Small Talk Volume 9, Issue 2

July, 2017 Small Talk Volume 9, Issue 2

Official Newsletter of the USS Ernest G. Small Association A NEW LOOK FOR SMALL TALK

At the conclusion of the 2009 Ernest G. Small reunion in Indianapolis, IN, we met for our business meeting and determined our best interests would be served by arranging and facilitating our future reunions in place of the ex- tant commercial reunion services that had arranged and facilitated the previ- ous sixteen reunions. Our goal was to select affordable reunion locations central to our city of choice, with amenities in the immediate area which offered food, sightseeing and entertainment for scheduled group events and for exploring by smaller groups during unscheduled free-time. This year we are looking forward to the eighth consecutive reunion of the USS Ernest G. Small Association. The first seven were well attended and en- joyed by all. . Since assuming the role of Reunion Coordinator in 2014, John Inside this issue Lewis has delivered three excellent reunions in Pensacola, FL, Long Beach, William Ross Letter ...... 2 CA, and last year in Branson, Mo. We expect to enjoy another great reunion Port Chicago Disaster ...... 2 this October in Galveston. Port Chicago (Cont.) ...... 3 We also assumed the publishing of the Small Talk newsletter and published 2017 Reunion Update ...... 3 our first issue of Small Talk in November, 2009 with a new masthead design. E.G Small Final Cruise ...... 4 This year we have given the Small Talk a facelift. Hopefully you will find it -5 to your liking. General Quarters ...... 6 -7 We will be making other changes in our news service this year. Starting this August, Chuck James (STG2, 1962-1966) will assume the duties of Small Talk Statement of Publication ...... 8 Editor. Chuck will compose and edit the future issues of Small Talk while I step aside to allow myself more time to add new features to our website/ blog, www.ussernestgsmall.org. Our news, Small Talk and the USS Ernest G. Small website are dependent on your participation. We rely on your input and stories from your experience on the Small. I have heard many good sea stories while attending our reunions, yet few have made their way into print. Don’t worry about your spelling or grammar. If you think you have a story worth telling, please send it to us and we will dress it up...if needed. Dennis Vinson - ST1, 1962-1966

William Ross at Queen Mary Reunion Registration My name is William Ross. I attended the Ernest G. Small reunion in Long Beach, CA in 2015.

During World War II, I was stationed at Port Chicago, CA ; assigned as an ammunition handler, loading transport ships bound for the Western Pacific war zone.

On July 17, 1944 a massive explosion ripped through the Navy ammunition depot at Port Chicago, California. In an instant, 320 sailors were killed—most of them segregated black troops tasked with loading munitions onto ships bound for the Pacific Theater.

I want to visit Port Chicago once again, as I am now ninety-one years old. I am aware you do not have any ties with something that happened in a different age and time, but it was an experience that I will never forget.

Thank you for giving me a little time and space

William Ross

PORT CHICAGO DISASTER

The Port Chicago Mutiny involved African American enlisted men in the U..S. Navy who refused to return to loading ammunition after a disastrous explosion at Port Chicago, California on July 17, 1944 that destroyed the Liberty ship SS E.A. Bryan. Sailors and dock workers were pressured by time and their superiors and were also using unsafe unloading methods. These methods, all common practice on munitions docks at the time despite their danger, led to a munitions ship explosion that killed all the Navy men on the E.A. Bryan and many Na-

vy dock workers on shore. All told, 320 sailors, 202 of whom were Afri- can Americans, were instantly incinerated in the explosion. The blast PORT CHICAGO wave was so powerful it could be felt as far away as Boulder City, Neva- The Naval magazine at Port da, 430 miles to the south and caused damage 48 miles away in San Chicago—a sleepy town some 30 Francisco. The force of the explosion launched massive chunks of de- miles north of San Francisco— bris, some of which fell almost two miles from ground-zero. The fall- was first constructed in 1942, after a base at nearby Mare Is- ing debris injured another 390 people. The Port Chicago explosion was land was unable to keep up with by far the worst disaster on home soil during World War II. the demand for munitions for the war effort. From the port’s When Navy replacement sailors were asked to return to loading muni- main pier, sailors toiled day and night transferring bullets, depth tions a month later, 258 African American enlisted personnel refused charges, artillery shells and to follow the order. They wanted Navy officials to change load proce- mammoth 1,000 and 2,000- dures to enhance safety. When the Navy refused to amend its proce- pound bombs from train cars dures, the sailors declared they would not load the ships. Those who into the holds of waiting ships. refused the order to load ammunition said that they would follow any

2017 ERNEST G. SMALL REUNION UP- DATE

The preparations for the 2017 Ernest G. Small Reunion in Galveston, TX have been finalized.

The Reunion will be held this year in Galves- ton, TX ; commencing on Tuesday, October

Damage at Port Chicago, looking North from pier. 24th and ending on Fri- day, October 27th.

Our host this year will order, save the one to do unsafe work under these conditions. Naval be the Hilton Galveston officials declared a mutiny and had most of the men arrested. Island Resort as noted Two hundred eight of these men were court-martialed, sentenced to in earlier electronic an- bad conduct discharges, and the forfeit of three month's pay for dis- nouncements and news- obeying orders. Fifty of them men, however, were charged with out- letters. right mutiny, a crime punishable by death. They would be known as The official Registration the Port Chicago 50. No Port Chicago sailor convicted of mutiny was Forms with full infor- sentenced to death; however, most were sentenced to eight to fif- mation regarding teen years of hard labor. In January of 1946, however, all of the ac- events, tours and meals cused were given clemency and were released from prison. was posted on electron-

ic mail and by way of As the war came to a close, changes to the loading procedures finally hard copy July 7, 2017. came, ironically mostly due to the Port Chicago explosion and sub- sequent protest. The Navy recognized that its black sailors per- formed the vast majority of ammunition ship loading and unloading in segregated units with low morale and often led by bigoted or in- competent officers. The vast majority of these sailors, according to National Asssociatiion for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) investigators, saw themselves as little more than expenda- ble laborers working under egregious conditions. These revelations prompted Navy officials to start to work towards full desegregation of their personnel by 1945, three years before President Harry Tru- man issued Executive Order 9981 which integrated the Armed Forc- es. The Port Chicago explosion and mutiny proved to be a pivotal point for the decision made within the Navy to desegregate its ranks. In 1994 the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was dedicated to those who lost their lives in the disaster.

Originally published at www/blackpast.org

JOHN LEWIS—1970 E.G. SMALL WEST PAC

47 years ago the USS Ernest G. Small and her crew set prepared to get underway at any time"!!! We all seemed to take sail from Pearl Harbor Naval Station on what would be that news in stride, we are used to screw-overs now; and prepared her last WestPac cruise, as a warship in the US Navy. I for liberty. Liberty call went about 1300HRS and those that were salute that great and decorated fighting ship and her able hit the beach. John Byrd and I had duty, but we went to the crew!!! base exchange and each bought a Canon 35MM camera. I then met Terry Lunn (QM), John Reed( SM), John (Christy Spiro) Rob- 10APR70 - Friday: Detached from YS, at 2104HRS steaming to- inson (QM) and John Knocke (BM), that's a lot of John’s, at the wards Sasebo for a scheduled 11 day period (yes, right - stay base gym. We played basketball until 1700HRS, they all had liber- tuned!!). Yesterday was spent in search of plane crash survivors - ty and headed for town and I returned to the ship. As I was setting started at 0730HRS search called off at 1730HRS. No survivors down to the evening meal, quarters were called and the great news reported (we didn't find any). The plane was a E-2-A Radar Dome that we were to get underway asap was announced!!! We were prop, crew of 4, one body reported recovered along with helmets, underway by 2300HRS, leaving several shipmates behind, includ- life jackets and various other pieces of clothing, gear and equip- ing Lunn, Reed and Robinson. We headed towards Okinawa with ment. Several parts of plane also recovered. It was reported that the Parsons. As of Sunday, we were 55 days out of Pearl, 52 days at there was an onboard fire...... one of the many non-combat related sea, of which 39 were consecutive - to say the mood of the crew accidents/deaths that occur every day in the military...... was surly, would be an understatement!!! Not knowing where we were going, for how long or why was beginning to wear on every- 12APR70 - Sunday - In transit to Sasebo (maybe???), sometime one - it truly has become a "one-day-at-a-time" situation. We after midnight the Coral Sea discovered "man overboard/ reach Okinawa, refuel and head out again to rendezvous with the missing"! The Parsons and us spent the next 15 hours searching - Coral Sea and the Tonkin Gulf. The Navy, its not a job - its an Ad- never found the sailor. The Coral Sea departed the area earlier venture!! leaving the search to us. The weather took a turn for the worse just as we gave up the search (1500), relative winds to 45 KTS and seas 29Apr70 - Yankee Station. 58 days since Pearl, 55 Days at sea, 42 6-8 FT. Returned to course for Sasebo. consecutive days at sea. We would have 2 unreps with the USS Sacramento on this day - busy!!!! I must have been feeling a little 13APR70 - Monday - I have the 08-12 watch, should find out if we verbose today because I have a long long entry and I'll share most are to continue to Sasebo - or....The weather is still bad, the rela- of it...... "Time is now 1100HRS and I'm waiting in line for the tive wind has dropped to 35KTS, but the seas are just as bad if not noon meal - I have the 1200-1700 watch. We are supposed to de- worse. Waves are now running 7-10 FT and breaking over the bow tach from the Coral Sea and join the Shangri-La (I didn't write this with the bow coming out of the water and bouncing back in on then, just a side bar on irony - I'm currently rereading "Lost Hori- each wave . Captain Cromwell just gave us the word, we are now zon" by James Hilton) by the 1st of May. Then we are supposed to rescheduled to pull into Sasebo some time after the 21st as we are head for Yoko arriving on the 9th or 10th of May. I know there are now to participate in "Operation Dragon" from 14APR to 21Apr. a lot of "supposed to’s", but one can't help but feel insecure or un- Once in Sasebo, we are only to be there for 2 or 3 days instead of sure of our status or schedule.....It is now 1430HRS and I'm on the original scheduled 11 day maintenance stay. We are definitely watch. The carrier (Coral Sea) is retrieving planes from a strike in taking a suck, they are running this ship to death. We are still run- Nam. Watching the jets land is a thrilling and exciting site. Some- ning with 1 evaporator and many other mechanical problems that how, one feels safer in the knowledge that we can do what we do were to be taken care of in Sasebo. This is our 39th day at sea, with our carriers and planes. The superiority we hold over other 42nd day since Pearl - another 7 to 10 days at sea and no guaran- nations in the area is overwhelming and reassuring. It is truly tee of next port and time in port - will really be pushing the sanity magnificent (like I said - I was feeling a little verbose). I may be of crew....and QM2 Stone wants to ship over - what the f***!!!!! against war and this one in particular, but I can't help feeling a sense of pride and well-being. I do believe in my country - our 14APR70 - in port, Okinawa - We made Okinawa at 0800HRS, our abilities and accomplishments. Until a new order is brought about first port of call since 19 MAR. We lucked out and anchored in and as long as threats of wars exist, the military will be essential Buckner Bay to refuel - no liberty of any kind - I had duty anyway. and we may as well have the best!!! "Power for Peace" is a wise Now I really have a string of good luck, duty in Midway, Guam and phrase when used wisely and quickly. Some day I hope it can be now Okinawa and I had duty first day in Subic. If we do make Sa- "Love for Peace" - "Kindness for Peace" (this was the 60's:). sebo( as is now scheduled) on the 26th, I will have duty again. We are presently assigned to "Operation Dragon. We pulled out of 30APR70 - Yankee Station: The Eagle shit today. Payday on board Okinawa at 1700HRS and will operate off of Okinawa for a couple a US Naval ship - just a little different, especially in foreign waters. of days as the Task Force is formed. Always a process: get in line, verify total amount, fill out chit for 26APR70 - Today was Sunday in 1970 and this was the weekend amount to be paid, get monopoly money, sign receipt, give money we got "screwed over" (as the pennant the captain had made up to 5 for 7 lenders. Now the big challenge was to hold on to any suggested) in Sasebo. We pulled into Sasebo on Saturday about money left until we get to our next port (whenever that would 0800 and refueled before tying up at India 2 in the inner harbor. be)....Otherwise, this was one of the dull, tedious days just main- We received a message as we were tying up that "we were to be taining station and doing what we always do.....

JOHN LEWIS—1970 E.G. SMALL WEST PAC, CONT.

01May70 - Yankee Station: Big day today for me and a cou- mentioned, we left Subic on Tuesday May 5th, just two short ple other shipmates, Promotions - I made PO3/QM3, BM3 days in port. We have been at South Search and Rescue Summers was the first of many to "tack" on the crow. Oth- since returning to Nam/Tonkin Gulf. The bridge personnel ers receiving promotions today - EM3 Poff, BM2 Sneegas, did get to practice firing the .50Cal MG on Wednesday, we PC2 Palinkas, QM2 Stone, SFP3 Bisseger. We qualified for put on a good show for those that could break away from Combat Pay for May when the Coral Sea conducted several their duties to watch us try to hit that barrel - we did a good missions this a.m. Yes we did leave the Coral Sea and hook job of hitting the ocean:):):) Otherwise, these past few days up with the Shangri La for ASWEX and then on to Yokosuka have been very routine and boring.....a note in the deck log via Okinawa. Interesting note in today's POD, especially in mentions the convening of "Captain's Mast" no mention of light of recent events. Kind of shows that there really isn't who, or disposition. anything new - just improved on (as much as things change - they stay the same) 09MAY70 - Saturday - 68 days since Pearl, 64 days at sea: "Explosive Cigarette Lighters: Recent agent report details a Word was received that USO tour composed of 2 women Communist plan to use explosive lighters in South Vietnam. and 1 man would be on the carrier for Mother's Day. We Two thousand cigarette lighters containing plastic explosive immediately felt slighted and wanted a "piece" of the action. charges are alleged to have been brought from NVN to SVN. So, the Captain sent the following message: "1) Tomorrow is The lighters, and imitation of the "ZIPPO" brand lighter (we a big day for Texaco. We're having our "World Famous Wee- all had one) , allegedly explode when the flint is turned to nie Roast". This years cookout is expected to be a huge suc- light the lighter. The charge is sufficient to kill 1 or 2 persons cess, except we don't have any "mothers" or anybody who at close range. The plan is to distribute the explosive-filled can hopefully expect to become a mother to help us cele- lighters along roads and in public places frequented by US brate; however it is noted in the 9May issue of Pegasus that personnel, giving the appearance that the lighter was left by you will be having 2 guests who might qualify, if not now - at accident"...... least in the future. 2) Therefore, in order to make our Moth- er's Day complete, would it be possible for one or both of the 03MAY70 - Sunday - At 0947HRS we and the Strauss de- young ladies to attend our "weenie roast"? The return mes- tached from the Shangri La group and proceeded to sage was that the troupe had not arrived, when they did they "SURPRISE"!!! Subic Bay, PI. By 1543HRS we were tied up would be sent over for lunch on Monday - if the wanted to starboard side of Strauss next to the Gompers in Subic Bay. and had time in their schedule. Well, it was port and it was liberty call:):):) We would be One of the girls (Dana Prettyman) had kissed a killer-whale here until Tuesday, 05May and then back out again....I had and many of us felt that any girl that would kiss a whale, the mid-watch with Mr. Larry William Chassels, he said he would eat a weenie with a sailor on the fantail..... was seriously thinking of sending the admiral a tube of Prep- A note from yesterday 08May - we refueled from the Pas- aration H to put on his d*** - it sure would make it easier on sumpsic at 1800HRS, an otherwise routine evolution with us. We escorted the Strauss and again, she limped in at re- the exception that when the midship bolo was shot across duced speed and once in port we were put on 4 hours recall from the oiler it went straight for Mr. Thompson's head. notice with no "over-nights" - - then miracles of miracles; Exercising the quick wits and reflexes of a well trained Naval quarters were called ( we assumed the worse) and we were officer, he hit the deck - narrowly escaping a ignoble death. given word that we would be in Subic 8 to 14 days (would The Captain took offense to such an unwarranted attack on end up being just 2 days) and overnights would be author- one of his officers and had the "what the hell" flag hoisted. ized!!!! Yeah!!!! John Byrd and I headed for the Sampaguita Though it did no noticeable good in the efficiency of the un- Club on Subic, picking up Stickney along the way and pro- reps or improving our relations with the rest of the Navy, it did make us feel better!!! A new flag for such occasions is ceeded to drink ourselves into oblivion:):):) Made into Olon- being made - the "Go to Hell" flag. I have a feeling that we gapo and the "New Jolo's"; what happened to the Old Jolo's? will have many more opportunities to us both flags... Then got real friendly with a girl named Glenn (At least I remember her being a girl.) Ah, liberty, sweet liberty.

07MAY70 - Thursday 66 days since Pearl, 62 days at sea: As

John’s diary of Ernest G. Small’s final cruise will be continued in our next issue of Small Talk.

NAVY SPEAK—GENERAL QUARTERS

By Bert Royster, ST2

TIONS” with whatever ‘condition’ “SET CONDITION ZEBRA” to be set, like 1 ASW (Anti- means to close off all the rabbit Submarine Warfare may be ex- holes as tight as possible to keep pected and to man the ASW tor- the fox out and the other rabbits pedoes, etc.). Then will be very safe. loud and continuous “CLANG- So there you are aboard ship CLANG-CLANG! ‘Set’ what is working, taking a shower, sleep- expected like, 1 ASW (highest lev- ing---whatever, when the call of el of Anti-Submarine and to man GQ being sounded. You stop, the ASW torpedoes or other such freeze, listen then INSTANTLY weapons), Anti-Aircraft stations, what condition is ‘SET’ and run This information is mainly etc. and told to close certain ships to your designated battle station- for those who never sailed on hatches and man holes. The vari- --because seconds do count for the USS Ernest G. Small and ous hatches etc., all are labeled your ships survival. You’ll have have only movies and TV ex- “X, Y or Z” with X (X-Ray) being practiced this many times, until it perience at what occurred the least to be closed (Dogged becomes ingrained, but your when we went to General Down) hatches. All those hatches heart still thumps like a trip ham- Quarters (GQ). This is also labeled Y (Yankee or Yoke) and Z mer each and every time your for the members of a US Na- (X-Ray or Zebra) being those oth- ship goes to General Quarters. vy warship to remind them of ers, in order, to be closed i.e. There is also a method for run- one of the most exciting Dogged Down and are NOT to be ning to your battle station so the events aboard---something opened unless authorized. ladders and passage ways on your that they will remember for Now imagine a field full of rab- ship don’t get clogged up costing the rest of their days. To bits who hear the yelp of a fox time. Simply put it is, “Forward begin there are actually three (“NOW HEAR THIS”). They im- and up on the Starboard side --- types of GQ: 1st) a drill, mediately STOP and FREEZE down and aft on the Port side.” 2nd) knowing that GQ will be whatever they are doing to listen. Lastly will generally come the set around a certain time (for They see/hear the fox and it’s waiting at your battle station, example a scheduled shore time for ‘rabbit’ “GENERAL usually in closed off compart- bombardment, etc.) with no QUARTERS.” Hopefully it isn’t ments, with the only way to know surprise when it happens, really a fox, but a ‘practice’ for what is occurring except what is 3rd) when it occurs is for RE- the real thing (“THIS IS A said on the 1MC or over-heard on AL! All types of GQ begin the DRILL), but the all ‘hop to’ their the sound powered phone sys- same way with a call over the hiding holes any way. Hearing tem. In many ways, that waiting ship’s loud speakers (the THIS IS NO DRILL-CLANG- can be the worst time of that ex- 1MC) stating, “NOW HEAR CLANG-CLANG. It’ll look like all perience. THIS.” Next will be the call the rabbits go into mass confu- of “THIS IS A DRILL” or The extreme adrenalin ‘rush’ sion, except hearing what to ex- “THIS IS NO DRILL.” Fol- from going to an unplanned GQ, pect (“SET CONDITION---) lowed by, “GENERAL something that is “NOT A meaning they will know where QUARTERS-GENERAL DRILL”, is something a person they can run for their best de- QUARTERS, ALL HANDS will never forget! fense. Lastly, hearing what rab- MAN YOUR BATTLE STA- bit holes need to be closed off i. e. WETSU – Bert Royster

TAPS TAPS The trailing notes of the bugler’s horn, Settling on this Memorial Morn, Honoring heroes staunch and true, The ones who died protect- Small Talk was notified of the death of the following ship- ing you, mates. The entire crew extends our sympathy to family and friends. TAPS, when played this special day, Name Rank Served Deceased Bring silent respect in every Joe Reindeer MM 1963-1963 05/24/2008 way, Marlowe Martin EMFN 1958-1958 12/04/2013 Joseph Tortoise ENS 1951-1952 02/13/2016 Respect for those who Jim Sneegas BM2 1969-1970 06/29/2016 fought and dies, Roger Gleason RM2 1966-1970 07/11/2016 Heroes all, they give us David Lots SOSN 1951-1952 07/13/2016 pride. Joe Hoyer SN 1945-1946 08/06/2016 John Cromwell Jr. CMDR 1969-1970 12/17/2016 Theodore Johnson CMDR 1962-1964 03/20/2017 You and I, to them we Hilary Linger FN 1954-1956 02/10/2017 owe, Arnold Dyer RM2 1968-1970 06/12/2017 Edward Woolford BT2 1950-1952 06/29/2017 Our freedom all and a chance to grow, Making America better WELCOME ABOARD still, It’s up to us and our own free will, So, honoring those who gave us the chance, America’s greatness to now enhance, The Ernest G. Small Association welcomes: Answering the call of the Steven McGuire BT3 1966-1969 bugler’s horn, [email protected]

R. C. Vaden GMGSN 1963-1965 Permeating all this Memo- 801 Sannoner Ave. Florence, AL 35630 [email protected] rial Morn.

Warren Cruise S1C/RD 1945-1946 Denver, CO [email protected]

Leland Garland PC3 1965-1967 Howard D. Peet Richmond, VA [email protected] 2017 Doug Mahoe BM 1962-1964 Woodland Hills, CA [email protected]

Statement of Publication

The SMALL TALK is the official publication of the USS ERNEST G. SMALL ASSOCIATION. It will be published quarterly. SMALL TALK is funded by voluntary contributions from our membership. There are no dues. All members are encouraged to support the voice of the Ernest G. Small. A financial statement appears in each issue of the newsletter. USS ERNEST G. SMALL ASSOCIATION SMALL TALK is a medium for members to share their experiences, express opinions and offer suggestions or creative criticism. P.O. BOX 3485 HAYWARD, CA 94540 Unless otherwise stated, all views and opinions are those of the contributing writer, and do not Phone: (510) 453-8981 represent the opinion of the Association leadership or the Editor. Web Site: www.ussernestgsmall.org All letters and stories submitted will be considered for publication, except letters that are unsigned. Letters requesting writer’s name be withheld will be honored, but published on a space available basis. Signed letters with no restrictions will be given priority. Letters demeaning to another shipmate and letters promoting a political position will not be printed. SMALL TALK editors are not responsible for the accuracy of articles submitted for publication. Articles of historical merit should be researched and verified by the author for their accuracy. Dennis Vinson Director/Webmaster [email protected] Our Contributors

Jimmy Vess MM3 1967-1969 Jack Rushing BMSN 1955-1958 William Holmes RD2 1963-1966 Joseph McGuire GMG3 1966-1969 John Lewis Bert Royster STG2 1962-1964 Dennis Vinson ST1 1962-1966 Reunion Coordinator John Swens SOG2 1961-1964 Howard Peet FCSN 1952-1954 [email protected] Richard Glogowski RM3 1949-1951 Roger Patterson EN2 1967-1969 James Rusch SN 1957-1960 John Swens STG2 1961-1964 James Case DC1 1967-1969 Lee Halford ENS 1970-1970 Bo Settle RM3 1968-1970 Howard Brenz RD2 1949-1952

Sean Coyle GM2 1949-1952 Charles James Small Talk Editor [email protected]

FINANCIAL STATEMENT Richard Glogowski Librarian Thank You! May 31, 2017 [email protected] Cash Balance on 12/31/16 $1,680.39 Your contributions to the Association are the Donations:01/01/17-05/31/17 $ 1,105.00 lifeblood of the services that we provide to all Subtotal $2,785.39 members. Our USS Ernest G. Small website Less: and the quarterly Small Talk Newsletter de- pend on your generous support. An annual Exp. Paid through 05/31/17 $1,883.60 gift of $20.00 will help keep this ship afloat. Cash Balance $901.79

Robert Nunes Web Support/Photography Please send your donation to: USS Ernest G. Small Association.