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Vol. III, No. 10 U. S. Naval Operating Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Saturday, 13 March 1948 $500,000 Blaze in Caimanera Thursday

$100,000 GRANTED BY BU FIREBOATS PREVENT YARDS & DOCKS TO ABOUT THE SPREAD OF FLAMES COMPLETE BARGO MASTHEAD Fire of an unknown origin broke POINT Yea, and be gorra Wednes- out at the New Orleans Bar in day is St. Patrick's Day. For Caimanera about 0430 Thursday Project Now Assured Success this occasion our staff artist, and quickly spread to adjoining The Bargo Point housing project, Mrs. Bates, drew the special buildings. The flames caused prop- virtually at a standstill during the masthead above. Its theme erty damage estimated at between first part .of the year, recently re- of course is good old St. Pat, $300,000 and $500,000. top hat, pipe, and staff, driv- ceived a shot in the arm from the Prompt work by the "Joturo," an Bureau of Yards and Docks, which ing the mythical snakes of ex-Navy Ireland into Subehaser owned by senior in response to our urgent requests, paganism out of Pepe Guerra, together with the sea. The shamrocks were has provided $100,000 to assure the quick arrival of Navy craft, suc- completion of the work. thrown in for good measure. ceeded in quenching the flames be- Last June, when work on Bargo fore they could spread away from was started, there was no money the shore line. Under the direction from the Bureau allocated for it. of R. T. Fowler, the YTB-524 was All unit fixtures and other neces- most needed fixtures could not be beached by her skipper, CBM D. C. sary equipment were to be drawn found in War Surplus. As a result, Smith, as close to the blaze as he from War Surplus materials. On the authorities were forced to cur- could get. A Fleet Boat Pool LCM, that basis the project was begun. tail all but a trickle of work, at carrying portable fire pumps and Meanwhile, workmen were paid by least temporarily. hose, was piloted by Lt. (jg) L. Base maintenance funds. While Finally, the Bureau of Yards and Bonatta to a landing nearby. Both construction was in progress, two Docks came through with the craft speedily began pumping things happened - maintenance needed allotment, and work now heavy streams almost simultane- funds were cut and some of the (Continued on Page Four) ously. These and other efforts under the supervision of Cdr. E. L. Robertson, Jr., C. 0. of Naval Station, and LtCdr. R. V. van Wol- kenten, Base Provost Marshal, were successful in bringing the fire un- der control. Twenty-two Restaurants Burned Altogether, some twenty-t w o bars and restaurants, many of which are well known to Base per- sonnel, were completely destroyed in the blaze. Information available indicates that the coverage by insurance was negligible and that heavy property loss to individuals was incurred. A fire on 28 June 1946 did almost an equal amount of damage to the business district of the town. Neither fire, however, destroyed homes of any of the Base em- ployees. The crews of the LCM and YTB The thrill that comes once in a lifetime. President Truman shakes are to be commended, as are the handg'with William Barrett at the Base School on Massip Hill. This and Base Police and Hospital Corps- other shots of the President's recent visit are now on sale at both Ship's men, for their efficient and level- Services and the Marine Post Exchange. headed work. Page Two THE INDIAN Page Two THE INDIAN "PLANK OWNER" OF The INDIAN GTMO. DISCHARGED Editorial Office, NOB Library,- Phone 672 ___DCA G 1948 William J. Trost, who spent - Saturday, 13 March nearly four years as Chief Master- U. S. NAVAL OPERATING BASE at-Arms of Naval Station, was dis- CHURCH SERVICES SUNDAY Guantanamo Bay, Cuba charged last week. Sunday, 14 March 1948 Captain C. E. Battle, Jr., USN Trost first enlisted in the Navy Catholic Masses Commander on 7 January 1941 and reported to 0700-Air Station Chapel Captain A. L. Pleasants, USN 0900-Naval Base Chapel Chief of-Staff 1745-Naval Base Chapel Comdr. E. L. Robertson, Jr. year. A 51 when received aboard, Daily Mass Commanding - Naval Station he went up the ladder of rates to 0645-Naval Base Chapel Phil Leininger------.Editor Chief Carpenter's Mate. Confessions before all Masses Chap. E. E Bosserman-.Staff Advisor Known as being a hard task- Protestant Services Reporters master while CMAA, but well liked 0945-Sunday School at Schoolhouse LtCdr. R. E. Pearce Louis Kitchen-.Y2 by men who worked under him, 1100-Naval Base Chapel Ensign R. E. Lent Ike Iseman.Y3 1900-Newtown Recreation Hall Sgt. Murphy M. E. Capps-Y8 Trost h a s commendatory letters Protestant Choir rehearsal each Thursday R. E. McCullough A. F. McGrow, SKD3 from all the CO's of this station at 1880 Photos by Courtesy Fleet Camera Party whom he has worked under. Chaplains at this Activity THE INDIAN is published weekly at no Tough as blazes on wrong-doers LtCdr. E. E. Bosserman, USN cost to the government, using government when in authority, Bill Trost has (Protestant) equipment and complying with the Navy lot of long-time friends in Cuba Lieut. John J. O'Neill, USN Department directives governing the pub- itself as well as on the Base. He (Catholic) lication of Navy -newspapers. Church Organist: Cdr. S. H. Pierce, USNR. THE INDIAN is a member of the Ship's was responsible for having grass Editorial Association and republication of planted and doing landscaping on credited material is prohibited without per- mission from SEA. THE INDIAN uses Armed Forces Press Service Material, which may not be re- Wellington boots on all and every printed without permission of AFPS. occasion is well known and the All Photographs used by the INDIANte parties he gave at "Red Barn" are Official U. . remembered as extra special events. :* ______He will be remembered also for CHAPIAlstS CORNER EDITORIALLY SPEAKING his amazing capacity for Hatuey beer without becoming intoxicated. "HAIL SAINT PATRICK" The 1948 American Red Cross He maintained 4.0 conduct during drive for 75 million dollars is un- his entire tour of duty here. Every nation has its heroes. derway, '75 million, that's t h e A native of Lancaster, Pa., Trost They are scholars, statesmen,. sol. goal; but to quote Pres. Truman: is rather hesitant on giving infor- diers and saints. Their memory will .c results should be limited only nation on his present plans, but it never be effaced. Their fame will by the generosity of the American s expected that he will end up always be an inspiration to their people." in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where it fellow countrymen and to the world. Here in Guantanamo Bay during seems he has been offered a lu- That's the position St. Patrick 1947, Mr. Paul Olson, Red Cross creative job. holds for the people of Ireland Field Director, serviced 698 wel- and those of Irish descent who are fare problems for military person- KNOW YOUR GTMO. scattered throughout the world. St. nel and their families. Of these, K Patrick's Day isn't just a "great approximately 210 were emergency By M. L. Perry day for the Irish." It's a day for leave cases in which chapter yeb- Legend has it that the pair of old Christian joy for all who know fiction reports were procured and Spanish cannon in front of the NOB of the work of this holy man. prompt air transportation arrang- Administration Building came from In the beginning of the fifth cen- ed for the serviceman. Morro Castle at Santiago de Cuba. tury this lad, who has born in In addition, our Red Cross Office Nothing definite is known of their 387, was taken from his native made and is making many loans origin or why they were brought land to be a slave in Ireland. He in emergency and hardship situa- to the Base. Prior to 1921 they were was ordered to tend the flocks as tions. In handling these cases, 1102 placed in front of the old Ad Build- a shepherd boy. Somehow, alone letters plus 1072 cables were sent ing on Hospital Point. When the for hours at a time, he drew closer and received in '47. new Administration Building was to God in prayer and thought. He At t h e Naval Hospital, Miss completed in 1942, this brace of was twenty-two when he escaped Erna Hansen, Recreation Worker, cannon was moved to its present to the continent. There he sought has done a splendid job of making location. a knowledge of the teachings of life easier for patients. Every day, Another gun, located at the re- Christ from the Monks in Gaul. Miss Hansen writes letters for silence of Captain McIntosh on The more he studied, the more those disabled, makes shopping ex- Deer Point, was formerly part of he prayed that God would find a cursions at the Ship's Service, and the main battery of the old USS way for him to return to Ireland distributes health and comfort ar- MONONGAHELA, a combination and teach the pagans Christianity. tiles, sailing and coal-burning ship. In As a consecrated Bishop he return- None of us can possibly know 1911, the ship caught fire while ed to become "The Apostle of Ire- when tragedy may strike at home, coaling at Hospital Cay. hearing land." when we'll need immediate help. the fire would spread to the coaling He drove the "snakes" out of We can be certain however, that dock, t h e Captain ordered the Ireland;. but these were the ser- if and when that time comes, the MONONGAHELA towed into the pents of idolatry, superstition, and Red Cross will be standing ready. cove where Fleet Landing is now paganism. His use of the shamrock Again to quote Mr. Truman from located. The fire burned for twenty- to explain the Blessed Trinity has his Key West speech: four hours, consuming the ship to always been remembered. "Certainly, no price. tag can be the water's edge. The flames creat- March 17 we commemorate his fixed upon the comforts given or ed such terrific heat that the metal death. "All hail to St. Patrick!" the hopes relit by the Red Cross. of the gun was softened, causing He's the Patron Saint of Ireland Its services, particularly in these it to droop. After the fire, the gun but he's also a model of zeal for days, are priceless to our way of was brought ashore and later set the teachings of Christ and the life." up on Deer Point. things that pertain to God. THE INDIAN Page Three THE INDIAN Page Three CHARLES F. KANE, Y2 In anticipation yetI of heavy train- WHITE HAT OF THE WEEK ing operations during the com- Here he is, you lucky people- lad whose story you've ing month, VU- we mean the i s awaiting been asking for via the ballot box. 10 ' t h e arrival of The N sD civilian baseball team, VU-4 squadron champs of the Base, will be playing from Virginia. again today on NOB diamond No. The NAS 1, against the USS CORAL SEA. Basketball team combined with VU- The CORAL SEA nine answered a 10 has knocked off the Hospital Depot dispatch with an affirmative Needles in three straight games. stating that game time would be This Friday they'll tackle a semi- 1430. pro aggregation from Guantanamo The Depot coaching board of City. The game site is NAS basket- strategy has not announced a start- ball court. If there are any Base ing hurler, but Maso, who threw teams wanting games with this that no-hitter at Naval Station in outfit contact Bradford at 731. the Dust Bowl World Series, and The VU-10 bowling squad has Matos, our flashy Florida Inter- spread its fame this week with national League star, are in top the expert rolling of Phillips and condition for today's fracas. Schramm. They are right on the Absent for today's contest will heels of the league leading Hos- be Ramos, southpaw chucker, and pital keglers. Next week's games Aparacio, the Depot's colorful should decide the winners. first-sacker, both of whom depart- Congratulations this week are ed this week for the States to voiced for Chief Deitch, now the start spring training with the Big proud father of a baby boy, and for Spring Texas team. Posey England on his rating to In an around the Depot: Folks ARM2. at the Depot a're glad to have LtCdr. Keith, Exec. Officer, back on better after a Lieutenant For the benefit of any strangers the job and feeling handsome young couple days off due to illness. (jg) Charles on the Base, that from S and Mrs. Vasey staring at- is Charles F. The YP-629 is in again man you're NSD was - ' of the Training of NOB personnel. Miami, and aboard from Kane,.Y2, shore stories Group became Better known as "Candy" Kane Chief Bunt with new of Miami . . . H. L. Freedman, proud parents of within the various cliques around a bouncing baby as -he is also super-salesman, rhumba king, and the : Base, Cholly; from S & boy born at this first saw the dark of night Supply's goodwill agent known, for Panama this l hospital Mon- on 23 August over a score of years K departed Gtmo. week and then on to the States . da y 8 March. ago in the hamlet of Philadelphia. T h e newcomer Passing lightly over the first ten- is named David Allen Vasey. der years:of his life, we find Candy, The Post is a Bowling continues to hold the at the age of 17, skipping down beehive of act- sports spotlight, and our enlisted the streets of Philly towards the ivity lately . . men's team continue with their local recruiting station. There he Ozzie and Steve winning ways. G. Walker is still on an innocent penned his handle ar e having a high man with an average of 163. called a "mi- looking slip of paper rou g h The Officer's team is still in the nority cruise." .: Prettytime issuing rut losing two and winning one. training at - the Finishing boot get- Johnson of the Finance Office is by virtue of his ex- equipment, Lakes, Candy, ting the barracks high with an average of 168. Soft ceptional GCT mark (25), attend- ball practice started last week and from class "A" and grounds ed and graduated squared away. we are expecting great things of yeoman school at San Diego Cal., The spray guns are kept busy at the hospital team when the regular and was transferred to Washing- Transport and Maintenance playing season gets under way. in BuOrd. He Motor ton, D. C., for duty its hands full in prepara- Notice to Recent Mothers months of com- also has performed nine tion for the coming Inspector Certificates of birth, suitable for duty there, in reward for mendable General's visit which is scheduled framing, are available at this Hos- which in October '46 he was sent pital for babies born on or after Bay. for the 23rd of March. to Ye Olde Guantanamo Merriam 17 December 1947. The certificates when Last week PFC Walter Always ready with a smile that he'd have may be obtained by calling at the Candy is al- was kind of wori'ied a guy needs it most, "outside" and do Dependent's Clinic Monday through to meet a shipmate to go on the ways. willing manual labor, but he passed his Friday. Bring the baby along in one-quarter of the way. Aside it's foot prints may be work- physical exam and will be in the order that from being one of 'personnel's four years . . . put on the certificate. Candy is quite an Corps for another ingest yeomen, At present Merriam is perform- Sorry, we are unable to furnish down shortstop athlete. He held ing duty as fourth in command of these certificates for births prior year's undefeated Tenth on last the Post Brig. to 17 December as the certificates Naval District softball champs. The dance at the Staff NCO must bear the signature of the In approximately 160 more days, Club last Saturday night was a attending medical officer, and the be losing Candy back to we'll rousing success . . . the gals from officer who was here before that He'll be missed for his sharp Philly. the USO in Gtmo. were there in date is no longer attached to this and good sense of humor, as wit full force and music was furnished activity. Incidentally, we would well as his "always ready" attitude advise the mothers to come in for The by an excellent Cuban Orchestra. when it comes to doing a favor. for their certificates as soon as pos- him made a Another dance is scheduled men who voted for families sible as Dr. Kukral is due to be Cholly as March 20 and all enlisted good choice in selecting invited to attend. transferred very shortly. White Hat of. the Week. are cordially F INDIAN Gtmo. Bay-11 Mar. 48-2500. P age our THE INIA-

J3WING LEAGUE - The C. P. O.'s led by Bowman, who totes a 169 average, stretched NAVAL STATION LYCEUM their winning streak to 27 straight this week. 1st Lt. Inferrera of the Sun. 14 Mar. to Sat. 20 Mar. Marines still tops the three leagues A mark- Sunday with a hefty 182 average. TO ed change this week is noticeable MR. SMITH GOES League, where VU- WASHINGTON in the Officer's Jean Arthur 10 has dethroned Naval Station. James Stewart ENLISTED Monday Corona W. L. DELIGHTFULLY DANGEROUS C. P. O. s ------27 - 0 Ralph Bellamy Jane Powell Fleet Boat Pool ------16 - 11 Tuesday 1st Division ------15 - 12 GUEST WIFE 3rd Division ------12 - 15 Don Ameche Claudett Colbert 5th Division ------4 - 20 Wednesday Fleet Res. Ass'n ------4 - 20 HARRY W. L. UNCLE Banana George Sanders G. Fitzgerald Hospital ------21 - 6 18 - 9 Thursday VU-10 ------LADY Marines ------12 - 9 COWBOY AND THE NAS ------12 - 15 Gary Cooper Merle Oberon NSD ------9 - 15 Friday 6th Division ------3 - 21 MARGIE OFFICERS W. L. Alan Young Jeanne Crain VU-10 ------16 - 5 Saturday Naval Station ------13 - 5 STAGECOACH 11 - 7 Marines ------John Wayne Claire Trevor NSD ------11 - 10 Civilian Club------9 - 9 F1tTraGrp. ------8 - 13 The British barmaid was a flirt, Hospital ------6 - 12 and when the chief boatswain's NAS ------4 - 17 mate went out to buy a paper she GIRL OF THE WEEK pursed her lips invitingly and VOICE OF THE PEOPLE leaned over the bar toward a shy Ever since we ran the first Girl young seaman. his, she of the Month recently, we've been VIGIL Putting her face against to make it "Now's your chance, besieged with requests Last night when I saw the moon whispered, The reader's The seaman looked around a weekly feature. all darling." so from a-glow, the empty room. wishes are our commands, I clung fast to hope and would not now on we'll run a Girl of the "So it is," he replied, and prompt- let go. the boatswain's beer. Week. Last night while the incandescent ly drank The beautiful creature above is Wen- town slept, Dave Willock: "What's a chaper- the subject of most of Gerald I smiled at the moon for love's zel's (Y2 o f NOB Personnel) one? of sake; Jack Carson: That's an o 1 d dreams. She is Esther Brandt, And I wept! Gerald says maid who never got on the first Brunswick, Missouri. By Edward Richards intercept she is 5'7", has blue eyes, blonde team but still wants to Editor's note: This "Voice of the a few passes. hair and well, all the other ingre- column is .open to any and of People" dients that make up a vision all Guantanamo Bay personnel. Repartee is the clever conversa- loveliness. written by above the way at Only material tion a sailor thinks up on Wenzel attended high school mentioned personnel will be used, from Captain's mast. though to the brig Keytesville, Missouri, and however. he says he doubts if he'll return This is the there to live when the Navy hands basketball squad him his walking papers, Brunswick that carries the is one of the spots on his "must" colors for Gtmo. list. We heartily concur, eh what? City's Joseph and Light College of BARGO POINT Gentlemen. (Continued from Page One) This outfit has will continue on a full scale basis. attempted to whip Original plans for Bargo Point Nava l Station's called for 88 quonset huts, housing crew three times, 176 families. Later, funds became twice here and available to build an additional 53 once in the city, huts,. which on completion will pro- but has been un- vide homes for 106 families of air successful thus far. They never squadron personnel. give At present, 64 huts are complet- up though, ed. These. ready units are either and after master- assigned or occupied, but it isn't un- ing a few funda- reasonable to hope that in the not mentals of t h e too distant future, all married per- game they're cer- sonnel regardless of rate will be tain to give the able to bring their families to live Sailors a run for at Guantanamo Bay. their money.