can see a detail that always looked wrong: the aft deck gun. Trigger had a taller mount as seen in the image. All other photos of Wahoo at the same point showed the shorter 3" mount. The proper attribution of the subject helps settle the issue -- Wahoo didn't carry the taller mount.

The Trigger as Wahoo identification is not the only misrepresentation in O'Kane's book. Several of the interior shots in the first grouping are actually the USS Pompanito on display in San Francisco. This makes sense given the boat was near O'Kane's home and could provide views of all her main compartments.

For all those interested in fleetboat photos, I encourage you to browse navsource.org. It is a wonderful source of naval images.

Helmer Off Tang Project

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:24:00 +0000

According to io9.com, director Duncan Jones has selected the sci-fi thriller "Mute" as his next project instead of the "Escape From the Deep" film previously announced.

However, imdb.com lists Escape with a 2010 release date and Mute with 2011. Such is the film industry.

There are no updates at present from Brilliant Films which is producing the sub film. I'll pass along anything new I find.

Legends Teams With On Eternal Patrol

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:59:00 +0000

Legends was recently contacted by Charles Hinman of the USS Bowfin Museum and sitemaster of OnEternalPatrol.com to provide new USS Tang (SS-306) content in light of the new "Escape From The Deep" film project.

Charles and I will be depositing additional research and files in the Tang section of Legends to provide the most complete record of her career online. Stay tuned -- the stuff from Charles is really great!

USS Stewart Reopens

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:53:00 +0000

This past weekend the USS Stewart exhibit at Seawolf park reopened to the public for the first time since being heavily damaged by Hurricane Ike in September 2008. Mold remediation is complete and the followup inspection gave her a clean bill of health. The office and berthing space is in the process of being painted. USS Cavalla is open as well.

Congratulations to Chief John McMichael and all his dedicated volunteers for bringing the park and its exhibits back to like for all to enjoy.

Tang Film in Pipeline

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:24:00 +0000

Charles Hinman forwarded this article to me today. It seems "Escape From the Deep" will be made into a feature film.

Duncan Jones to take on 'The Deep'
Brilliant Films to produce his second directing effort
By Stuart Kemp
June 1, 2009, 10:14 AM ET
LONDON -- Duncan Jones has surfaced with his sophomore feature.The helmer, who made his feature directorial debut with the Sam Rockwell starrer "Moon," will direct "Escape From the Deep" from an Alex Kershaw script based on the nonfiction tome of the same name."Escape" tells the story of a legendary World War II U.S. navy submarine that sank after a torpedo malfunction, leaving the crew stranded on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Faced with drowning, nine men made it out alive after swimming the 180 feet to the surface without getting the bends.The movie will be produced by U.S. production banner Brilliant Films, which also is developing the project via the company's in-house development cash pool.Brilliant Films president Joe Abrams said that Jones' "Moon" marked his arrival as a director to watch.Jones, whose father is rock legend David Bowie and who worked with Tony Scott in his early career, described Kershaw's book as a "powerful story that will come alive on the big screen."He said he hopes to create a "tense action movie" from the story.Sony Pictures Classics snapped up North American rights to "Moon" after it unspooled during the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. It will debut at the Edinburgh International Film Festival later this month.Brilliant's Joe Abrams and Rory Gilmartin will produce "Escape."

Circular Run Question

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Got the following recently from Dr. John Christensen regarding the wreck and how it validates or disproves the circular run torpedo theory postulated by Richard O'Kane in his book "Wahoo".

If you've read the book you are familiar with O'Kane's assertion that Wahoo was transiting La Perouse on the surface and was first attacked by shore batteries before submerging and falling victim to a coordinated air and sea attack. In order to create a scenario that would require Morton to remain on the surface in daylight, O'Kane concluded some sort of damage must have prevented him from diving. He settled upon a casualty caused by a circular run torpedo.

Before I share my response to Dr. Christensen I'd like to hear from you. What do you interpret from the wreck photos? How credible do you think O'Kane's theory is (or was)?

________________________________________

In looking at the amazing photos and drawings of USS WAHOO provided by the Russian divers, it seems to me the damage could indeed be from a circular torpedo run, not necessarily an aerial bomb.

In Commander O'Kane's account of the circular torpedo run that sank USS TANG in "Clear the Bridge", he felt it would have hit TANG amidships (at the conning tower) had he not been able to accelerate. I believe the pictures of the USS WAHOO are also consistent with an amidships hit from a torpedo on a circular run.

This would be an important interpretation of these photos regarding the cause of WAHOO's sinking, especially since there is no corresponding record of an aerial hit from the Japanese, and in view of the experience and skill of USS WAHOO's skipper and crew in avoiding such a strike.

http://www.warfish.com/scrap-EP.html. See second page, divers drawings.

Thank you.
Dr John Christensen

Happy 2009 and a Seawolf Park Update

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:29:00 +0000

Happy New Year to all Wahoo aficionados!

Hurricane Ike remains the weather event of 2008 that keeps on giving. I caught a glimpse of this story on our local news the other night and finally had a chance to get the particulars.

Boat under USS Stewart complicates recovery

By Leigh Jones The Daily News

Published December 29, 2008

GALVESTON — Members of the Cavalla Historical Foundation expected to find silt and some storm debris under the USS Stewart when crews working to right the ship started pumping water out from under it.

But as the water line receded, they discovered the World War II-era destroyer escort was sitting on another boat, an unwelcome surprise that has complicated efforts to put the popular tourist attraction back in its berth.

Hurricane Ike lifted the ship out of its resting place at Seawolf Park when it made landfall Sept. 13.

During what must have been a pretty wild ride, the storm’s 12-foot surge wedged the smaller boat under the Stewart, trapping it below the ship when the floodwaters subsided, Curator John McMichael said.

They hoped to discover the boat belonged to someone with pockets deep enough to help pay to get it back, McMichael joked, but no such luck. Crews were able to uncover the boat enough to see that it has a green hull and still has bumpers hanging over its side, but they were not able to find a name or any other identifying markings on it, he said. Based on its 11-foot-wide stern, McMichael thinks the boat is about 25 feet long. It likely came from somewhere on the Bolivar Peninsula, he said.

Although it would be interesting to know for sure where the boat came from, and they still hope to find a name somewhere near the bow when they finally get it out from under the Stewart, it won’t really make a difference to the salvage effort, McMichael said. The biggest problem is figuring out how to get it out, he said. Several companies have submitted proposals for the work, and on Tuesday, Galveston’s Park Board of Trustees, which manages Seawolf Park and partners with the foundation to keep the Stewart open to the public, will hire one of them.

Because the ship still floats, lifting it up again enough to remove the smaller boat shouldn’t be too difficult, said Ernie Connor, a member of both the park board and the historical foundation. The work should be complete by spring break, McMichael said.

Although Ike also lifted the USS Cavalla out of its berth, the submarine is stable enough that the foundation does not intend to try to move it, Connor said. The silt and sand trapped under the submarine lifted it about 6 feet higher than it was and moved it about 9 feet back, Connor said. The extra elevation helped expose all four torpedo tubes, something visitors couldn’t see before, Connor said. Once crews finish righting the Stewart, the foundation will build a new gangplank to the Cavalla and open the hatch again for tours, he said.

Thousands of visitors come to Seawolf Park every year to visit both the Cavalla and the Stewart, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places earlier this year.

Like much of the Ike recovery work, officials hope the Federal Emergency Management Agency will help pay to right the Stewart and make repairs to the rest of the display around the ship and the submarine. If the government doesn’t come through, the foundation will be looking for donations, McMichael said.

During World War II, the United States Navy had 750 destroyer escorts built. The USS Stewart is one of only three left. Two of them are serving as museum ships in the United States, but the third one is still in service in the Mexican Navy.

Donations to the Cavalla Historical Foundation can be sent to 2504 Church St., Galveston, TX 77550.

Seawolf Park Update

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:11:00 +0000

Here is an update on the situation at Seawolf Park regarding Hurricane Ike damage. It was written by Dick Hoffman, a USS Stewart volunteer and submitted to Jeff Porteous who received it via a USS Cod email blast:

To Our USS Stewart Friends and Volunteers –

I’ve been waiting till we had our quarterly meeting of the Cavalla Historical Foundation Board of Directors (last Saturday) to give you a more complete idea of where we are at Seawolf Park. As some of you know, I am a member of the Cavalla Board which has responsibility for restoration, maintenance and display of USS Cavalla and USS Stewart. The meeting was one of the best I’ve attended. Board Members were upbeat, optimistic and determined. I think you will find some of the highlights interesting and informative.

Please understand that these remarks are preliminary. They are not to be construed as "official" statements by either the Cavalla Board or the Parks Board of Galveston.

1. Status of Seawolf Park – At the risk of repeating myself, the Park’s facilities were pretty much wiped out. Except for being floated out of position, our ships were relatively unharmed, but the rest of the Park’s infrastructure was mostly damaged beyond repair or washed away. USS Cavalla is pretty much where she was, but is elevated some 4 to 5 feet. The bow of USS Stewart is close to where it was, but the stern is moved to port perhaps 20 feet. This leaves much of her up out of the ground, and she has about a 17 degree list to starboard.

2. Report from Galveston Parks Board – Because of our partnership with the Galveston Parks Board, one of its Board Members is also on our Board. From his remarks, I believe Seawolf Park has a pretty high priority for restoration. The Park is one of Galveston’s most popular. The message I heard is to get our Naval Display back in order ASAP. I hesitate to speculate on completion dates, but pressure is there for a speedy restoration of both the Park and our Naval Display.

3. Prospects for Cavalla and Stewart – Consensus now is that, with reasonable effort, our submarine problem is quite manageable. Probes have indicated that while settling back down, Cavalla “sucked” sand and dirt back under herself, and is resting on a safe base. The entry/exit steps will have to be rebuilt to accommodate the extra height. There is some water in the after torpedo room which is being removed currently. At least three firms have come forward with plans to reposition Stewart. Talks with these groups make us confident of success. One of the three has not yet stated its plan, but is expected to bring it forward this week. I will not talk about cost because bids are still being negotiated. Our Foundation will need significant sums from donors and volunteers to underwrite a program. Outreach is well underway, and our Board is confident a way will be found to go forward promptly.

An appeal by mail was made right after the storm featuring an “IKE RESTORATION” T-shirt. It has already stimulated donations in excess of $10,000. If you would like to make a contribution, please address it as follows:

IKE Restoration Campaign

c/o Cavalla Historical Foundation

2504 Church St.

Galveston, TX 77550

Without going into detail, I am convinced that “fixing” Stewart is entirely possible. A panel of three Board Members (I am one) has been established to evaluate and negotiate a solution and funding. The panel was urged to move quickly.

4. Other positive Board actions –

· A new Website to include news of all of our activities is under construction

· Motion was passed to give “enthusiastic support” to the newly created Edsall Class DE Association and Reunions.

· A program has been instituted to enhance (greatly) our communication with the “outside world” (think PR). This is a matter that is near and dear to me, and I will be working to make it successful.

Again, let me thank all of you for your past interest and support for our project. Let me hear from you with ideas, suggestions or questions. I will continue to keep you informed of progress.

Sincerely,

Dick Hoffman, USS Stewart Volunteer

Board Member, Cavalla Historical Foundation

Rear Admiral Roger W. Paine, Jr. (1917 - 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:25:00 +0000

Rear Admiral Roger Warde Paine, Jr. USN (ret.) passed away yesterday in Annapolis, Maryland at the age of 91. Funeral services are pending. He was the last surviving officer to serve in USS Wahoo (SS-238).

Admiral Paine was born in Austin, Texas on August 13, 1917, son of Rear Admiral Roger W. Paine, USN and Mrs. Corine (Malone) Paine. He attended Western High School, Washington, D.C. and Coronado (California) High School prior to entering the U.S. Naval Academy on appointment from the District of Columbia in 1935. He was graduated and commissioned Ensign on June 1, 1939.

Following graduation he joined the USS ARIZONA and in December 1940 was detached from that battleship for submarine training at the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut. In April 1941 he reported on board the USS POMPANO and was serving in that submarine when the United States entered World War II on December 8, 1941. For meritorious conduct as Communication, Radar and Sound Officer of the USS POMPANO during her First War Patrol he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V".

From March 1942 to August 1943 he continued duty afloat in the USS WAHOO rising to Executive Officer and Navigator. Prior to embarking on WAHOO's Fifth War Patrol, Lieutenant Paine underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis. He was subsequently given command of the USS S-34. In August 1944 he became Executive Officer and Navigator of the USS TINOSA. Participating in eight successful war patrols in the Pacific during World War II, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", and a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Bronze Star medal, also with Combat "V". He is also entitled to the Ribbon for, and a facsimile of, the Presidential Unit Citation awarded the USS WAHOO.

In May 1945 he reported for fitting out duty in the USS CUBERA at the Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut and assumed command of that submarine upon her commissioning, December 12, 1945. Detached from the CUBERA in April 1945, he briefly commanded the USS WHALE which was decommissioned at New London, Connecticut on June 1, 1946.

He next reported for instruction in Ordinance Engineering (Special Physics Course) at the Postgraduate School, Annapolis, Maryland. From June 1947 to February 1949 he continued the course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Cambridge from which he received the degree of Master of Science in Nuclear Physics. He next was engaged in field work at various ordinance facilities and during the period of August 1949 to August 1951 he worked at the Los Alamos (New Mexico) Scientific Laboratory doing design and development work on the nuclear components of atomic bombs and of the H-bomb, which was in the design stage at that time.

From August 1951 to September 1953 he commanded the USS COWELL which, under his command, made an around-the-world cruise and spent five months in the Korean War theater. In September 1953 he reported as Chief of the Analysis Branch, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, Washington, D.C. In that capacity he participated in all nuclear weapon tests during 1954 - 1956, both in Nevada and at Eniwetok and Bikini, and supervised analysis and correlation of the data obtained.

Ordered to the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island he had instruction there in Naval Warfare from August 1956 until June 1957 and became Commander, Destroyer Division TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO in July of that year. This Division, consisting of the USS EATON, BACHE, BEALE and MURRAY, participated in NATO maneuvers in Europe in the fall of 1957 and later formed a part of Anti-Submarine Group ALFA, a special group formed to develop and perfect operational techniques of anti-submarine warfare.

Assigned in November 1958 to the Bureau of Ordinance, Navy Department, Washington, D.C., he headed the Guided Missile Branch, Research Division until 1959, when that Bureau and the Bureau of Aeronautics were combined and designated the Bureau of Naval Weapons. He then became Director of the Missile Guidance and Airframe Division and as such was responsible for research, development, test and evaluation of the Navy's BULLPUP, CORVUS, EAGLE, SIDEWINDER, SPARROW, TALOS, TARTAR, TERRIER and TYPHON missiles.

In September 1961 he assumed command of the USS TOPEKA in the Pacific area and commanded her during anti-air warfare operations off the California coast and in Hawaiian and Far Eastern waters. Returning to Washington, D.C. in November 1962, he served as Head of the Surface Warfare Branch, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, until June, 1963. He then reported as Military Assistant to the Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering (Administration and Management), Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his work in this position.

In the fall of 1966 he was promoted to Rear Admiral and in December became Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla TEN, a unit of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet consisting of twenty-one cruisers and destroyers. In the Spring of 1967 he deployed to the Mediterranean as Commander of an Attack Carrier Strike Group, flying his flag alternately in the aircraft carriers USS SHANGRI-LA and SARATOGA and in the guided missile cruiser USS GALVESTON.

He reported in January 1968 as Director of the Navy Information Systems Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations with the responsibility for the procurement, maintenance and operation of all of the Navy's computers. In August 1970 he was ordered detached for duty as Commander, Training Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet with Fleet Training Activities in Japan, Guam, Hawaii, San Diego, Long Beach and San Francisco. He was awarded the Legion of Merit in connection with this duty and retired from naval service in the summer of 1972.

Admiral Paine was married to the former Isla Rea Vaile for over sixty years, had three children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

All of us connected to Legends of the Deep offer our heartfelt condolences for their loss.

Roger Paine Near Death

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:07:00 +0000

Received word from a family member last night that Rear Admiral Roger W. Paine, Jr., USN (ret.) is near death. Admiral Paine is the last living officer to have served aboard Wahoo. Funeral services will be held at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Admiral Paine turned 91 this past August.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time.

Commendation for Charles Hinman

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:20:00 +0000

Our good friend Charles Hinman recently received some much deserved kudos for his work at the USS Bowfin Museum. As reported here, Charles worked tirelessly to put together the Wahoo Memorial and Remembrance week in October of 2007. He also served as Project Wahoo's U.S. point of contact for information regarding the discovery of Wahoo. He has also served in much the same capacity for the search efforts of several additional lost WWII boats, notably the USS Grunion. I know from personal experience he is a gracious host and Charles made my visit to Oahu the experience of a lifetime.

In recognition of his hard work, Admiral Joe Walsh, ComSubPac, recently awarded Charles with the following citation (click the image to enlarge it). Bravo Zulu, Charles!

Pelham Service Report and Doug Morton Interview

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:20:00 +0000

Received word from Ken Kraetzer of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 50 in Pelham, NY. By all accounts their memorial service for Wahoo was a great success. They are working on getting images from the event on their website.

One of the interesting things Ken's group is doing is a local radio show on Mondays at 2:30 PM discussing veterans and active military issues. In relation to the Wahoo service, Ken's program interviewed Doug Morton for 15 minutes. You can listen to the interview here:

WVOX Doug Morton Interview on USS Wahoo Ceremony 10 16 08

Still on Patrol

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:31:00 +0000

Sixty-five years ago today, the following men made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their coutnry while serving in USS Wahoo (SS-238):

Anders, F. MM3
Andrews, J. S. EM1
Bailey, R. E. SC3
Bair, A. I. TM3
Berg, J. C. MM3
Browning, C. E. MOMM2
Brown, D. R. LTJG
Bruce, C. L. MOMM1
Buckley, J. P. RM1
Burgan, W. W. LT
Campbell, J. S. ENS
Carr, W. J. CGMA
Carter, J. E. RM2
Davison, W. E. MOMM1
Deaton, L. N. TM1
Erdey, J. S. EM3
Fielder, E. F. LTJG
Finkelstein, O. TM3
Galli, W. O. TM3
Garmon, C. E. MOMM2
Garrett, G. C., Jr. MOMM2
Gerlacher, W. L. S2
Goss, R. P. MOMM1
Greene, H. M. LT
Hand, W. R. EM2
Hartman, L. M. MM3
Hayes, D. M. EM2
Henderson, R. N. LT
Holmes, W. H. EM1
House, V. A. S1
Howe, H. J. EM2
Jacobs, O. MOMM1
Jasa, R. L. MM3
Jayson, J. O. CK3
Johnson, K. B. TM1
Keeter, D. C. CMOMMA
Kemp, W. W. GM1
Kessock, P. F1
Krebs, P. H. S1
Kirk, E. T. S1
Lape, A. D. F1
Lindemann, C. A. S1
Logue, R. B. FC1
Lynch, W. L. F1
MacAlman, S. E. PHM1
MacGowen, T. J. MOMM1
Magyar, A. J. MM3
Manalisay, J. C. ST3
Mandjiak, P. A. MM3
Massa, E. E. S1
Maulding, E. C. SM3
Maulding, G. E. TM3
McGill, T. J. CMOMMA
McGilton, H. E. TM3
McSpadden, D. J. TM1
Mills, M. L. RT1
Misch, G. A. LTJG
Morton, D. W. CDR
Neel, P. TM2
O'Brien, F. L. EM1
O'Neal, R. L. EM3
Ostrander, E. E. MM3
Phillips, P. D. SC1
Rennels, J. L. SC2
Renno, H. S1
Seal, E. H. Jr. TM2
Simonetti, A. R. SM2
Skjonsby, V. L. LCDR
Smith, D. O. BM1
Stevens, G. V. MOMM2
Terrell, W. C. QM3
Thomas, W. S1
Tyler, R. O. TM3
Vidick, J. EM2
Wach, L. J. COX
Waldron, W. E. RM3
Ware, N. C. CEM
White, W. T. Y2
Whipp, K. L. MM2
Witting, R. L. MM3

Wahoo, Nebraska Memorial Update

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:22:00 +0000

SubVet Service to Honor Sailors, New Memorial

By Lisa Brichacek of wahoonewspaper.com
10/08/2008

WAHOO, NB - Submarine veterans from across the state will once again be gathering in Wahoo this Sunday.

The annual memorial service sponsored by the Wahoo Chapter of World War II Submarine Veterans and the Nebraska Base of United States Submarine Veterans Inc. will be held at 1 p.m. on the lawn of the Saunders County Courthouse in Wahoo. Activities will once again take place near the Torpedo Monument of the USS Wahoo. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.

This year's ceremony will include a special dedication of the new monument near the torpedo. This past spring, the torpedo and plaque were removed for refurbishing. They were put back into place in late summer looking polished and nearly new.

Last month, a memorial marker was placed near the monument. The engraved piece of granite honors all U.S. Navy submarine sailors. It also proclaims that it is "in memory of all submarines and crews on eternal patrol."

The approximately $10,000 bill for the new memorial as well as the monument refurbishing is being picked up primarily by the World War II Submarine Veterans. The Nebraska Base of United States Submarine Veterans has also lent some assistance to the project.

In addition to the dedication portion of Sunday's activities, ceremony will also include an address from Electronics Technician Senior Chief Monty C. Clawson. Clawson is the submarine communications subject mater expert at the United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base.

He is responsible for directing the efforts of Strategic Submarine communications and continuing evaluation program management. He has served on many submarines prior to coming to the air base near Omaha and has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various other unit and service awards.

This is the 46th year for the submarine memorial service. The World War II Submarine Veterans started holding the ceremony in 1962 to recognize the ships and crew who served this country. The ceremony is always held as close as possible to Oct. 11, the date that the USS Wahoo went to her watery grave.

U.S.S. Wahoo is arguably the most famous of the Navy's World War II vessels. During her seven patrols, she is reported to have sunk a total of 20 ships totaling 60,038 tons. Wahoo was commissioned on May 15, 1942 and sunk in the La Perouse (Soya) Strait on Oct. 11. 1943.

On board that fateful day was a young man from Wahoo. Robert Lee Jasa was a Machinist's Mate, Third Class aboard the Wahoo. He and the 79 others serving on board went down with the Wahoo and remain on eternal patrol.

For many years, the exact resting place of the Wahoo was unknown. A group of Russian divers found the remains of a submarine in the waters between the Japanese island of Hokkaido and the Russian island of Sakhalin. In October of 2006, the U.S. Navy confirmed that it was in fact the wreckage of the Wahoo.

Following Sunday's ceremony, a lunch is planned at the Fifth Street Bar and Grill in downtown Wahoo.

Mare Island Memorial on October 11

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:40:00 +0000

Ceremony Pays Tribute to Seven World War II Submarines Built at the Former Naval Base

By SARAH ROHRS/Times-Herald staff writer
Article Launched: 10/08/2008 08:33:23 AM PDT

Lost at sea, the crews on eternal patrol - this was the fate of seven Mare Island-built submarines and their crewmen who never made it home during World War II. On Saturday a tribute will be held for these "lost boats of Mare Island."

A flag raising takes place at 1 p.m. at Morton Field, and a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Berth 6, where submarines were repaired during World War II.

Oakville resident Larry Maggini, a former shipyard worker who worked on modern submarines, will present a slide show and talk about the seven submarines, followed by a reception, from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Peter's Chapel.
"The men on eternal patrol deserve our recognition and acknowledgment of the ultimate sacrifice that they made," said event organizer Myrna Hayes. Their 3,500 crewmen are on what surviving shipmates reverently call "eternal patrol," their final resting places, in some cases known only to God, Hayes said.

The submarines to be honored include: USS Pompano (SS-181), USS Swordfish (SS-193), USS Gudgeon (SS-211), USS Trigger (SS-237), USS Tullibee (SS-284), USS Tang (SS-306), and USS Wahoo (SS-238).

Maggini, who has devoted nearly 10 months researching the seven submarines, found the famous ones left a long trail of information, but others registered little publicity.

While the Wahoo was a "flamboyant character" that caught the public eye, some of the others did their duty and then faded into obscurity, he said.

Maggini said the event, and others like it, help preserve Mare Island's military legacy. "It's going to be forgotten eventually if someone doesn't do something to keep it alive," he said.

This year's submarine tribute follows last year's to the USS Wahoo, launched on Feb. 14, 1942. In 2006 a wreck found in the Soya Strait was confirmed as the Wahoo. Hayes said she agreed to stage a second tribute after former Navy chaplain John W. Berger of Vallejo secured a promise from her to organize another one.

Maggini compiled stories and photos about the submarines into the book "On Eternal Patrol - The Lost Boats of Mare Island." It will be available for sale in print and DVD version Saturday.

For more event details go to www.mareislandlostboats.org.

Update: Pelham, NY Wahoo Memorial Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:05:00 +0000

Recevied the following update from Ken regarding the Pelham ceremony this weekend:

We appreciate everyone who has indicated they are planning to attend our ceremony on Saturday in Pelham honoring the USS Wahoo and its crew.

We are pleased to mention the US Navy Band based in Newport, RI will appear and provide an outdoor concert starting at 10 AM. The concert will be outdoors at the Gazebo park adjacent to the Daronco Town House, just north of the Pelham Train Station.

We are pleased that two US Navy submarine commanders will appear and offer remarks. A native of adjacent Mt. Vernon who attended St. Catharine's School in Pelham, Capt. Raymond Woolrich CO of the USS Trepang during the mid-1980s will offer perspective. The current CO of the USS Texas, CDR James Gray will provide comments.

We are pleased that Tom Conlon from the US Submarines Veterans will lead the "Tolling of the Boats" ceremony. Several local elected officials will be attending including Congresswoman Nita Lowey.

A former Pelham native and 27 year US Navy officer from WWII will be hosting Navy veterans at the lunch at the Villa Nova Restaurant following the ceremony. The location is walking distance from the Daronco Town House. An RSVP on lunch is appreciated so we can develop a count.

A good place will be on Harmon Avenue which borders the Gazebo park and is the second right turn after passing under the Train Station. You may see the Fire Dept setting up a large Flag between their trucks. Pelham's new 9-11 memorial is also on Harmon Avenue again near the Train Station which you might want to visit before the ceremony.

Please let me know any questions, we look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Pelham, NY Wahoo Memorial Ceremony Update

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:16:00 +0000

The following is a press release with the latest info on the Wahoo memorial service scheduled this Saturday, October 11 in Pelham, NY. This will mark the 65th anniversary of Wahoo's loss while exiting La Perouse Strait during her seventh war patrol.

Oct. 11th Pelham NY Event Will Remember WWII Submarine USS Wahoo and legendary CO “Mush” Morton
---------------------------
Local Native who became US Submarine Commander will be featured speaker, US Navy Band to perform
Pelham, N.Y.

On Saturday October 11th at 11 AM Pelham Post 50 of the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 50 plan a ceremony to honor the memory of the most famous submarine of WWII, the USS Wahoo (SS 238) and its crew, on the 65th anniversary of its loss in battle off of the coast of Japan. The ceremony is planned for 11 AM at the Daronco Town House at 20 Fifth Avenue in Pelham New York just north of New York City. A concert preceding the ceremony scheduled for 10 AM will feature the US Navy Band based in Newport, RI.

Retired Pelham Memorial High School science instructor Jerry Mele, a WWII veteran of the USS Blackfin, related to Post 50 SAL 50 members the story of the Pelham connection to the famed WWII submarine USS Wahoo and its legendary commander Dudley “Mush” Morton. The Wahoo was famed in early 1943 for feats such as sinking an entire convoy of enemy ships in the Pacific War and returning to Pearl Harbor with a broom attached to its mast. This well publicized incident, portrayed on a mural at the US Navy Memorial in Washington DC, provided a lift to the nation during the dark early years of WWII. Sadly the Wahoo was lost off the west coast of Japan on Oct. 11th 1943. After the war, CDR Morton’s widow remarried and the family moved to Pelham where his two children attended Pelham schools.

The US Naval Academy Alumni Association has supported the event which honors the memory of its 1930 graduate LCDR Dudley Morton, by nominating the speaker for the day, CAPT Raymond D. Woolrich, USN (RET.) a 1966 graduate of Annapolis who in 1983 was named Commanding Officer of the nuclear submarine USS Trepang SSN 674).

Capt. Woolrich is a native of Mt. Vernon NY who attended St. Catharine’s School in Pelham, Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, and Cornell University before entering Annapolis. Captain Woolrich currently works for Sonalysts Inc. as a Principal Analyst and as the Naval Advisor to the Commanding Officer of the Submarine Medical Research Laboratory in Groton. He is also the President of the Nautilus Chapter of the Naval Submarine League and the Vice President of the Submarine Force Library and Museum Association.

Doug Morton, the son of CRD Dudley Morton and a 1957 graduate of PMHS, is traveling from Denver to participate. Members of the US Submarine Veterans Association are planning to participate. The ceremony will include a reading of the names of the 80 crewmembers of the Wahoo and contain a remembrance of the more than 50 American submarines lost in service.

A lunch will follow at the Villa Nova Restaurant in Pelham, for reservations please call John Chuhran at 914-380-4877

The 65th anniversary ceremony will be held at Pelham’s Daronco Town House adjacent to the Town Hall and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Pelham is located just north of New York City in Westchester County and is easily reached by I95, the Hutchinson River Parkway, or Metro North Train.
All interested veterans are invited to attend. Reservations are appreciated. Please email Ken Kraetzer at kgk914@aol.com or call 914-630-3457.

Updates about the event will be available on http://www.legionpost50ny.com/.

An excellent description of the Wahoo and the 2007 ceremony held in honor of its crew at Pearl Harbor, HA can be found on http://war-fish.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html
The American Legion, with 2.7 million members, is the world's largest veteran's association. The Department of New York is one of The American Legion’s largest state organizations with 1,003 local “Posts” and membership of more than 170,000 Legionnaires. Post 50 Pelham, N.Y., commanded in 2008-2009 by Frank Barbieri organizes Pelham's Memorial Day parade and has served as a New York City Fleet Week host the past six years.

Throughout the year, Post 50 conducts a variety of other projects to support veterans and the local community. In 2005, Post 50 initiated ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of the Italian Campaign of World War II at the American Battle Monument Commission maintained military cemeteries at Florence and Nettuno, Italy. In 2009 the Post and its SAL Squadron are planning a trip to Normandy France for the 65th Anniversary of D-Day. More information is available at http://www.legionpost50ny.com/.

October 12th Memorial Service in Wahoo, Nebraska

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:31:00 +0000

On Sunday, October 12th, the Wahoo base of U.S. SubVets WWII will re-dedicate the USS Wahoo (SS-238) Memorial in Wahoo, Nebraska. The Ceremony will be at the Saunders County Courthouse and will begin at 1300 (1:00 PM). Wahoo is about 35 west of Omaha. Howard Mace, World War II Submarine Commander for the Wahoo Chapter, reports it will be the 46th year the Memorial has been in Wahoo.

The memorial display recently underwent refurbishment including removal of the torpedo for repair and painting. The display will be in place in time for the ceremony. Below are some images from the restoration:

Ike Damage at Seawolf Park

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:11:00 +0000

After eleven days without power at our home due to hurricane Ike we were finally able to return home this week. As Houston returns to normal pictures of Ike's damage are starting to gather in my inbox. This is welcome since we were basically without visual media contact after the storm hit.

Two new images surfaced on the NavSource.org pages for Cavalla (SS-244) and Tautog (SSN-639) today. Both Cavalla and the sail of Tautog are on display at Seawolf Park in Galveston. The place is near and dear to my heart since I've been visiting since the early 1970's.

The first image was taken by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Chris Hoffpauir and clearly shows the powerful of Ike's storm surge. Both Cavalla and the destroyer escort USS Stewart were lifted from their beds and partially refloated. Cavalla is now sitting much higher than usual as evidenced by the visible burial line along her saddle tanks and stern. Stewart is also much more exposed and listing.

Before the storm the sail of Tautog was mounted perpendicularly to Cavalla's bow. It has been twisted almost 90 degrees off her stand and now lies on her side.

This second shot is from chron.com and shows a bow view of the ships. You can really see the list imparted to both ships by the storm surge.

Obviously it's going to take some serious effort and funds to return the park to pre-storm conditions. If you would like to contribute to the restoration project send your pledge to:

Cavalla Historical Foundation
2504 Church St.
Galveston, TX 77550

Make your check out to Cavalla Historical Foundation. Donations are tax deductible. The Cavalla Historical Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization: EIN: 76-0617618. I am unaware of any online pledge interface.

When I was a boy I wrote a short story about the battleship USS Texas being blown from its moorings at San Jacinto State Park out to an uncharted island in Gulf of Mexico by a sudden hurricane. As an adult I've often chuckled at what I've considered the height of my youthful fantasy life. Looking at Seawolf Park now, I'm filled with awe at the power of great storms. And I have a little more respect for hurricanes as plot devices.

Ike and USS Cavalla (SS-244)

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:05:00 +0000

Got an email this morning with an update from John McMichael, the curator of the exhibits at Seawolf Park, Galveston, Texas supplied by Jeffrey S. Nilsson. Having ridden through Hurricane Ike myself last weekend I was anxious to learn of any damage to the Cavalla and Stewart on display in the park.

"The storm tide was high and the water had the main deck of the Stewart awash. Both of the ships were lifted out of their earth enclosures and moved a bit. The Cavalla was buttoned up and suffered no internal damage or leakage and is in pretty good shape. The Stewart, was also well buttoned up, however, when the tide receded, the result was that she now has about a 15 degree list to starboard. The out buildings and container that they were using for storage are gone."

More information will be made available as it comes to light. The island is without power and they are not allowing anyone in at present. Below is a link to video of the park.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6391229

Suite 101 Articles

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:04:00 +0000

Have been recently writing naval history articles for the website suite101.com with a strong submarine bent. You can check them out here: http://www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/paulc238.

Also, had a wonderful chat with Jim Allen by phone a few weeks ago. He regaled me with several interesting stories about Wahoo and her crew. I'm organizing my notes and fleshing them out. Should be able to post the excerpts soon.

American Legion Post Hosts Wahoo Event

noreply@blogger.com (PaulC) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:43:00 +0000

Ken Kraetzer of American Legion Post 50, and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 50, recently informed me of their plans for a 65th anniversary event remembering the loss of USS Wahoo on October 11, 1943.

The ceremony and reception will be held in Pelham, New York on October 11th, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the Veterans Memorial Park. During the past year they have gotten to know Doug Morton, who moved with his family to Pelham following the war. Doug and his sister graduated from Pelham Memorial High School. Ken anticipates Doug to be in attendance at the ceremony.

All members of the Navy and submarine service are welcome. The post will model the ceremony after their annual Memorial Day event which is very well done.

Pelham is located just 25 minutes north of New York City and can be easily reached by Metro North train with the ceremony being held a short walk from the train station. More information can be found on their website: www.legionpost50ny.com.