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WELCOME TO THE LST SAILORS TALK DECK.
Founded by our own Old Sea Dog

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 07/ 4/09 14:25:51 LST 512 on the Monongahela River at Pittsburgh, PA. On the return trip down the Ohio, she would stop at most major river cities. The DUKW got "lost" in Cincinnati for a few hours. There was a change of command, Lt. Brock was relieved of duty and Lt. Calvin Stevens became CO. The recruiting division of the Navy took over responsibility for the ship and exhibition as a recruiting tool for the postwar Navy. I believe that the caption on the photo refers to the visitors in Pittsburgh only. By the time the 512 reached Pittsburgh, over 1.5 million people had visited, by the time she ended her tour in New Orleans in January 1946, she had hosted over 2 million visitors [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 07/ 4/09 14:09:00 After visiting the Great Lakes, the 512 came back down the Illinois River from Chicago to the Mississippi, then to St. Louis MO. These are views of St. Louis from the deck of the 512. The second one shows the start of the historic Santa Fe trail - The small brick building in the riverbank. This area is now occupied by the Gateway Arch. Dad was due to get processed out within a few days of the demonstration in St. Louis. His replacement had arrived on board, and he had been relieved of all duties pending separation. However, the CO, still harboring a grudge over the egg incident in Bay City, would not sign the orders to separate him from the ship so he could stay in St. Louis, so Dad continued with the ship as a passenger, until it got to Pittsburgh. He then returned to St. Louis by train to be processed out. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Unusual picture Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 07/ 4/09 05:07:35 A stingray leaps out of the water as it is hunted by a killer whale, whose fin can be seen below the ray, just off St. Heliers beach in Auckland, New Zealand, Wednesday, June 24, 2009. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: NORTH KOREA BUSY Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 07/ 3/09 18:40:10 North Korea Fires 5 Missiles Off Eastern Coast An undated photo released in January 2009 shows a missile firing drill at an undisclosed location in North Korea. ....................................................... SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea says North Korea has fired a fifth missile off its eastern coast. The Joint Chiefs of Staff says three missiles were fired early Saturday, the fourth at about noon and the fifth at 2:50 p.m. (0550 GMT). The missiles were likely to be seen as a message of defiance to the United States on its Independence Day holiday. The launches, which came two days after North Korea fired four short-range missiles, could further escalate tensions in the region as the U.S. tries to muster support for tough enforcement of the U.N. resolution imposed on the communist regime for its May nuclear test. South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted military officials as saying the missiles appeared to be a type of Scud missile. North Korea's Scuds are considered short-range, South Korea's military said. North Korea is not allowed to fire Scuds, medium-range missiles or long-range missiles under the resolution banning any launch using ballistic missile technology. A senior presidential official told The Associated Press the missiles fired are believed to have a range of less than 300 miles. "Our military is fully ready to counter any North Korean threats and provocations based on strong South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture," the Joint Chiefs of Staff statement said. North Korea's state news agency carried no reports on the launches. The chief of U.S. Naval operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, said the American military was ready for any North Korean missile tests. "Our ships and forces here are prepared for the tracking of the missiles and observing the activities that are going on," Roughead said after meeting Japanese military officials in Tokyo on Saturday. Speculation had been high that the communist country might launch more missiles. North Korea had warned shipping to stay away from its east coast effective through July 10. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 07/ 3/09 18:29:01 AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS ...................................... LCVP LCI LCM LSM(R) LSM LCT ........................................................................................................ MORE TO COME OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: USS GRASP + LSTS in WWII Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/30/09 18:19:47 The USS Grasp in WWII ......................................... After observing the Chiristmas holiday, Grasp and tug Chowanoc (ATF-100) pulled LSM-9 off the beach on 29 December. The two small craft did the same the following day for attack transport President Adams (APA-19), which had grounded on a reef in Seeadler Harbor. Those two salvage tasks were only a warm-up task for her more critical tasks of supporting the to prepare for her role upcoming Luzon operations in the Philippines. As part of Task Force 77.1, Grasp sailed with the landing force on 1 January 1945, arrived in Lingayen Gulf on the 9th and immediately set to work. The salvage ship first aided transport War Hawk, damaged by a suicide boat that evening, helping to keep the damaged transport afloat. Then, after cargo ship Otis Skinner was hit by a kamikaze on 12 January, Grasp again provided fire-fighting and battle-repair services. Over the next week, the salvage ship pulled landing craft LCI-335 and LST-608 off the beaches and cleared the fouled propellers of LCI-333. Grasp sailed on 18 January to Tacloban Harbor, Philippines, with damaged Brooks (APD-10) in tow. From there, she joined TG 77.8 and supported the initial landings at Zambales, Luzon, on the 25th. After pulling LST-991, LST-609, LST-777 and LST-714 from the beach, and recovering the anchor and cable for LST-609, Grasp sailed to Nasugbu Bay, Luzon, to retract LST-269 from the beach and recover the anchor and cable for LST-701. With those tasks complete, the salvage ship sailed to Manila Harbor, arriving there to a scene of utter devastation on 3 March. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 824 details Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/30/09 17:57:05 he second Henry County (LST-824) was laid down as LST-824 by Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Co., Evansville, Ind., 29 September 1944;, launched 8 November; sponsored by Mrs. Harry W. Groot; and commissioned 30 November, Lt. Jesse D. Jones in command. After shakedown off Florida, LST-824 departed New Orleans 4 January 1945 for San Diego, arriving there on the 24th. She embarked 107 bluejackets, then sailed for Pearl Harbor 26 January. During February she performed training exercises out of Hawaii, then loaded troops and equipment to depart Pearl Harbor 12 March. For the next month she steamed through the Pacific, stopping at Eniwetok, Guam, and Saipan before proceeding to Okinawa. American forces were already engaged in the fierce struggle to wrestle Okinawa from enemy control when LST-824 depar ted Saipan 12 April. Five days later she arrived off China Wan and commenced diacharging troops and equipment on the embattled island. The landing ship returned to Saipan 27 April for reinforcement troops and cargo, and again steamed for Okinawa. For t he remainder of World War 11, she shuttled supplies between Okinawa and the Philippines in preparation for a possible invasion of Japan. After the Japanese surrender, LST-824 operated with occupation forces in the Far East until sailing for the United States in November. Arriving Portland, Oreg., 5 December, she decommissioned there 15 May 1946, and joined the Pacific Reserve F leet. While berthed with the Columbia River Group, LST-824 was named Henry County 1 July 1955. Henry County recommissioned 5 September 1959, Lt. R. L. Dodd in command. After refresher training, LST-824 departed the West Coast 19 March 1960 for the Far East, arriving Yokosuka 2 weeks later. During the next 4 months she transported suppl ies, performed training exercises with U.S. Marines, and engaged in joint operations with Korean forces before returning Long Beach 19 August. Following 20 months of operations along the West Coast, Henry County sailed for the mid-Pacific in April 1962, then performed transport and amphibious duties out of Hawaii. In September she was assigned to Task Force 8 for the nuclear tests in Operation "Dominic." Since the tests were considered vital to the nation's security, the Navy demonstrated her ability once again to keep pace with the advances of technology developed to maintain peace through strength. From December 1962 through December 1964, Henry County performed amphibious training operations off the California coast. LST-824 received one battle star for World War II service. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/30/09 14:34:07 Taken during one of the mock amphibious landings staged at Chicago. That's Lakeshore Drive in the background, with a large crowd on hand to watch. A small flotilla of private boats waits outside the marked area where the landings were staged. An F-4 Corsair is flying overhead, and TNT charges buried on the beach were set off to simulate bomb explosions or explosions from "offshore bombardment." A crew usually arrived in an invasion city a couple of days in advance to set up the beach, which included machine gun nests, pillboxes, barbed wire entanglements, and other fortifications, they also arranged the charges. While in Milwaukee, "hoodlums stole the TNT charges from the beach, and the Schlitz Brewery hosted a beer party." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/30/09 14:22:56 Folding the mast on the 512 while on the river. This was necessary due to the many bridges she sailed under, and was probably a feature of all of the LST's built at Seneca, Jeffersonville, Evansville or Pittsburgh. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Folding or Hinged Masts -- OSD, 06/30/09 17:37:24

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/30/09 14:18:42 Duluth, MN between August 9 and August 12, 1945. At the previous port of call, Bay City MI., a drunken sailor was returned to the ship by the shore patrol. As the SP's were leaving, they got egged. No one would either acknowledge responsibility or identify the culpable party, so liberty was restricted at Duluth, although the Marine Corps Mothers of Duluth "gave the best parties of the trip." At any rate, with no liberty on this occasion, everyone was required to stay aboard and watch a movie, which probably explains why nobody looks very happy. Related to this, the CO apparently believed that Dad had some responsibility in the egging incident, and held that against him for the remainder of his time aboard. Returning from Duluth, they passed down the Soo Canal at Sault Ste. Marie, MI. They were in the locks when it was announced that Japan had surrendered. After firing off a lot of the blank ammo they used in the demonstrations, they got underway out of the locks, and promptly ran aground in 3 feet of water. They were stuck there for 2 days until a large tug from Duluth made it down. With the tug, kedge anchor, and engines full astern, they finally got underway. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/30/09 14:05:39 After being outfitted in Norfolk and Miami, sailing up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Chicago, and several more weeks of outfitting there, the LST 512 began its public exhibition tour in Detroit on June 12, 1945. Here she is moored at Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park. She would transit the Welland Canal to Buffalo, then return to Erie, Cleveland and Toledo, to Bay City Michigan, then on to Duluth. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/30/09 08:25:47 Working on the main deck of the 512 on the Mississippi River. BM3 Paul Mackrell (also from the LST 492) holding the bar. The CPO to the right rear is Dad. Since this was "showboat" duty, all of the time between port calls was spent in making sure that the 512 was always "shipshape" for the next port. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/30/09 08:10:53 This map shows the voyage of the 512 as it brought the war in the Pacific to the inland waterways and the industrial heartland, where LST's were built, and where the factories produced the materials needed for the war effort. Cities with a star were where the 512 visited for display only. A dot by the city indicates that it also did a mock amphibious landing, complete with "off shore bombardment" aerial bombing and strafing, USMC assault forces landing, followed by the 512 "dropping the ramp" and discharging tanks and equipment. One of the Shermans on board was equipped with a flamethrower, and was dubbed "Belching Betty." [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 512 -- Paul Sullenberger, 07/ 1/09 01:56:43

Subject: WWII Nazi Stealth Bomber Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/30/09 07:17:14 Nazi Stealth Jet Could Have Won War for Hitler ................................................................................. Called the Horten 229, the radical "flying wing" fighter-bomber looked and acted a lot like the U.S. Air Force's current B-2 — right down to the "stealth" radar-evading characteristics. Fortunately for the world, the Ho 229 wasn't put into mass production before Nazi Germany surrendered in May 1945. But American researchers boxed up and shipped home the prototypes and partially-built planes that existed — and now the same company that builds the B-2 has rebuilt one. Northrop Grumman Corp. spent its own time and money using the original German blueprints to replicate the wood-and-steel-tube bomber, right down to its unique metallic glue and paint, at its facility in El Segundo, Calif. Using radar of the same type and frequency used by British coastal defenses in World War II, the engineers found that an Ho 229, flying a few dozen feet above the English Channel, would indeed have been "invisible" to the Royal Air Force — an advantage that arrived too late for the Nazis to exploit. Related Stories "This was the most advanced technology that the Germans had at the end of the war, and Northrop solved the question of how stealthy it was and its performance against Allied radar at the time," documentary filmmaker Mike Jorgenson told the Long Beach, Calif., Press-Telegram. "It's significantly better than anything flying operationally probably until the 1960s." The National Geographic Channel will next air Jorgenson's documentary, "Hitler's Stealth Fighter," on Sunday, July 5. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: WWII Funnies (abbie + slats) Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/29/09 16:19:49 WWII Newspaper Comics [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: unhappy mcarthur Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/29/09 16:16:05 Looks like the General is unhappy about something [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Gen. McArthur Pics Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/29/09 16:13:18 Gen. McArthur Photos ........................................................ [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: C + K Rations Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/29/09 16:10:05 C + K Rations display [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/29/09 13:49:27 This one is on navsource.org and is captioned as LST 512 launching at Seneca, IL. Actually, this would have been in September 1945. The LST 512 was the only Seneca built LST to "come home." She passed through going to Chicago and returning to the Mississippi River. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/29/09 13:42:35 3 different views of the LST 512; all of them are listed as "date and location unknown." About all I can say for certain is that they were taken in 1945 while she was on the tour through the midwest. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: 1/600 Scale Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/27/09 17:10:02 1/600 scale minature soldiers ! They are small but very expensive OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Just the news Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/27/09 04:56:37 Russia cuts off email joke supply to Ukraine .......................................................................... The flow of email jokes into Europe has been reduced to a trickle following the ongoing dispute between Russia, the world’s biggest producer of online humour, and the Ukraine, a major transit hub in the email joke network. The row between the two states has left most of Eastern Europe without email comedy for the last few days, with Bosnia-Herzegovina suffering particularly badly. ‘The situation is intolerable,’ said Miroslav Lajcak, Bosnia’s Minister of You-Tube Comedy Clips. ‘Our office workers have been reduced to passing knock-knock jokes to each other on pieces of paper.’ There have also been reports of Albanian shepherds attempting to act out the clip of Adolf Hitler from Downfall with subtitles referring to a disappointing sports result. In an attempt to break out of Russia’s comedic stranglehold, Ukrainian distributors are frantically uploading stupid clips of sock puppets miming to Abba hits, compilations of George Bush malapropisms and footage of animals doing amusing things that are normally done by humans. ‘Wait until you see the one with the guys slippers glued to the floor – priceless!’ chuckled Ukraine’s Cyber-comedy Czar. Meanwhile the ripple effect has seen Western countries struggling with dwindling supplies. Ireland has doubled its humour imports from secondary producer Norway while Spain has opened up its electronic borders to one-liners from North Africa. Both France and Italy have announced emergency measures, introducing a joke-by-telex system using an emergency network developed during the cold war, whilst Britain has opened up the archives and declassified thousands of pre-war knob gags for general circulation. Germany remains unaffected. ....................................................... I understand now [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: IP Address of the hacker Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/27/09 04:16:50 (ppp-212-92-227-56.wildpark.net/212.92.227.56) Nikolaev, UA 54021 UA [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Old Navy Photo Presidential Yacht PY-1 Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/26/09 18:42:12 This picture has been in the family for a 100 years, this was taken sometime between 1905-07. My Great Great Uncle David Grabil was a crew member of the USS Mayflower (PY-1) somewhere around that time. The reason I have been looking for it is that I had it in my possession, sent it to my parents for safe keeping where it subsequently mas mis-placed. Over the next 20 years I've look around for this picture with no luck. While I was home on my last day I went up in the attic one more time and started going through stuff again. This time I saw a box that didn't look familiar and looked through it. This box had more family pictures including the one of the CCC group picture. At the bottom was this one. I am so relieved because I think this one is of a historical significance since it is the a crew picture of the presidental yacht. Now if I can only get the names of the crew it would be fabulous. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Seabee V Mail Postcards Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/26/09 18:36:02 Navy Seabees V Mail Postcards ........................................................... [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Gable Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/26/09 18:33:11 Clark Gable [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: 1914 Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/26/09 18:28:23 On December 30, 1913, the MISSISSIPPI was detached from the Atlantic Reserve Fleet at Philadelphia for duty as aeronautic station ship at Pensacola, Florida. Departing January 6, 1914, the battleship arrived January 21, transporting equipment for the establishment of a naval air station. At Pensacola, she stood by while her crew, along with the early naval aviators, rebuilt the old naval base, laying the foundation for the largest and most famous American naval air station. With the outbreak of fighting in Mexico, the MISSISSIPPI sailed April 21 to Vera Cruz, arriving on the 24th with the first detachment of naval aviators to go into combat. Serving as a floating base for the fledgling seaplanes and their pilots, the warship launched nine reconnaissance flights over the area during a period of 18 days, making the last flight 12 May. One month later, the battleship departed Vera Cruz for Pensacola. The photo was taken April 25, 1914, at Vera Cruz and shows Lt. (j.g.) P.N.L. Bellinger and a Curtiss AB-3 flying boat. He was going up to search for sea mines. This was the FIRST US operational air sortie against another country. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: The Universal use Jeep Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/26/09 18:25:46 Jeep Rocket Launchers in action ................................ Great Action Photo [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: WWII Amphibious Forces Training Manual Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/26/09 18:21:54 Cover of the WWII Amphibious Forces Training Manual ......................................................................................................... [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: The Ukrainians are Back ! Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/26/09 17:55:51 I will leave the posts there. I suggest you not click on them, it could lead to real garbage. I am working on the problem. OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Dec. 7, 1941 Panic in S. F. ? Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/26/09 05:27:16 OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: What do you think of the pics ? Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/25/09 16:38:03 Seabag Inspection at the Amphibious Training Base. It looks pretty good to me. ...................................................... I had a great adventure finding some of the pics. I was amazed at what is on the web !. Do you find them interesting ? The Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: What do you think of the pics ? -- cloverleaf, 06/26/09 12:14:23 Not Sure -- OSD, 06/26/09 18:15:45

Subject: Pappy Boyington in Japanese Prison ? Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/25/09 16:30:22 This is one of the more unusual pieces of POW history I have ever found. It is the Camp Roster for OMORI POW camp in Japan from sometime in 1944. This is the camp " special " POW's were held including Pappy Boyington. It has cardboard covers and has a list inside with American , British , Dutch, ETC POW's listed in it along with their POW ID numbers. From the list of names ........................................ Barber, William S.,Sgt,18056556,6175,USAAC,Corp on RPL Beckington, Arthur R,2nd Lt,O-826605,519,USAAC Beierstedt, Harold G.,SSgt,6875526,519,USA Bennett, Gordon F.,1st Lt,O-797926,7104,USA Bingham, Byron T.,PFC,18043890,388,USA Birdwell, Gene Daniel,SSgt,37499370,6487,USAAC Bishop, Richard R.,SSgt,31110647,6155,USAAC,TSgt on RPL Bloodgood, Donald D.,Sgt,19122412,7180,USAAC Bowne, Frank G.,Corp,282138,337,USMC Boyington, Gregory,Major,O-005254,6478,USMC - MEDAL OF HONOR Boyko, Michael,Sgt,33904160,7162,USAAC Boynton, John B.,1st Lt,O-731934,7125,USAAC Braun, Albert W.,Major,O-134329,5286,USA Braustrom, Walter G.,Sgt,33711867,7196,USA Breckenfeld, Herbert G.,FM1c,3001237,868,USN,MM3c on RPL ....................................................................................................................... A rare bit of WWII history documented. OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Japanese Lt. Wada Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/25/09 16:25:27 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Japanese turncoat ? Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/25/09 16:15:45 Interesting Story Never thought it could happen !. OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Death of Gen. Buckner on Okinawa Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/25/09 11:36:16 General Buckner Killed On Okinawa .............................................................. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: The Beer Guard Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/25/09 11:33:35 If so much as one can is missing, you're in deep trouble. Beer guard [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Those are bottles of beer not cans -- OSD, 06/25/09 16:12:28

Subject: 600,000 cans of beer Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/25/09 11:30:27 Loading the "Missing Food Group" (beer) for troops in Korea. Note the Schlitz on sign in background. OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: New Pictures coming to the Forum Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/25/09 10:37:59 I have found a treasure trove of pictures from WWII. They are more informal than most I find, kind of like the pictures taken and sent home to family. Some are so great that I have to post them in batches. So look for some very great WWII pictures. Here is an example. A proud father and his sons in WWII What a Family ! What a great Picture ! OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: There has to be a story behind this picture -- OSD, 06/25/09 13:38:18 some info -- OSD, 06/25/09 13:48:51 Re: some info -- SeaBat, 06/25/09 14:47:09 Re: New Pictures coming to the Forum -- cloverleaf, 06/26/09 04:16:58

Subject: Forum being hacked Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/25/09 05:38:54 Our Forum is being hacked by some idiots. I have traced their IP Address and here is who they are: Name: Alexander Lapidus Address: Lenina av. 52 Nikolaev, UA 54021 UA Email Address: Phone Number: (+38)051-2470555 Administrative Contact Name: Alexander Lapidus Address: Lenina av. 52 Nikolaev, UA 54021 UA Email Address: Phone Number: (+38)051-2470555 Technical Contact Name: Oleg Chernov Address: Lenina av. 52 Nikolaev, UA 54021 UA .............................. I can find you, it's very easy ! The Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Forum being hacked -- Archie Norwood, 06/25/09 14:00:30 try to get into their server and zap it -- OSD, 06/25/09 16:48:09 They are in the Ukraine -- OSD, 06/25/09 16:55:23 Re: They are in the Ukraine -- Archie J. Norwood, 06/27/09 11:54:19 Hello Archie -- OSD, 06/27/09 14:10:29

Subject: Cloverleaf up close Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/23/09 18:16:23 [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Cloverleaf up close -- cloverleaf, 06/26/09 04:22:36 Re: Cloverleaf up close -- cloverleaf, 06/26/09 04:23:42

Subject: Cloverleaf, A picture for you Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/23/09 18:13:26 Cloverleaf: This is a picture of an LST maindeck. The yellow objects are the Cloverleafs used to tie down vehicles. I wanted you to see what they are. OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Cloverleaf, A picture for you -- cloverleaf, 06/26/09 04:39:46

Subject: Found Pics Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/23/09 17:58:17 Some Pictures I found. .................................................. Due to a nasty divorce and a second family these 3 items are all I have of my Dad's WW2 service. He was a Coxwain (spelling?) on an LST, number 594. The 594 participated in the Liberation of the Philippines and after the War was sold to South Korea and later scrapped. I believe it was made in Evansville, Indiana. This photo is of my Dad, lower left, with 3 of his buddies in front of the drop down door of the LST-594 (you can see the 4 in the top of the photo). [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Found Pics -- Brian L. Miller, 07/ 2/09 23:32:37

Subject: Another Veteran Gone Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 06/23/09 17:16:33 Ed McMahon passed away recently in So. California. We all know of his years on TV with Johnie Carson, but he was also a U.S. Marine Pilot who flew the gull wing F4U Fighter. He received 6 air medals. He flew over 1,000 hours in WWII and became a flight instructor for Marine Pilots. He also flew in the Korean Conflict, 85 missions. More below. During World War II, McMahon was a fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps serving as a flight instructor and test pilot. He was a decorated pilot (six Air Medals) and was discharged in 1946, remaining in the reserves.[5] After college, McMahon returned to active duty. He was sent to Korea in February 1952. He flew unarmed O-1E Bird Dogs on 85 tactical air control and artillery spotting missions. He remained in the Marine Corps Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1966 and was then commissioned as a Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard. ............................................................................................................................ Another Veteran gone !. Thank You for your Dedication, Ed McMahon The Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: White Dress Jumper, 1941 Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/22/09 06:00:48 Note the dark cuffs and collar. OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Compass Rose Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/22/09 05:53:28 I remember in boot camp having to memorize the points of the Compass Rose. I think it's still in my head somewhere. I had learned it in Boy Scouts too. Here is the "Compass Rose". OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: USS Batfish SS 310 Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/22/09 05:12:09 ............................................................................................................. This is the USS Batfish SS 310 at the Muskogee War Memorial Park, Muskogee, Oklahoma 2005 [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: USS Batfish SS 310 -- SeaBat, 06/22/09 10:03:41 great flag ! -- OSD, 06/22/09 13:56:36

Subject: Disney magazine cover, 1945 Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/20/09 18:03:31 US Navy Airborne Electronics Magazine December, 1945 [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Disney magazine cover, 1945 -- SeaBat, 06/21/09 13:49:39

Subject: The Women Built Them Good ! Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/20/09 07:24:13 . Women workers install fixtures and assemblies to a tail fuselage section of a B-17 bomber at the Douglas Aircraft Company plant, Long Beach, Califs the "Flying Fortress," the B-17F is a later model of the B-17 ... [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: hello i need a navy name who wants to hel?p Author: linda [Edit] Date Posted: 06/20/09 05:09:30 in honor of my daddy i want to honor my dad and all my friends here. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Some Possible Names -- OSD, 06/20/09 18:20:02 Re: Some Possible Names -- SeaBat, 06/21/09 13:53:35 Welcome Cloverleaf ! -- Old Sea Dog, 06/21/09 16:38:28 Re: Some Possible Names -- cloverleaf, 06/22/09 04:08:59 more possible names -- OSD, 06/21/09 07:22:56

Subject: Asia Warming up Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/19/09 03:18:58 U.S. Military Set to Intercept North Korean Ship Suspected of Proliferating Missiles, Nukes ................................................................................................................................... The USS John McCain, a navy destroyer, will intercept the ship Kang Nam as soon as it leaves the vicinity off the coast of China, according to a senior U.S. defense official. ................................................................................................................................. The U.S. military is planning to intercept a flagged North Korean ship suspected of proliferating weapons material in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution passed last Friday, FOX News has learned. The USS John McCain, a navy destroyer, will intercept the ship Kang Nam as soon as it leaves the vicinity off the coast of China, according to a senior U.S. defense official. The order to inderdict has not been given yet, but the ship is getting into position. The ship left a port in North Korea Wednesday and appears to be heading toward Singapore, according to a senior U.S. military source. The vessel, which the military has been tracking since its departure, could be carrying weaponry, missile parts or nuclear materials, a violation of U.N. Resolution 1874, which put sanctions in place against Pyongyang. The USS McCain was involved in an incident with a Chinese sub last Friday - near Subic Bay off the Philippines. The Chinese sub was shadowing the destroyer when it hit the underwater sonar array that the USS McCain was towing behind it. That same navy destroyer that was being shadowed by the Chinese is now positioning itself for a possible interdiction of the North Korean vessel. This is the first suspected "proliferator" that the U.S. and its allies have tracked from North Korea since the United Nations authorized the world's navies to enforce compliance with a variety of U.N. sanctions aimed at punishing North Korea for its recent nuclear test. The ship is currently along the coast of China and being monitored around-the-clock by air. The apparent violation raises the question of how the United States and its allies will respond, particularly since the U.N. resolution does not have a lot of teeth to it. The resolution would not allow the United States to board the ship forcibly. Rather, U.S. military would have to request permission to board -- a request North Korea is unlikely to grant. North Korea has said that any attempt to board its ships would be viewed as an act of war and promised "100- or 1,000-fold" retaliation if provoked. The U.S. military may also request that the host country not provide fuel to the ship when it enters its port. The Kang Nam is known to be a ship that has been involved in proliferation activities in the past -- it is "a repeat offender," according to one military source. The ship was detained in October 2006 by authorities in Hong Kong after the North Koreans tested their first nuclear device and the U.N. imposed a subsequent round of sanctions. The latest tension follows a Japanese news report that North Korea may fire a long-range ballistic missile toward Hawaii in early July. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday the military is "watching" that situation "very closely," and would have "some concerns" if North Korea launched a missile in the direction of Hawaii. But he expressed confidence in U.S. ability to handle such a launch. Gates said he's directed the deployment of the Theater High Altitude Area Defense, a mobile missile defense system used for knocking down long- and medium-range missiles. "The ground-based interceptors are clearly in a position to take action. So, without telegraphing what we will do, I would just say ... I think we are in a good position, should it become necessary, to protect the American territory." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: A view of a D-Day remembrance... Author: From our friend Tony Chapman [Edit] Date Posted: 06/13/09 00:35:46 The service... 'D DAY REMEMBERED' took place at Harwich Quay in Essex. Harwich has connections with the D-Day landings in Normandy, it was from where many LSTs and LCTs departed for the Normandy beaches as part of FORCE L FOLLOW-UP.......amongst them likely some US LST. I have notes against US LSTs 137, 175, 176, 208, 209, 530, 534 and 540 loading at Felixstowe in the neighbouring county of Suffolk and later departing from Harwich or the River Thames, more likely the latter. The listed US LSTs being part of several US Navy divisions, namely the 98th Division which housed 137 and 534, the 102nd Division which housed 175, 176, 208, 209 and 530 and finally US LST 540 of the 21st Division USLST. The headquarters for FORCE L was the commandeered St. Felix School in Southwold, Suffolk known at H.M.S.Wolverstone. I do not have the numbers of those attending.....appears to have been well attended and I am aware that everyone present enjoyed the time they were there. Amongst those present were members of the LST and Landing Craft Association, the Royal Naval Association and the Royal British Legion with accompanying standard bearers as can be seen in the photos. Photos courtesy of the Harwich and Dovercourt Sailing Club, Harwich, Essex, England. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: More photos -- SeaBat, 06/13/09 00:37:22 Re: More photos -- SeaBat, 06/13/09 00:40:19

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/12/09 12:51:57 Here is the full crew and Marine complement of the 512 during the tour. Lt. Jerome Brock was the ship's CO, he's at the front of the officers and chiefs. 4th back is Lt.(JG) Hardy Glenn, who was also on the 492; Lt.(JG) Bart D'Elia, BM3 Paul Mackrell (front, 2 from right) and BMC Sam Sullenberger (last in line of Chiefs) were all transfers from the 492 courtesy of Capt. Newman. Also indicated in the photo is Cpl. Bob Kepler, USMC. He was in the 4th Marine Division, was wounded on Iwo Jima, and was assigned to the 512 after being retunred to the states. Mr. Kepler now lives in Arizona. You can also see some of the display items that were on the main deck. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 512 -- SeaBat, 06/21/09 13:56:53

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/12/09 12:43:46 This was an article from the Toledo Blade announcing the arrival of the LST 512. It describes a lot of the displays on board. The crew also did a mock amphibious landing at Toledo, (along with many other cities) complete with aerial bombardment, mock off-shore bombardment (dynamite charges buried on the beach) LCVP landing of Marine assault troops, and finally beaching and dropping the ramp to put tanks ashore. This war bond tour was concurrent with the war bond tour that the 3 surviving Iwo Jima flag raisers were on. You may note that "Political Correctness" didn't exist in some newspapers in 1945... [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/12/09 12:29:08 After being repaired stateside, the LST 512 was assigned to duty as a US Navy travelling exhibition ship. It was first outfitted at Norfolk, then went to Miami where a Pacific Island was recreated on the tank deck, along with other displays. The main deck was set up with captured Japanese and German vehicles and artillery, with American vehicles and artillery on the other side for comparison. This is an advance poster that was used to advertise for the 512. Captain Newman on the 492 had worked in Secretary of the Navy Forrestal's office before getting command of the 492. He arranged for several of his crewmen from the 492, Dad included, to get transferred to the 512. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 512 -- SeaBat, 06/13/09 00:45:16

Subject: Seabat, got this one ? Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/11/09 17:08:11 LST 125 http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o286/SeaBat/Lonnberg125.jpg [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Seabat, got this one ? -- SeaBat, 06/13/09 00:43:27

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 06/11/09 13:59:48 LST 512 in the background at Omaha Beach some time after D-Day. Jackson Hofler wrote of his experience at D-Day as a 15-yr old sailor (that's right - 15 years old- he got discharged when his real age was determined) in a book published by the US Naval Historical foundation, "Neptunus Rex." The 512 was damaged in the storm that swept through the channel and destroyed one of the Mulberry Harbors. After temporary repairs were made, she was towed to England then to the States for repair, and was converted to a US Navy Exhibition ship. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Lineup of LSTs Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/ 8/09 06:51:14 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/86/LSTs_794_796_843_and_1040.jpg .............................. Unknown location [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Mail Call on the 843 Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/ 8/09 06:47:16 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LSTs of Viet Nam Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/ 8/09 06:44:05 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Resting in Peace at Normandy Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/ 5/09 18:53:31 For these brave men, the war is over. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Resting in Peace at Normandy -- SeaBat, 06/ 6/09 00:36:11 Re: Resting in Peace at Normandy -- Paul Sullenberger, 06/ 6/09 11:43:42

Subject: D-Day Pictures (worth a thousand words each) Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 06/ 5/09 18:39:37 Pictures of D-Day ................................ http://www.freewebs.com/cindypierce/Normandy%20landing.jpg http://www.privateletters.net/PHOTOS_NORMANDY/Normandy11.jpg http://www.military-quotes.com/media/data/524/1944_NormandyLST.jpg http://home.earthlink.net/~iversonom/wwiipics/normlcopen575x400.jpg http://www.historylink101.com/wwII_b-w/d-day/beaches2/images/PICT2109.jpg http://bcoy1cpb.pacdat.net/BSA_landing_beach_distant_from_shore.jpg http://www.edupics.com/landing-at-omaha-beach-normandy-t12810.jpg http://www.annefrankguide.com/en-GB/content/landing.jpg http://www.history.army.mil/images/reference/normandy/ts/od/242.jpg http://ships.bouwman.com/Navy/LandingCraft/LCT-538.jpg [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: D-Day Pictures (worth a thousand words each) -- SeaBat, 06/ 6/09 00:45:31 Good Digging Seabat -- OSD, 06/ 6/09 08:27:22 Re: Good Digging Seabat -- SeaBat, 06/ 9/09 10:10:40 Re: D-Day Pictures (worth a thousand words each) -- Paul Sullenberger, 06/ 6/09 12:54:52

Subject: USS Constitution Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/ 4/09 17:02:47 I know this does not look like "Old Ironsides", but it is her early in the 1900's when someone decided to build a barracks on the main deck. She is located at Kittery, Maine. She was almost demolished after this use, but was saved, Thank Goodness !. A relative ( George Libby ) served on board in 1812. Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: USS Constitution -- SeaBat, 06/ 6/09 04:26:00 yes Seabat -- OSD, 06/16/09 16:25:05

Subject: photo Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/ 1/09 13:53:15 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: testing Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/ 1/09 07:08:53 A test [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LStT photos Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 06/ 1/09 07:07:41 http://www.ronallenames.com/a_WWII246LST2ab.jpg LST 246, unknown details ..................................................... http://home.st.net.au/~pdunn/usnavy/lst-168-02.jpg LSTs on beach, unknown details ................................................................ http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/518607410_7e4636a926.jpg?v=0 Two LSTs on beach ........................................ http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/lilwildflower/DADDYS%20SITE/resized/lst-118a.jpg LST 118 .............. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hV1v9AwCc7k/R585oQsHbvI/AAAAAAAAAuw/8hvHdWJEF9M/s400/LST-708_Photo.jpg LST 708 ...................... http://quahogger.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/lst333portsternview.27205511_std.jpg LST 333 ...................... [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Video about The Machines of D-Day Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/29/09 18:20:11 More information here than I have ever seen about the construction of harbors, great details not generally known. It is 10 minutes long, i hope you have broadband and can watch it. Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Perform to Serve Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/29/09 14:48:57 Navy expands Perform to Serve program ............................................................................. By David J. Carter, Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Sunday, May 31, 2009 YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Thousands of sailors may face separation or reassignment within the Navy if they can’t prove their worth, according to a Navy message released Thursday. Starting June 1, the Navy’s Perform to Serve program will expand to include sailors E-6 and below with more than 10 years of service but less than 14. The move is the Navy’s latest effort to trim the force. According to the message, Perform to Serve, or PTS, "is a vital part of the Navy’s total force strategy and provides an opportunity to keep the best and brightest sailors in order to meet future fleet and manpower requirements." Every sailor in this group whose end of obligated service falls on or after Feb. 1, 2010, will be required to submit an application, regardless of their re-enlistment intentions, the message stated. "Sailors can request to remain in their current rating, convert to another rating or stay in their current rating but be willing to convert," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Johannes Gonzales, Yokosuka’s regional career counselor. According to a Navy Personnel Command news release Thursday, "the expansion of the PTS program allows the Navy greater flexibility to control the number of sailors in specific ratings and provides better advancement opportunities for sailors, while helping the Navy manage manpower requirements." The release also said that almost 90 percent of sailors who applied for PTS in 2008 remained in their current rating. Quality sailors who hold ratings in overmanned fields may be offered re-enlistment in an undermanned rating, officials said. However, sailors with a poor performance history might not be granted permission to re-enlist. Gonzales said a sailor’s end result will be based upon the needs of the Navy. But, he added, "I don’t see performing sailors being sent home." Gonzales stressed that sailors need to be aware of their records and personal development. "If you’re asked to change ratings, you need to make sure that your ASVAB scores qualify you for the new rating." Gonzales said sailors are eligible to retake their armed services vocational aptitude and battery tests at any point in their career. Exemptions to the program include E-6 and below sailors whose obligated service ends before Feb. 1, 2010, those currently under permanent-change-of-station orders, those approved for a selective re-enlistment bonus and those selected for the rank of E-7. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST or LCVP Pilots Author: Jenifer [Edit] Date Posted: 05/28/09 05:33:51 y late father, Harold E Geck, was a Machinist Mate on board the LST 360 during WWII. He was involved in the landings at Anzio, Sicily, and Normandy. My father did not speak often of his war experiences, he was deeply affected by the war. Throughout our lives, he would mention his role on the LST, but apparently my sibilings and I remember what he told each of us a different times. My understanding was that he piloted the LCVPs, ferrying troops ashore. However, my brothers memory is that he piloted the LST, itself (we assume under an officer's guidance). Can you help us resolve this issue? Did MoMs pilot the LST and beach it during the invasion and the continuing support of the troops? Please help, this has become a big issue between siblings. Thank you. Jenifer [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST or LCVP Pilots -- WVaRay, 05/28/09 09:28:48 Re: LST or LCVP Pilots -- Old Sea Dog, 05/29/09 18:41:12

Subject: Memorial Day Author: SeaBat [Edit] Date Posted: 05/24/09 15:32:05 Cartoonists are usually known for their humor.. but often they characterize 'us' or remind of us things that we are taking for granted... I've gotten these several times in emails, but we all should look at them again. But THIS is not a cartoon... it's a reality that too many have faced throughout history. Please remember those who this holiday honors! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Memorial Day video Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/24/09 06:38:57 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D02LsAp8xow You owe it to yourselves, to all of those who served with you, all of those currently serving, and all of those who gave their lives for our nation, to view this video. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST Images Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 05/23/09 18:36:59 an assortment of LST Pictures ........................................................... http://www.abiz4me.com/images/LST%20279.jpg http://www.abiz4me.com/lstpic/lst%20614-4.JPG http://www.abiz4me.com/lstpic/LST-865sec.jpg http://www.abiz4me.com/images/lst454.jpg http://www.abiz4me.com/images/LST%2032.JPG [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST Images -- SeBat, 05/25/09 00:06:58

Subject: MVPA Supply Line Author: SeaBat [Edit] Date Posted: 05/21/09 08:58:48 This year's International MVPA (Military Vehicle Preservation Association) Convention will be held in Evansville, running at the same time as LST Week. What a great opportunity to see the vehicles our LST carried... and many others as well. Michael Smith once said that the amphib vehicles and the LST had a symbiotic relationship... they ARE a perfect fit to share the spotlight in Evansville in August. Make your reservations soon! [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: MVPA Supply Line -- Paul Sullenberger, 05/22/09 07:52:33 Re: MVPA Supply Line -- SeaBat, 05/22/09 13:47:24 Re: MVPA Supply Line -- Paul Sullenberger, 05/24/09 06:46:01

Subject: What a Navy Spook is Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 05/19/09 18:19:29 Intelligence Specialist (United States Navy ratings) A so called "Navy Spook" ................................................................................................. Intelligence Specialist (IS) is a US Navy enlisted rating or job specialty (often called MOS by other services). The Intelligence Specialist rating was established in 1975 by combining the Photo Intelligenceman (PT) rating (had been established 1957) and parts of the Yeoman (YN) rating. As of June 2005, there are a few more than 2000 enlisted Intelligence Specialists in the US Navy. The duties performed by ISs include: analyzing intelligence information; identifying and producing intelligence from raw information; assembling and analyzing multi-source operational intelligence; preparing and presenting intelligence briefings; preparing planning materials for photographic reconnaissance missions; analyzing the results; preparing reports; preparing graphics, overlays and photo/map composites; plotting imagery data using maps and charts; providing input to and receive data from computerized intelligence systems ashore and afloat; maintaining intelligence databases, libraries and files. Intelligence specialists perform most of their duties in an office or watch environment. They usually work closely with others, doing mostly analytical work, but must have the capability to work without supervision and to support the intelligence mission of the Navy on land, undersea, at sea and in the air. IS's serve on board ships, aircraft squadrons and various intelligence production centers located in the United States and overseas. The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) is the United States Navy's intelligence arm. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: What a Navy Spook is -- SeaBat, 05/28/09 11:30:30 How True ! -- OSD, 05/31/09 18:08:12

Subject: LST 492 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/18/09 13:28:03 Please note the date on these letters that Capt. Newman sent to the families of his crew members. He took the time on all of these to add personal notes to what was otherwise a form letter. Years after the War, we were watching the movie "Captain Newman, M.D." starring Gregory Peck as an Army Air Corps psychiatrist in WWII. Dad commented "As far as I'm concerned, there's only one Captain Newman, and it's not Gregory Peck." I shudder to think that Independence Day might have been some fond, distant memory of not for the efforts of all who served in WWII. Words really cannot express my gratitude. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 492 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/17/09 12:48:50 Training a gun crew on the LST 492. That's Dominic Rotondo wearing the SP Phone Set and the mushroom helmet. Ted Lochowski (GM3 Ski) in white t-shirt behind the gun crew. Not sure of the identity of the others, but this photo was posted to NavSource.org by Jim West's son, so it's probable he's in there, also. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 492 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/14/09 14:58:22 The LST 492 participated in the invasion of South France in August 1944. This picture was taken sometime afterward, in S. France. My father was in charge of an LCVP at both Normandy at S. France. A transcript of the deck log for 15 August 1944 follows: 8/15/44 Underway in convoy SM1 enroute to FRANCE . LST 491 guide ship base course 305 %Speed 6 knots . 04-08 Underway as before passing through transport area and approaching unloading area .0410 Sounded General Quarters .0525 all LCVPs loaded with army assault troops and heading for rendezvous area , 0630 Many planes bombing beach. Firing from support groups onto the beach. 08-12 Underway as before 12-20 Underway at General Quarters . Zig-Zagged to avoid enemy fire from shore, 1600 Proceed towards beach. 1638 Hit The Beach 1648 fired upon by enemy. 1649 Started making smoke 1800 ceased making smoke .1855 32 Casualties brought aboard. 1902 Retracted from the beach. 20-24 Laying off green beach. BOMBED BY THREE GERMAN AIRCRAFT. No casualties. 8/16/44 00-04 Laying to approximately 3 miles off Southern France in vicinity of green beach. 04-=16 Laying off green beach. 16-20 underway at various courses to rendezvous area 20-24 Formed convoy CRM #1 bound for Corsica 2000 got underway commodore in position #21 our position 22 convoy consists of LST s LCTR s with escort 8/17/44 00-04 Steaming as before. LST 491 Guide and Commodore in position 21 492 in position 22 400 yards astern of 491 SeaBat, note the log references to LST 491 - That was Marion Adams' ship [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 492 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/13/09 07:46:21 Another picture showing German POW's on the deck of the 492. Crew members I can identify are my father, Sam Sullenberger (left side of picture, no shirt) Dominic Rotondo (kneeling in white t-shirt) Louis "Cutch" Cutshall (behind Dominic wearing ball cap) Russell Davis (to Dominic's right) Jim West (standing in front of LCVP on davit) and Howard Knight, (standing behind Dominic and Cutch). [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 492 -- SeaBat, 05/14/09 13:03:23

Subject: LST 492 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/13/09 07:21:46 German POW's on the main deck of the LST 492, June or July 1944. They were transported on the main deck so any enemy aircraft would see them and would be less likely to strafe or bomb the ship. On one such transit, a German officer angrily demanded to speak to the ship's captain, LCDR. Newman, and then proceeded to "read him the riot act" about being in violation of the Geneva Convention by not quartering officers separately from enlisted men. Capt. Newman directed him to gather all of his officers. He then ordered my father to get a piece of rope, herded all of the officers into one corner, and tied them off. He then responded "Now you #%*#+!*!+(# there's your $*%%@^ separate quarters." he then handed my father his .45 and told him "If he or any of them step outside this area, shoot him." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 492 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/13/09 07:09:39 LST 492 participated in the D-Day Landings, June 6, 1944, going in at Utah Beach. Later it was moved to Omaha, many of the Pharmacist's Mates were taken in on LCVP's. One of them (Quinn Scott) related that he was issued a .45 but no ammunition; he was told something to the effect "Don't worry, you'll be able to find plenty of it on the beach." Small comfort. After the initial landings, the LST's task became more mundane, transporting men and vehicles to France, then returning to England with wounded and/or prisoners. This is a group of German POW's being marched aboard on Omaha Beach, June or July 1944. She made dozens of Channel transits on this duty. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 492 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/12/09 07:55:24 When the 492 got to Mobile, the skipper. LCDR Ralph Newman, put out a plea through the newspaper that the crew would like to have a dog as a mascot. A couple of days later they received this Cocker Spaniel pup. I've talked to 5 different crew members of the 492, none of them can remember the pup's name, and all of them said that it was never destined to become an "Old Sea Dog" and either in Norfolk or Quonset Point RI, it got put ashore before they headed across the Atlantic for England in early 1944. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 492 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/12/09 07:48:19 After the 158 was sunk, Dad and Ray both got to come home. Dad was assigned to the Evansville shipyard as part of the pre-commissioning unit of the LST 492. This is the deck gang, Dad is in the back row, 2nd from left. Front row on the right is Gus Esto, middle row, 5 from left is Paul Mackrell. I don't have names for any of the others. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 158 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/10/09 12:22:11 One more frame capture from "Victory at Sea" of the 158 after it got hit at Sicily [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 158 -- Gene Roberts (S1C John H. Jones, KIA 7-10-43), 05/27/09 10:41:07 Re: LST 158 -- Paul Sullenberger, 06/ 4/09 12:52:31

Subject: LST 158 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/10/09 12:13:25 Another view of the 158 off Sicily. This is a frame capture from "Victory At Sea" and was also used in the History Channel "Hero Ships" series. In fact, when the narrator was describing how the LST 313 was hit off Gela on 10 July, they were showing footage of the 158 off Licata on 11 July. If you look closely off the port stern you can see an LCVP, possibly the same one as in the other photo. If you visit www.utahtribute.com, you can read Verdell Jacobson's account of this. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 158 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/10/09 11:24:08 This is one of at least 3 different views of the LST 158 at Licata Sicily on 11 July 1943, that appeared in "Victory At Sea." This colorized version also was in the History Channel Series "Hero Ships." She got hit amidships by a German dive Bomber. My father Sam Sullenberger and his younger brother Ray Sullenberger were both aboard, Ray in a forward gun mount and Dad in a stern mount. (Both survived) Dad didn't talk a lot about this one, but he did say that he was the last enlisted man off the ship, and the Captain followed him off. They were picked up by one of the ship's LCVP's crewed by Verdell Jacobson from Utah, and Tommy Brown from N. Carolina. (That's probably them in this view) [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Great Stuff Paul ! -- OSD, 05/10/09 17:32:01

Subject: LST 125 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 9/09 13:29:42 I have a copy of "Landing Craft in Action in WWII" in a PDF format that a friend downloaded for me. This one and the picture of the LST 512 were among the photos in the book. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 125 -- SeaBat, 05/ 9/09 13:55:07

Subject: LST 512 Author: Paul Sullenberger [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 9/09 13:15:49 Testing my first post to this site. This was the 3rd LST my father served on in WWII. Wearing Pacific Camo, she is outfitted for a tour of the Great Lakes and Inland Waterways on a War Bond Tour in 1945. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 512 -- SeaBat, 05/ 9/09 13:57:51 Thanks Paul -- OSD, 05/ 9/09 16:07:19 Re: Thanks Paul -- Paul Sullenberger, 05/10/09 10:52:31

Subject: Some fun photos from the recent 325 cruise... Author: SeaBat [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 9/09 02:28:30 Ever climb one of these? Breakfast of Champions! Who is the Sailor with the Non-Reg blankie???? Two bits on the pier... A traffic light??? If you need this, then you KNOW you're loaded!!!! Even pirates need to nap... (Right, Flt Tech?) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: "You Been a good old Wagon" , Dave Van Ronk Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 8/09 08:45:04 Sometimes I feel like a good ole wagon that done broke down, so here is Dave Van Ronk singing it. Great stuff, Dave is gone now but his music remains with us. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Manila LSTs Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 7/09 17:38:58 http://home.modemss.brisnet.org.au/~dunn/usnavy/lst-168-02.jpg ............................................................................................................................ "These LST's were among the first to drop ramps at Manila" with the capital city of the Philippines free from Japanese, the harbour bustled with activity. . ."; October/November 1944?; Photo No. 4334; photographer unknown. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Manila LSTs -- SeaBat, 05/ 9/09 04:12:19

Subject: D-Day Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 7/09 17:31:51 http://wiesel.wlb-stuttgart.de/seekrieg/4307-bilder/kueste.jpg .............................................................................................................. An image of D-Day that I have not seen before. OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: D-Day -- SeaBat, 05/ 9/09 07:47:45

Subject: LST photo Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 7/09 17:25:38 http://kiwisinarmour.hobbyvista.com/images/valcs-2s.jpg ................................................................................................................. Major Rutherford (on the left) directing Lieutenant Cox's Valentine Mark III CS ashore at the Tangalan Plantation on Nissan Island on February 15th 1944 with one of the Squadron's ammunition trailers on its engine deck. Though not visible from this perspective the tank is also towing a US 90-mm AA gun. (Alexander Turnbull Library) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Noumea LST Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 7/09 17:16:57 http://nanumea.net/Photos%20page/LST%20from%202003%20roll%2015%20no%20142%20-%20narrow%20and%20feathered%20with%20xara.jpg ....................................................................................... World War II LST on Nanumea's western reef - Photo by Keith, January 2004 (this hulk is gradually going back to the sea) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 1083 USS PLUMAS COUNTY Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 6/09 16:23:05 http://bellsouthpwp.net/r/i/ricklieb/images/budwarpics/lst1083.jpg .............................................................................................. USS PLUMAS COUNTY LST 1083 .................................................... The Old Sea Dog walked the decks of the old Plumas County for some years, she was a classic LST, long and slow and loved to wallow in the sea. Good times !. The Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 1083 USS PLUMAS COUNTY -- SeaBat, 05/ 9/09 04:11:17 LST 1083 -- OSD, 05/ 9/09 16:22:08 Re: LST 1083 -- SeaBat, 05/ 9/09 23:27:51

Subject: The Old Sea Dog + Pirate Treasure Author: The Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 6/09 16:08:07 http://fao-coins.info/portrait/1806.jpg __________________________________ What you are looking at is an 1806 Spanish Real (ree-al), also known as a "Piece of Eight", as it could be cut into eight pieces to use as smaller coins. This one is Silver and not very valuable. The Gold ones are worth up to 500.00 depending on rarity, Silver worth about 40.00. Sometimes they have crude holes in them, which usually means they were nailed to a ships mast as a reward to a lucky sailor who spotted a whale or an enemy ship first. You are saying to yourself, So ?. Well today my son gave me a necklace with one of these coins on it. They were a common coin in colonial America since we minted very little coinage of our own. So now The Old Sea Dog is ready for "Talk like a pirate day" which is coming up. "ARR ME HARTIES, TIS A FAIR WIND BLOWING TO STARBOARD". " YO HO HO AND A BOTTLE OF RUM". What do you think ? The Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Signal Corps Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 3/09 18:41:47 http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9031/isignalcorpspic4jr6.jpg ..................................................................................................................... [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: "The Ramp" Amphibious news Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 3/09 18:36:34 http://ebsr.net/RampNG.jpg .................................................................... New Guinea Campaign Issue of the RAMP Following is a transcript of the special issue of the RAMP, publication of the 3rd Engineer Special Brigade, issued Saturday February 17,1945. N.E.I. Edited and published by Head- quarters , 3rd Engineer Special Brigade, APO 920. Distributed Tusday, Thursday and Saturday. Editor-------T/5 Max M. Moses Ass't Editor-Pfc Armand Kovitz Art----------Sgt Alex B. Cook -------------T/Sgt Earl Hoshall -------------T/4 John Whisler Humor--------Pfc Robert Svatos Advisor------Capt. L. S. McCaslin Specially Passed By GHQ This issue MAY be mailed home. MILNE BAY TO SANSAPOR THE STORY OF THE THIRD ENGINEER SPECIAL BRIGADE IN NEW GUINEA With over a year's training behind them, the bulk of the Third Engineer Special Brigade embarked from San Francisco for overseas duty in November and December 1943. They were well skilled in the art of amphibious warfare and New Guinea beckoned as a proving ground. The early period in New Guinea was one of organization and careful preparation for the tasks to come. The 563d Boat Maintenance Bn had preceeded the remainder of the Brigade overseas and was busy turning out the all important LCM's at an assembly line in Milne Bay. With the supply of LCM's being built up, the Brigade waited impatiently at Milne Bay and Goodenough Island for it's first mission. The opportunity to prove themselves came in January of 1944 when the 533rd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment left for Cape Cretin, near Finschhafen, New Guinea. Finschhafen at that time was still being subjected to enemy air raids and unloading facilities for cargo ships were in the early stages of development. In spite of these difficulties the regiment handled the task of unloading Liberty ships with the care and speed of veterans. During a one month period they emptied 35 Liberty ships of their cargo, setting a SWPA tonnage record with 2110 tons unloaded in one day and daily average of 1550 tons. In February the remainder of the Brigade followed the 533rd to Finschhafen. The Amphibians began to train with the 32nd Division at Scarlet Beach in preparation for future operations. In addition a shuttle service by boat units was begun to more distant points along the coast of New Guinea and New Britain. Under this system, dubbed "milk runs" by the Amphibs, a total of 144,580 ton-miles of cargo was transported in the first month alone and in five months this figure climbed to 2,147,593 ton-miles. The time for the Brigade to get its baptism of fire was rapidly approaching. The first unit to leave the shelter of Finsch Harbor was again the 533rd which on the 23rd of February moved to Saidor to stage for their first operation [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: "The Ramp" Amphibious news -- SeaBat, 05/ 4/09 10:10:58 Milk Run -- OSD, 05/ 4/09 10:56:46

Subject: Rabaul LST Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 3/09 18:26:24 http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-P-Rabaul/img/USA-P-Rabaul-p59.jpg [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Rabaul LST -- SeaBat, 05/ 4/09 10:13:30 unknown -- OSD, 05/ 7/09 17:00:32

Subject: Day 957 of WWII in the Pacific (video) Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 2/09 17:32:26 A very good film about Day 957 in the Pacific. .................................... A bit long but great ! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: The Planet Mercury Close Up ! Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 05/ 1/09 15:26:25 http://blog.redshift.de/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/061008-messenger.jpg .............................................................................................. Even though this image of the planet Mercury was taken October 6, 2008, it is still an amazing image. That we can reach out to the distant planets in our solar system shows how far we have come from the ancient peoples looking upward at the stars and planets, and wondering what they were like. Today we have the images, truly amazing. The Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: From The Seas To The Stars -- The Old Sea Dog, 05/ 1/09 15:33:55

Subject: Vietnam River Boat Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/30/09 17:54:13 Watch out Charlie ! http://www.tf116.org/vietnam_photos/CBihl/4_lg.jpg [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Vietnam River Boat -- SeaBat, 05/ 4/09 10:06:45 Charlie did not like our fast boats -- OSD, 05/ 7/09 17:09:48

Subject: WWII in the Gilberts (Gilbert Islands) Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/30/09 17:42:08 http://www.arkmilitaryheritage.com/_private/images/wwii/DISC_12/77.09.2584.jpg -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Thermitic Explosive Material in 9/11 dust ? Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/30/09 17:22:39 Active Thermitic Material Discovered in Dust from the 9/11 World Trade Center Catastrophe ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A back-scattered electron (BSE) image featured in the newly published paper. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Formally published in a peer-reviewed Chemical Physics journal, today: “Active Thermitic Material Discovered in Dust from the 9/11 World Trade Center Catastrophe” by Niels H. Harrit, Jeffrey Farrer, Steven E. Jones, Kevin R. Ryan, Frank M. Legge, Daniel Farnsworth, Gregg Roberts, James R. Gourley and Bradley R. Larsen The paper ends with this sentence: “Based on these observations, we conclude that the red layer of the red/gray chips we have discovered in the WTC dust is active, unreacted thermitic material, incorporating nanotechnology, and is a highly energetic pyrotechnic or explosive material.” In short, the paper explodes the official story that “no evidence” exists for explosive/pyrotechnic materials in the WTC buildings. What is high-tech explosive/pyrotechnic material in large quantities doing in the WTC dust? Who made tons of this stuff and why? Why have government investigators refused to look for explosive residues in the WTC aftermath? These are central questions raised by this scientific study. The peer-review on this paper was grueling, with pages of comments by referees. The tough questions the reviewers raised led to months of further experiments. These studies added much to the paper, including observation and photographs of iron-aluminum rich spheres produced as the material is ignited in a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (see Figures 20, 25 and 26). The nine authors undertook an in-depth study of unusual red-gray chips found in the dust generated during the destruction of the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001. The article states: “The iron oxide and aluminum are intimately mixed in the red material. When ignited in a DSC device the chips exhibit large but narrow exotherms occurring at approximately 430 ˚C, far below the normal ignition temperature for conventional thermite. Numerous iron-rich spheres are clearly observed in the residue following the ignition of these peculiar red/gray chips. The red portion of these chips is found to be an unreacted thermitic material and highly energetic.” The images and data plots deserve careful attention. Some observations about the production of this paper: 1. First author is Professor Niels Harrit of Copenhagen University in Denmark, an Associate Professor of Chemistry. He is an expert in nano-chemistry; current research activities and his photo can be found here: http://cmm.nbi.ku.dk/ Molecular Structures on Short and Ultra Short Timescales A Centre under the Danish National Research Foundation The Centre for Molecular Movies was inaugurated 29th November 2005, at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. The Centre is made possible through a five year grant from the Danish National Research Foundation (see e.g. www.dg.dk). We aim to obtain real time “pictures” of how atoms are moving while processes are taking place in molecules and solid materials, using ultrashort pulses of laser light and X-rays. The goal is to understand and in turn influence, at the atomic level, the structural transformations associated with such processes. The Centre combines expertise form Risø National Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, and the Technical University of Denmark in structural investigation of matter by synchrotron X-ray based techniques, femtosecond laser spectroscopy, theoretical insight in femtosecond processes, and the ability to tailor materials, and design sample systems for optimal experimental conditions.” We understand that the Dean of Prof. Harrit’s college, Niels O Andersen, appears as the first name on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Bentham Science journal where the paper was published. 2. Second author is Dr. Jeffrey Farrer of BYU. http://www.physics.byu.edu/images/people/farrer.jpg 3. Dr. Farrer is featured in an article on page 11 of the BYU Frontiers magazine, Spring 2005: “Dr. Jeffrey Farrer, lab director for TEM” (TEM stands for Transmission Electron Microscopy). The article notes: “The electron microscopes in the TEM lab combine to give BYU capabilities that are virtually unique… rivaling anything built worldwide.” The article is entitled: “Rare and Powerful Microscopes Unlock Nano Secrets,” which is certainly true as regards the discoveries of the present paper. 4. Kudos to BYU for permitting Drs. Farrer and Jones and physics student Daniel Farnsworth to do the research described in the paper and for conducting internal reviews of the paper. Dr. Farrer was formerly first author on this paper. But after internal review of the paper, BYU administrators evidently disallowed him from being first author on ANY paper related to 9/11 research (this appears to be their perogative, but perhaps they will explain). Nevertheless, the paper was approved for publication with Dr. Farrer’s name and affiliation listed and we congratulate BYU for this. We stand by Dr. Farrer and congratulate his careful scientific research represented in this paper. 5. Perhaps now there will finally be a review of the SCIENCE explored by Profs. Harrit and Jones and by Drs. Farrer and Legge and their colleagues, as repeatedly requested by these scientists. We challenge ANY university or established laboratory group to perform such a review. This paper will be a good place to start, along with two other peer-reviewed papers in established journals involving several of the same authors: [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 742 at Wonson Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/30/09 17:02:03 I am trying something new by adding the address link, a test http://www.crosswordese.com/Images/lst.jpg [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: click on the blue link to go to location -- OSD, 04/30/09 17:04:57

Subject: LST 463 Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/28/09 18:14:33 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 354 Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/28/09 18:00:25 This picture is from a japanese site, so I have no data on where or when, but it's a great picture. Two LSTs side by side. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 354 -- WVaRay, 04/29/09 13:14:17 Re: LST 354 -- WVaRay, 04/29/09 13:19:21 Information -- OSD, 04/29/09 18:30:38 click on the highlighted link -- OSD, 04/29/09 18:36:07

Subject: Airforce and F-16 Over New York Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/27/09 18:40:13 This image shot with a cell phone shows the backup presidential 747 flying low over New York Harbor, followed by the F-16, during the government photo-op. The mayor called the flyover "insensitive." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This image shot with a cell phone shows the backup presidential 747 flying low over New York Harbor, followed by the F-16, during the government photo-op. The mayor called the flyover "insensitive." Plane photo-op sparks panic, outcry, apology By Ula Ilnytzky and Sara Kugler Associated Press NEW YORK - A Boeing 747 and an F-16 supersonic fighter jet zoomed past the Lower Manhattan skyline in a flash just as the workday was beginning yesterday. Within minutes, startled financial workers streamed out of their offices, fearing a nightmarish replay of Sept. 11. For a half-hour, the two planes circled the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline near the World Trade Center site. Offices evacuated. Dispatchers were inundated with calls. But the flyover was nothing but a photo op, apparently one of a series of flights to get pictures of the airliner - an Air Force One backup plane - in front of national landmarks. It was carried out by the Defense Department with little warning, infuriating New York officials and putting the White House on the defensive. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he had not known about it and called it "insensitive" to fly so near the site of the 2001 terror attacks. Louis Caldera, director of the White House military office, took the blame, saying he had approved the mission last week. "While federal authorities took the proper steps to notify state and local authorities in New York and New Jersey, it's clear that the mission created confusion and disruption," he said. "I apologize and take responsibility for any distress that flight caused." President Obama was furious when told of the flight, a White House official said on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. Federal officials would not say why the public and area building-security managers had not been notified, nor address why someone thought the flyover was a wise move. An administration official said the purpose of the flyover was to update file photos of the president's plane near the Statue of Liberty. The official, who requested anonymity, said Caldera's office told the Federal Aviation Administration that it periodically updates file photos of Air Force One near national landmarks. The photo op was combined with a training exercise to save money, said another administration official who also spoke on condition of anonymity. The FAA notified the New York Police Department of the flyover. It had a classified footnote saying that information on it "shall not be released to the public or the media." NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said that typically a flight like this would be publicized to avoid causing a panic, but that police were under orders not to. The FAA alerted an official in the mayor's office, but he didn't tell Bloomberg. That official, Marc Mugnos, did not immediately respond to questions on why he had not told the mayor. Bloomberg spokesman Stu Loeser said Mugnos had been reprimanded. -------------------------------------------------- A Photo op or what ? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: CDC and The Swine Flu outbreak Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/27/09 18:13:07 The Swine Flu Outbreak -------------------------- CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency's response to this emerging health threat and yesterday the Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States. This will allow funds to be released to support the public health response. CDC's goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus. To this end, CDC has issued a number of interim guidance documents in the past 24 hours. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available. There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy. * Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. * Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. * Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. * If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: CDC and The Swine Flu outbreak -- Buddy LST 1126, 04/28/09 07:57:59 Is it real ? or a diversion ? -- OSD, 04/28/09 17:36:11

Subject: They Were Expendable Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/25/09 17:16:33 Some of the bravest Navy Men in WWII. The PT Boat crews. They faced the enemy up close !. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Flags (for Linda) Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/25/09 17:11:48 The Navy Flag The MIA/POW Flag [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Flags (for Linda) -- thanks, 04/27/09 12:34:49

Subject: LST 325 Work Week Author: SeaBat [Edit] Date Posted: 04/25/09 02:22:35 I just returned home from a week at the LST... wanted to share some photos with you all! They moved everything away and off of the port side bulkhead on the tank deck... Scraped... and painted... Cleaned and checked the fire hoses... What a difference two days make! Ad Mumford and Fred Pallas working on the oil purifier... I'm probably going to get this wrong (correct me.. those of you who know).. but this is a blanket.. a filter that takes out 'chunks' that might occur in the oil... Here you can see what the old ones look like! [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: LST 325 Work Week -- Buddy LST 1126, 04/27/09 01:46:59 Re: LST 325 Work Week -- SeaBat, 04/27/09 13:27:32 Re: LST 325 Work Week -- Buddy LST 1126, 04/28/09 02:38:04

Subject: lady in kansas Author: linda [Edit] Date Posted: 04/23/09 05:21:06 told she could not display her flag outside her rental. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Homeowner Associations -- OSD, 04/23/09 13:00:34 Re: Homeowner Associations -- Buddy LST 1126, 04/24/09 02:28:34 Re: Homeowner Associations -- SeaBat, 04/25/09 01:28:16 Re: Homeowner Associations -- linda, 04/25/09 05:35:48 Flags -- SeaBat, 04/26/09 00:40:09 Re: Flags -- thanks, 04/27/09 12:38:13

Subject: George Orwell's World is Coming ! Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/22/09 03:23:19 Senate Proposal Could Put Heavy Restrictions on Internet Freedoms ----------------------------------------------------------- A proposed bill that would give the president widespread power to shut down the Internet in the event of a cyberattack could have sweeping implications on civil liberties. By James Osborne --------------------------- The days of an open, largely unregulated Internet may soon come to an end. A bill making its way through Congress proposes to give the U.S. government authority over all networks considered part of the nation's critical infrastructure. Under the proposed Cybersecurity Act of 2009, the president would have the authority to shut down Internet traffic to protect national security. The government also would have access to digital data from a vast array of industries including banking, telecommunications and energy. A second bill, meanwhile, would create a national cybersecurity adviser -- commonly referred to as the cybersecurity czar -- within the White House to coordinate strategy with a wide range of federal agencies involved. The need for greater cybersecurity is obvious: -- Canadian researchers recently discovered that computers in 103 countries, including those in facilities such as embassies and news media offices, were infected with software designed to steal network data. -- A Seattle security analyst warned last month that the advancement of digital communication within the electrical grid, as promoted under President Obama's stimulus plan, would leave the nation's electrical supply dangerously vulnerable to hackers. -- And on Tuesday the Wall Street Journal reported that computer spies had broken into the Pentagon's $300 billion Joint Strike Fighter project and had breached the Air Force's air-traffic-control system. Nonetheless, the proposal to give the U.S. government the authority to regulate the Internet is sounding alarms among critics who say it's another case of big government getting bigger and more intrusive. Silicon Valley executives are calling the bill vague and overly intrusive, and they are rebelling at the thought of increased and costly government regulations amid the global economic crisis. Others are concerned about the potential erosion of civil liberties. "I'm scared of it," said Lee Tien, an attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a San Francisco-based group. "It's really broad, and there are plenty of laws right now designed to prevent the government getting access to that kind of data. It's the same stuff we've been fighting on the warrantless wiretapping." Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W. Va, who introduced the bill earlier this month with bipartisan support, is casting the legislation as critical to protecting everything from our water and electricity to banking, traffic lights and electronic health records. "I know the threats we face." Rockefeller said in a prepared statement when the legislation was introduced. "Our enemies are real. They are sophisticated, they are determined and they will not rest." The bill would allow the government to create a detailed set of standards for cybersecurity, as well as take over the process of certifying IT technicians. But many in the technology sector say the government is simply ill-equipped to get involved at the technical level, said Franck Journoud, a policy analyst with the Business Software Alliance. "Simply put, who has the expertise?" he said. "It's the industry, not the government. We have a responsibility to increase and improve security. That responsibility cannot be captured in a government standard." A spokeswoman from Rockefeller's office said neither he nor the two senators who co-sponsored the bill, Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and Bill Nelson, D-Fla., will answer questions on cybersecurity until a later date. Obama, meanwhile, is considering his own strategy on cybersecurity. On Friday, the White House completed a lengthy review of the nation's computer networks and their vulnerability to attack. An announcement is expected as early as this week. "I kind of view [the Rockefeller bill] as an opening shot," said Tien. "The concept is cybersecurity. There's this 60-day review underway, and some people wanted to get in there and make their mark on the White House policy development." IT leaders hope the president will consider their argument that their business is not only incredibly complex and static, but that it also spreads over the entire globe. If the United States was to set its own standard for cybersecurity, they say, it would create a host of logistical challenges for technology companies, virtually all of which operate internationally. "Any standards have to be set at an international level and be industry led," said Dale Curtis, a spokesman for the Business Software Alliance. "This industry moves so fast, and government just doesn't move that fast." [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: George Orwell's World is Coming ! -- Buddy LST1126 (:-(), 04/25/09 01:27:39

Subject: Telesonic Equipment Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/21/09 09:18:01 WWII Telesonic Receiver ............................................ When placed near enemy phone lines this unit would pick up the messages from the phone lines. A very neat machine ! \ OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Telesonic Equipment -- SeaBat, 04/25/09 01:35:08 Telesonic Equipment details -- OSD, 04/27/09 17:03:32

Subject: WWII OSS Agents Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/21/09 09:06:49 Julia Child Among Spies Revealed in Newly Released Federal Documents - Why is there a microphone in that baked chicken, Julia ? Thursday, August 14, 2008 ..................................................... WASHINGTON — Famed chef Julia Child shared a secret with Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg and Chicago White Sox catcher Moe Berg at a time when the Nazis threatened the world. They served in an international spy ring managed by the Office of Strategic Services, an early version of the CIA created in World War II by President Franklin Roosevelt. The secret comes out Thursday — all of the names and previously classified files identifying nearly 24,000 spies who formed the first centralized intelligence effort by the United States. The National Archives, which this week released a list of the names found in the records, will make available for the first time all 750,000 pages identifying the vast spy network of military and civilian operatives. They were soldiers, actors, historians, lawyers, athletes, professors, reporters. But for several years during World War II, they were known simply as the OSS. They studied military plans, created propaganda, infiltrated enemy ranks and stirred resistance among foreign troops. Among the more than 35,000 OSS personnel files are applications, commendations and handwritten notes identifying young recruits who, like Child, Goldberg and Berg, earned greater acclaim in other fields — Arthur Schlesinger Jr., a historian and special assistant to President Kennedy; Sterling Hayden, a film and television actor whose work included a role in "The Godfather"; and Thomas Braden, an author whose "Eight Is Enough" book inspired the 1970s television series. Other notables identified in the files include John Hemingway, son of author Ernest Hemingway; Quentin and Kermit Roosevelt, sons of President Theodore Roosevelt, and Miles Copeland, father of Stewart Copeland, drummer for the band The Police. The release of the OSS personnel files uncloaks one of the last secrets from the short-lived wartime intelligence agency, which for the most part later was folded into the CIA after President Truman disbanded it in 1945. "I think it's terrific," said Elizabeth McIntosh, 93, a former OSS agent now living in Woodbridge, Va. "They've finally, after all these years, they've gotten the names out. All of these people had been told never to mention they were with the OSS." The CIA had resisted releasing OSS records for decades. But former CIA Director William Casey, himself an OSS veteran, cleared the way for transfer of millions of OSS documents to the National Archives when he took over the agency in 1981. The personnel files are the latest to be made public. Information about OSS involvement was so guarded that relatives often couldn't confirm a family member's work with the group. Walter Mess, who handled covert OSS operations in Poland and North Africa, said he kept quiet for more than 50 years, only recently telling his wife of 62 years about his OSS activity. "I was told to keep my mouth shut," said Mess, now 93 and living in Falls Church, Va. The files will offer new information even for those most familiar with the agency. Charles Pinck, president of the OSS Society created by former OSS agents and their relatives, said the nearly 24,000 employees included in the archives far exceeds previous estimates of 13,000. The newly released documents will clarify these and other issues, said William Cunliffe, an archivist who has worked extensively with the OSS records at the National Archives. "We're saying the OSS was a lot bigger than they were saying," Cunliffe said. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Minox Pocket Spy Camera Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/21/09 08:48:40 Minox Spy Camera, used 16 MM film, one frame at a time ............................................................................................... I had one of these years ago, not sure where it went Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Predator Base in Pakistan Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/18/09 15:10:10 18 February 2009. A sends: Snap from 2006 of Predators on the strip. Big hangar was not built yet. ........................................................................................ [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: LST 745 Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/18/09 07:03:54 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Old Sea Dog Stuff Author: The Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 04/18/09 06:57:49 I did a search for "Old Sea Dog" and this is some of the better things I found ................................................................................ Enough of that. Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Old Sea Dog Stuff -- SeaBat, 04/25/09 01:38:11

Subject: FBI PROBE OF VETERANS ! Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/17/09 16:13:53 BUDDY: THIS SHOULD INTEREST YOU, I KNOW IT DOES ME .................................................... Veterans a Focus of FBI Extremist Probe ............................................................................... By CAM SIMPSON and GARY FIELDS WASHINGTON -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation earlier this year launched a nationwide operation targeting white supremacists and "militia/sovereign-citizen extremist groups," including a focus on veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, according to memos sent from bureau headquarters to field offices. The initiative, dubbed Operation Vigilant Eagle, was outlined in February, two months before a memo giving a similar warning was issued on April 7 by the Department of Homeland Security. Disclosure of the DHS memo this week has sparked controversy among some conservatives and veterans groups. Appearing on television talk shows Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano defended the assessment, but apologized to veterans who saw it as an accusation. "This is an assessment of things just to be wary of, not to infringe on constitutional rights, certainly not to malign our veterans," she said on NBC's Today Show. The documents outlining Operation Vigilant Eagle cite a surge in activity by such groups. The memos say the FBI's focus on veterans began as far back as December, during the final weeks of the Bush administration, when the bureau's domestic counterterrorism division formed a special joint working group with the Defense Department. [Janet Napolitano] Associated Press Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, pictured this month in Mexico, defended the assessment Thursday but apologized to veterans. A Feb. 23 draft memo from FBI domestic counterterrorism leaders, obtained by The Wall Street Journal, cited an "increase in recruitment, threatening communications and weapons procurement by white supremacy extremist and militia/sovereign-citizen extremist groups." The FBI said in the memo that its conclusion about a surge in such activities was based on confidential sources, undercover operations, reporting from other law-enforcement agencies and publicly available information. The memo said the main goal of the multipronged operation was to get a better handle on "the scope of this emerging threat." The operation also seeks to identify gaps in intelligence efforts surrounding these groups and their leaders. The aim of the FBI's effort with the Defense Department, which was rolled into the Vigilant Eagle program, is to "share information regarding Iraqi and Afghanistan war veterans whose involvement in white supremacy and/or militia sovereign citizen extremist groups poses a domestic terrorism threat," according to the Feb. 23 FBI memo. Michael Ward, FBI deputy assistant director for counterterrorism, said in an interview Thursday that the portion of the operation focusing on the military related only to veterans who draw the attention of Defense Department officials for joining white-supremacist or other extremist groups. "We're not doing an investigation into the military, we're not looking at former military members," he said. "It would have to be something they were concerned about, or someone they're concerned is involved" with extremist groups. Mr. Ward said that the FBI's general counsel reviewed the operation before it began, "to make sure any tripwires we set do not violate any civil liberties." Some Republican lawmakers, talk-show hosts and veterans groups complained this week after the internal DHS assessment cited the potential for the same extremists groups to target returning combat veterans for recruitment. The Democratic chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, also echoed the concerns. The separate DHS assessment, leaked this week after being sent to law-enforcement agencies, said the "willingness of a small percentage of military personnel to join extremist groups during the 1990s because they were disgruntled, disillusioned or suffering from the psychological effects of war is being replicated today." Veterans could draw special attention, the report said, because of their advanced training. Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, the House Republican leader, said Wednesday he was offended that veterans were characterized as potential domestic terrorists. Amy Kudwa, a DHS spokeswoman, said Thursday the report was issued before an objection about one part of the document raised by the agency's civil-rights division was resolved. She called it a "breakdown of an internal process" that would be fixed. The FBI documents show the bureau was working with investigators inside the nation's uniformed services "in an effort to identify those current or former soldiers who pose a domestic terrorism threat." The other agencies working with the FBI are the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. ................................................ THE 1984 THOUGHT POLICE HAVE BECOME A REALITY IN OUR TIME ! [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: FBI PROBE OF VETERANS ! -- Buddy LST 1126, 04/18/09 01:11:24

Subject: Bad landing by helo on carrier Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/17/09 09:14:06 And you thought you had bad days ! WARNING: SOME BAD LANGUAGE [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Liberty Belle pic. Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/17/09 08:55:31 ................................ The "G" model had the twin 50's "Stinger" added to the tail to fight off German fighters. Double Thumbs Up !! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: B-17-G Liberty Belle Author: The Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 04/17/09 08:49:43 The B-17-G Liberty Belle will be flying out of Mather Field this weekend and I will be treated to the sight of that beautiful plane flying over my house through monday. It's always a treat, and a bit of a memory jog. It makes me think "have I gone back in time to the 1940's". [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Capt. Phillips Flying Home Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/16/09 18:10:26 Rescued US Sea Captain Finally Flying Home US official: Rescued captain expected home Friday By PAULINE JELINEK – 13 hours ago WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. official says a homecoming is planned Friday for the rescued American captain of a ship pirated off the Somali coast. The USS Bainbridge warship, which rescued Maersk Alabama captain Richard Phillips, arrived Thursday at the Kenyan port of Mombasa. U.S. officials, agreeing to speak only on grounds of anonymity on logistical and travel matters, said that Phillips has left the Bainbridge and is expected to arrive home on Friday on a chartered airplane. Phillips' crew flew into Andrews Air Force base outside of Washington, D.C., early Thursday. Phillips originally was to fly with them. But he was delayed when the Bainbridge diverted to help another pirated ship. Officials say Phillips now is planning to go directly to his home state of Vermont. George Bacigalupo, general manager of Atlantic Aviation, which handles corporate and private aircraft flying into Burlington International Airport, said that a plane carrying Phillips was expected to arrive there late Friday afternoon. It wasn't immediately known where the flight would originate. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Summary of DHS Memo Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/15/09 17:33:35 Please read this document, paragraph 2 in particular .......................... Homeland Security Warns of Rise in Right-Wing Extremism The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report entitled “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment”, dated April 7, 2009, which I have read, is apparently an unclassified summary of a larger classified report. 1. The summary contains few proper names, has no footnotes of any significance, lists very few sources, and is drafted with a prejudice against anyone who criticizes the role of the federal government in our lives today. It lumps together in its definition of “rightwing extremism” hate groups, anti-government groups, and single issue groups “such as opposition to abortion or immigration.” My guess is that the sentiments revealed in the report I read are the tip of an iceberg that the DHS would prefer to keep submerged until it needs to reveal it. This iceberg is the heavy-hand of government; a government with large and awful eyes, in whose heart there is no love for freedom, and on whose face there is no smile. 2. The document itself cautions the reader that the document is “not to be released to the public, the media, or other personnel who do not have a valid need-to-know without prior approval” of the DHS. The document refers to itself as one of a series of intelligence assessments intended to “deter, prevent, preempt, or respond to terrorist attacks against the United States.” 3. The thrust of this report is that in the present environment of economic instability, returning military veterans, those who fear of the loss of Second Amendment-protected rights, those threatened by an African-American president, and those who fear “Jewish ‘financial elites’” could all be a fertile breeding ground for groups whose power and ideas the government hates and fears. The document is essentially a warning for DHS and FBI officials to be on the look-out for rootless persons looking for the comfort of groups as they may be a danger to American security. 4. The summary (unclassified) document is terrifying. One can only imagine what is contained in the classified version. This document runs directly counter to numerous U.S. Supreme decisions prohibiting the government from engaging in any activities that could serve to chill the exercise of expressive liberties. Liberties are chilled, in constitutional parlance, when people are afraid to express themselves for fear of government omnipresence, monitoring, or reprisals. The document also informs the reader that Big Brother is watching both public and private behavior. 5. The whole purpose of the First Amendment is to guarantee open, broad, robust debate on the policies and personnel of the government. The First Amendment presumes that individuals — NOT THE GOVERNMENT — are free to choose what they believe and espouse, what they read and say, and with whom they associate in public and in private. The writers of this abominable report are particularly concerned with the expression of opinions that might be used to fuel ideas that challenge federal authority or favor state and local government over the federal government. Unfortunately, legislation passed during the past eight years gives the DHS and the FBI the tools to monitor everything from a telephone conversation to the keystrokes used on a personal computer without a warrant issued by a federal judge. 6. My guess is that the sentiments revealed in the report I read are the tip of an iceberg that the DHS would prefer to keep submerged until it needs to reveal it. This iceberg is the heavy-hand of government; a government with large and awful eyes, in whose heart there is no love for freedom, and on whose face there is no smile. ....................................... What has happened to our government ?? OSD [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Summary of DHS Memo -- Buddy LST 1126, 04/16/09 00:26:23

Subject: Homeland Security My Ass ( read on ) Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/15/09 16:41:02 US govt faces veteran anger at extremism report ................................................................................................. Comment: The idiots at Homeland Security and the Federal Govt. needs to pull their collective heads out of their asses ! ........................................................................................... The US Homeland Security Department, under fire for saying US forces returning from the Iraq and Afghan wars were potential right-wing extremist recruits, said Wednesday it honors US veterans. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano sought to douse anger among conservatives and veterans groups like the American Legion over a report from her department warning of a rising threat of right-wing extremism. "We are on the lookout for criminal and terrorist activity but we do not -- nor will we ever -- monitor ideology or political beliefs," Napolitano said in a statement amid charges that the department had done just that. American Legion chief David Rehbein on Tuesday blasted the report as "incomplete, and, I fear, politically-biased" and took special aim at its warning that returning veterans having difficulties reintegrating society could be recruited by right-wing groups for possible terrorist attacks. In a letter to Napolitano, Rehbein underlined the document's mention of Oklahoma City bombing author Timothy McVeigh's US Army background and called it "as unfair as using Osama bin Laden as the sole example of Islam." "The American Legion is well aware and horrified at the pain inflicted during the Oklahoma City bombing, but Timothy McVeigh was only one of more than 42 million veterans who have worn this nation's uniform during wartime," said Rehbein, who group comprises some 2.6 million members. Napolitano said she accepted Rehbein's request for a meeting and stressed: "I will tell him face-to-face that we honor veterans at DHS and employ thousands across the department, up to and including the deputy secretary." The report said that fears of possible new restrictions on firearms, as well as troubled veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, "could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks." Rehbein said the accusation, levelled in an April 7 document designed for local law enforcement officials, was "without any statistical evidence." ...................................... Janet Nopolitano needs to be fired ! [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE ! -- OSD, 04/15/09 16:45:38

Subject: Some WWII facts ... Author: OSd [Edit] Date Posted: 04/14/09 19:05:19 ASPIDISTRA The codename given to the powerful 500 KW transmitter which was purchased from America for use in broadcasting propaganda on the German controlled wave-lengths. It cost Britain £111,801, 4 shillings and 10 pence to buy the apparatus from the RCA factory in Camden, New Jersey. Another sum of £16,000 was spent to prepare the site and erect the masts near Crowborough in Essex. The transmitter first became operational on November 8, 1942. SORRY NO REQUESTS American disc jockeys were banned from playing listeners requests in 1942. The War Department explained that enemy agents might use the format as codes to pass military information on to their superiors. 1,000 PLANE BOMBER RAIDS On the night of May 30/31, 1942, the Royal Air Force launched its first 1,000 plane bomber raid of the war. The original target was to be Hamburg but bad weather over Germany caused a cancellation. Three days later the cathedral city of Cologne was attacked by a force of 1,046 bombers that took off from 52 airfields in England (Operation Millennium). A total of 1,455 tons of bombs was dropped by the 898 planes which actually attacked the city. Two-thirds of this tonnage being incendiaries. Forty-one British planes were lost and twelve badly damaged, never to fly again. Amazingly only two collision took place resulting in the loss of four bombers. In the blazing city 486 people had died and 5,027 injured, 18,432 buildings of all kinds were destroyed or badly damaged resulting in 59,100 citizens being made homeless. Next day, RAF Mosquito fighter/bombers flew over the still burning city on their first operational mission to photograph the damage. Around 300 acres of the city's centre had been destroyed in this, the 105th air raid on Germany's fourth largest city. The second 1,000 plane bomber raid was conducted against the city of Essen in the Ruhr on June 1-2, 1942. This was not as successful as the raid on Cologne. It was on Essen that the first 8,000 pound 'Blockbuster' bomb was dropped from a Hanley Page Halifax bomber of 76 Squadron. (A total of 6,176 Halifax bombers were built during the war). The third 1,000 bomber raid was against the city of Bremen on June 12, 1942. There were no more 1,000 bomber raids after Bremen, the aircraft were urgently needed to fight the U-boat war in the Atlantic. OPERATION 'MINCEMEAT' (April, 1943) One of the war's great deception schemes, launched to convince the German High Command that the Allied landings would take place on Sardinia and not on Sicily, the obvious choice. The body of an unknown man who had died recently was dressed in the uniform of a major of the Royal Marines and given the name of Major William Martin. A briefcase was attached to the body containing highly confidential documents that foretold future Allied war plans in the Mediterranean. Major Martin's body was transported from Loch Ewe in Scotland by the submarine HMS Serap to a point just off the coast of Spain and there committed to the sea. It eventually washed ashore and into the hands of German intelligence agents. Within days the contents of the briefcase was being analysed in Berlin. Winston Churchill, then in the United States, received the coded message 'Mincemeat swallowed whole'. The body of 'Major Martin' lies buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery Of Solitude at Huelua, Spain. Official files on 'Operation Mincemeat' are not searchable until 2043 but in November 1995, some of the top secret files were released to reveal for the first time in 52 years, the true identity of 'Major Martin'. He was a Glyndwr Michael, born February 4, 1909, in Aberbargoed, a small mining village in Wales. A vagrant alcoholic, he had committed suicide by taking rat poison containing phosphorus when sleeping rough in a disused London warehouse and died from chemically induced pneumonia. The real Major Martin, whose name and identity was used for the deception, moved to the USA after the war and settled in Virginia. He died there on December 10, 1988, his ashes scattered over the Gulf Stream so that eventually they would arrive at his country of birth, Scotland. FAMOUS RUHR RAID (May 16, 1943) On this day in 1943, nineteen Lancaster's of RAF Squadron 617, bombed the Mohne, Eder, and Sorpe dams in the Ruhr. The main attack on Mohne was led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, his aircraft carrying the new 'bouncing bomb' invented by Dr Barnes Wallis. The breach in the wall caused flooding which drowned around 1,200 people, including 700 Russian prisoners of war whose camp was washed away in the flood. At the Eder Dam, 68 people were drowned. Eight aircraft crashed or were shot down. Seventy seven crew members died, fifty six survived. Thirty three decorations were awarded including the Victoria Cross to Guy Gibson. (Sir Barnes Wallis died in 1979, aged 92) THE BIGGEST USAF LOSS The single biggest loss to the US 8th Air Force was when 291 B17s and B24s raided the German ball-bearing factories at Schweinfurt, fifty miles northwest of Nuremberg on October 14, 1943. This was the second raid by US Flying Fortresses on the five factories producing ball bearings. The first was on August 17 involving 229 bombers. In the first attack the Americans lost 36 bombers, in the second attack a total of 60 planes were shot down or crashed on returning to base. A total of 599 airmen were killed and 40 wounded in the largest and most sustained air battles of the European war. The bomber crews claimed to have shot down 288 German aircraft. The actual figure, obtained after the war, was ... 27. In Schweinfurt, 276 civilians were killed. In all, Schweinfurt suffered sixteen air raids, the Americans by day and the British by night. AIR TRAGEDY An old B24 Liberator bomber, stripped of all equipment and fitted with a radio control system to be operated from a 'mother' plane after the B24 crew had baled out, blew up in mid-air during a trial flight in preparation for 'Operation Aphrodite' the code name for the bombing of the flying bomb sites on the Continent. An electrical malfunction triggered the explosion killing the pilot and co-pilot. The pilot was Lieutenant Joseph Kennedy, the older brother of John F Kennedy the future President of the USA. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Some WWII facts ... -- Buddy LST 1126, 04/14/09 23:49:18

Subject: Goalkeeper CIWS Radar controlled gun Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/12/09 16:51:02 Go Ahead fire that missle at our ship, we can shoot it down. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Navy Seals Sniper Rifle 50 cal. Barrett Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/12/09 16:33:58 Looks like the bad guys never saw it coming ! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: NAVY SEALS, GETTING THE JOB DONE ! Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/12/09 16:07:24 NAVY SEAL SNIPERS TAKE OUT PIRATES .................................................................................... NAIROBI, Kenya — Navy Seal snipers on the fantail of a destroyer cut down three Somali pirates in a lifeboat and rescued an American sea captain on Easter Sunday. The surprise nighttime assault in choppy seas ended a five-day standoff between a team of rogue gunmen and the world's most powerful military. It was a stunning conclusion to an Indian Ocean odyssey that began when 53-year-old freighter Capt. Richard Phillips was taken hostage Wednesday by pirates who tried to hijack the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama. The Vermont native was held on a tiny lifeboat that began drifting precariously toward Somalia's anarchic, gun-plagued shores. The operation, personally approved by President Barack Obama, quashed fears the saga could drag on for months and marked a victory for the U.S., which for days seemed powerless to resolve the crisis despite massing helicopter-equipped warships at the scene. Negotiations with the three pirates were growing heated, Vice Adm. Bill Gortney said. One of them pointed an AK-47 at the back of Phillips, who was tied up and in "imminent danger" of being killed when the commander of the nearby USS Bainbridge made the split-second decision to order his men to shoot, Gortney said. Navy snipers took aim at the pirates' heads and shoulders, he said. The lifeboat was about 25-30 yards away and was being towed by the Bainbridge at the time, he said. The pirates had agreed to the tow to move the powerless lifeboat out of rough water. A fourth pirate surrendered after boarding the Bainbridge earlier in the day and could face life in a U.S. prison. He had been seeking medical attention for a wound to his hand and was negotiating with U.S. officials on conditions for Phillips' release, military officials said. The rescue was a dramatic blow to the pirates who have preyed on international shipping and hold more than a dozen ships with about 230 foreign sailors. But it is unlikely to do much to quell the region's growing pirate threat, which has transformed one of the world's busiest shipping lanes into one of its most dangerous. It also risked provoking retaliatory attacks. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Our Navy At Work Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/12/09 08:18:46 USS Boxer ............................................................................................... Captain Richard Phillips Rescued by Naval Action ................................................................................................. MOMBASA, Kenya — U.S. forces freed an American ship captain and killed three of his captors Sunday in a daring rescue that ended a five-day standoff between the world's most powerful navy and Somali pirates in a lifeboat far off the Horn of Africa. Capt. Richard Phillips was in "imminent danger" of being killed before a Navy commander made a split second decision to shoot the pirates in an operation authorized by President Barack Obama, Vice Adm. Bill Gortney said. He said the pirates were armed with AK-47s and small-caliber pistols and were pointing the rifles at the captain when the commander of the nearby USS Bainbridge gave the order to open fire. Gortney, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said the White House had given "very clear guidance and authority" to take action if Phillips' life was in danger. Phillips' crew, who said they had escaped after he offered himself as a hostage, erupted in cheers aboard their ship docked in Mombasa, Kenya. Some waved an American flag and fired flares in celebration. Phillips, 53, of Underhill, Vermont, was not hurt in several minutes of gunfire and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet said he was resting comfortably on a U.S. warship after receiving a medical exam. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Our Navy At Work -- Buddy LST 1126, 04/12/09 11:39:10

Subject: Somali Pirates Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/11/09 19:07:55 U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. and UH-1Y crew chief Bryan E. Campbell (R), from Melbourne, Arkansas, with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares an M2.50 caliber machine gun during flight operations in support of counter-piracy surveillance operations in the Gulf of Aden April 6, 2009. Somali pirates holding an American hostage on a drifting lifeboat hauled him back when he jumped overboard to escape and vowed April 9, 2009 to fight any attack by U.S. naval forces stalking them at sea. Sgt. Anthony Petro (L), from Des Moines, Iowa, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th MEU, accompanied the crew during their operations. Picture taken April 6. REUTERS/Robert C. Medina /U.S. Navy photo/Handout [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: The Marines Are There ! -- OSD, 04/11/09 19:13:09 Re: The Marines Are There ! -- SeaBat, 04/12/09 06:24:43 A Joint Operation ! -- OSD, 04/12/09 08:10:27

Subject: more recent Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/10/09 15:58:41 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Pirate situation video Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/10/09 15:54:29 not the most recent, but interesting [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: WWII Veteran Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/10/09 15:20:20 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: USS Bainbridge on the way ! Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/ 8/09 10:19:31 File: A Maersk cargo ship like the one hijacked off Somalia carrying 20 Americans. ................................................................................... Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Wednesday for world action to "end the scourge of piracy" as U.S. warships raced to confront pirates who hijacked a U.S.-flagged ship off the coast of Somalia. American crew members aboard the hijacked ship were able to regain control of the vessel Wednesday, but the ship's captain still is being held hostage on a smaller boat. "We are deeply concerned and we are following it very closely," Clinton said. "Specifically, we are now focused on this particular act of piracy and the seizure of a ship that carries 21 American citizens. More generally, we think the world must come together to end the scourge of piracy," she said. U.S. Navy officials told FOX News on Wednesday afternoon that its closest ship was 300 miles away, which would place it 15 hours from the vessel, known as the Maersk Alabama. A defense official said the ship's captain is being held captive on board a lifeboat belonging to the ship. Four pirates are in the lifeboat and according to the official there is no clear evidence that a pirate remains captive with the U.S. crew. "We are able to confirm that the crew of the Maersk Alabama is now in control of the ship," said Kevin Speers, a spokesman for Maersk Lines Limited. "The armed hijackers who boarded this ship earlier today have departed, however they are currently holding one member of the ship's crew as a hostage. The other members of the crew are safe and no injuries have been reported." Speaking on the ship's satellite phone, one of the 20 crew members said they had been taken hostage but managed to seize one pirate and then successfully negotiate their own release. "All the crew members are trained in security detail in how to deal with piracy," Maersk CEO John Reinhart told reporters. "As merchant vessels we do not carry arms. We have ways to push back, but we do not carry arms." John Harris, CEO of HollowPoint Security Services, which specializes in maritime security, said that the crew's overtaking the pirates could help prevent future hijackings, especially since the military can't protect the entire high seas. "Any time you can get intel from them, they can give you any kind of significant information, they more than likely will not, but anything we can get will always help us in the future," Harris told FOX News. "Naval vessels ... can't be everywhere at one time, just like law enforcement," he said, noting that the U.S. Navy has been protecting the most vulnerable shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. "If you saturate an area long enough in the shipping lanes, if you saturate it with war ships long enough, they venture out. In this case that's what they did. They want 350 miles out of the coast where no Naval vessels were present," he said. .......................................... Time to get some U. S. Marines on the job !, They know how to handle lawless pirates ! Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: USS Bainbridge on the way ! -- linda, 04/ 9/09 06:05:17 Re: USS Bainbridge on the way ! -- Buddy LST 1126 (:-(), 04/10/09 01:42:54 Re: USS Bainbridge on the way ! -- SeaBat, 04/10/09 06:01:56

Subject: Coleman Pocket Stove for WWII Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/ 7/09 18:16:45 The company doesn’t just make goods for gentleman campers like myself. Throughout WWII, GIs carried a special “Pocket Stove” that was specifically designed and manufactured by Coleman. From the company’s history: “During WWII, its Wichita plants cranked out projectiles for the Navy and parts for B-17 and B-29 bombers. But their most valuable contribution to the war effort was the development of the GI Pocket Stove. The specifications seemed impossible. “The stove had to be lightweight, no larger than a quart thermos, burn any kind of fuel, and operate in weather from -60º to 125º F. Fewer than 60 days after work commenced, Coleman demonstrated a working prototype. And in November 1942, 5,000 of Coleman’s little stoves went into battle when U.S. forces invaded North Africa. The stoves burned for two hours on a cup of fuel from a jeep or plane. They were carried across every battlefield in Europe and the Pacific. They showed up in tents, foxholes and bombers.” Those specs do seem impossible, but Coleman got it done and the stove remains today as one of my favorite pieces of WWII equipment. ........................................................... One of the best camping stoves ever made. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Coleman Pocket Stove for WWII -- SeaBat, 04/ 9/09 03:48:35

Subject: WWII Navy Radio Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/ 7/09 16:19:51 ................................................................................... A classic WWII Collins Communications Receiver (sure would like to have one for my radio collection) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: WWII Manual Calculator Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 04/ 7/09 16:03:07 Rare World War II Ship's Distance and Time Maneuvering Calculator ........................................................... I am not sure but I think this may have been used on subs to calculate torpedo runs. Correct me if you know what this is. Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: very interesting ! Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/ 7/09 08:56:01 An electric two-seat prototype vehicle developed by General Motors and Segway is shown in Manhattan on April 6, 2009, in New York City. The makers promise to move people around cities more quickly, safely, quietly and cleanly, and at a lower total cost. ................................................................................ Looks interesting, could be worth a try [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Okinawa from Satellite Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 04/ 6/09 08:21:31 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Great Heading Picture, Loading an "Ashcan" Author: OSD [Edit] Date Posted: 04/ 6/09 04:20:23 Seabat: Great Heading picture, they are loading an "Ashcan" depthcharge to be fired off the stern of the ship, usually a DD (Destroyer). The Ashcan will be launched about 100 feet astern or the side of the ship. The depth it explodes is set on the ashcan and "Launch depth charges". Hedgehogs (smaller charges) can also be fired in a pattern of 3, stern, port and starboard, to sink an enemy sub. I saw this first hand on the USS LAWS DD-558, and it was something to see. Better than any hollywood movie [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: North Korea ? Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 04/ 1/09 05:14:52 N. Korea 'Will Mercilessly Shoot Down' U.S. Spy Planes .......................................................................................................... Wednesday, April 01, 2009 (north korean launch site) SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea accused the United States of spying on the site of an impending rocket launch and threatened Wednesday to shoot down any U.S. planes that intrude into its airspace. North Korea says it will send a communications satellite into orbit on a multistage rocket between April 4 and 8. The U.S., South Korea and Japan think the reclusive country is using the launch to test long-range missile technology, and they warn Pyongyang would face sanctions under a U.N. Security Council resolution banning the country from ballistic activity. Pyongyang's state radio accused U.S. RC-135 surveillance aircraft of spying on the launch site on its northeast coast, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry, which is in charge of monitoring the North. "If the brigandish U.S. imperialists dare to infiltrate spy planes into our airspace to interfere with our peaceful satellite launch preparations, our revolutionary armed forces will mercilessly shoot them down," the ministry quoted the radio as saying. (A satellite image taken over North Korea provides a breakdown of the missile facilities.) ......................................................................................................................... Check and Checkmate, Next move ?? Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: North Korea ? -- SeaBat, 04/ 4/09 13:21:42

Subject: Third World Dummies Author: Old Sea Dog [Edit] Date Posted: 03/31/09 07:02:09 Taliban Chief Vows 'Amazing' Attack on Washington 'Soon' ....................................................................................................... DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — The commander of the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility Tuesday for a deadly assault on a Pakistani police academy and said the group was planning a terrorist attack on the White House that would "amaze" the world. Baitullah Mehsud, who has a $5 million bounty on his head from the U.S., said Monday's attack on the outskirts of the eastern city of Lahore was retaliation for U.S. missile strikes against militants along the Afghan border. "Soon we will launch an attack in Washington that will amaze everyone in the world," Mehsud told The Associated Press by phone. He provided no details. Mehsud has never been directly linked to any attacks outside Pakistan, but attacks blamed on his network of fighters have widened in scope and ambition in recent years. The threat comes days after President Barack Obama warned that Al Qaeda is actively planning attacks on the United States from secret havens in Pakistan. .............................................................................................................................................. All I can say is " Bring it on, you sneaky little bastard, and you will bring attacks on you that will never stop". Predator UMV's can come from any direction, at any time. You better have a real deep hole to tuck your ass into. The Old Sea Dog [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: Third World Dummies -- Buddy LST 1126, 04/ 1/09 02:03:01

Subject: lst 726 Author: linda [Edit] Date Posted: 01/15/09 07:38:36 hello my friends. i am looking for any for,pictures,of lst 726 or of my dad harry k stroup,or stroupe [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Re: lst 726 -- Ron Williams, 05/26/09 05:46:18 Re: lst 726 -- llinda cloverleaf, 06/26/09 04:34:24 Re: lst 726 -- cloverleaf, 06/27/09 17:21:53