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Published Quarterly in Pensacola, Florida USA for the Old Antarctic Explorers Association Uniting All OAEs in Perpetuating the Memory of United States Involvement in Antarctica Volume 16, Issue 2 Old Antarctic Explorers Association, Inc Apr-Jun 2016

AD1 Jim Eblen Winter-Over DF-IV (1958–590 Jim at the 2012 OAEA Reunion in San DiegO AFCM (AW) JAMES C. EBLEN USN (RET) 20 February 1931—6 June 2016 Compiled by Billy-Ace Jim was born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He im served as the first president of the Old Antarctic joined the Navy in 1952 at the age of 21. A Vietnam veteran J Explorer’s Association (OAEA) and served in that and a 32-year career Sailor. Jim’s service took him around capacity from 2000 through 2005. Prior to his service as the the country and around the world, serving at a variety of OAEA president Jim was on the OAEA Executive Steering Naval Air Stations and aboard several aircraft carriers. Committee. Following his tenure as president he served as Among his most memorable assignments was as a member the OAEA Parliamentarian. He was also a member of the of a wintering-over party with Operation Deep Freeze at OAEA By-Laws Committee. Continued on page 4

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P R E S I D E N T ’ S C O R N E R Laura Snow—OAEA President

TO ALL OAEs—As we move into 2016 the 8th National OAEA Reunion to be held in Norwich, CT is fast approaching. Everyone is encouraged to make plans now to attend this gala event that will be conducted during 11–13 October 2016 at the Norwich

Holiday Inn. The committee chairpersons; Billie and Larry Hunter, are hard at work formulating plans for GROWLERS & BERGY BYTES the reunion. I want to offer my Feature Stories, Odds & Ends, Collected, Compiled, & personal thanks to Billie and Larry Written by Billy-Ace Penguin Baker and their committee for all the hard Page work they are doing in order to make Cover StoryJim Eblen Obituary Story……………...1, 4 § this a reunion to remember. Pensacola, FL—2017 Election Report…………………….3 The Reunion Special Edition of § the Explorer’s Gazette will be mailed out to all members Seattle, WA—Deep Freeze 2016 A History………………5 § in early April, so by the time you read this you should Here and There—Letters to the Editor………………….10 have received your copy. The special edition has also § been posted on the OAEA web site and can be Pensacola, FL—Downed Helo DF-63……………………14 § downloaded by anyone interested in attending the West Jefferson, NC—Lionel Wafer……………………..17 reunion, but are not yet members of the OAEA. Copies § will also be mailed to anyone who requests one from the Here and There—In Memory: Obituaries………………19 reunion POC in response to media notices. § Virginia, Beach, VA—Chaplain’s Corner………………22 The 2016 Election Committee Chairman has § prepared a self-nominating form for the election. These Mystic, CT—3-D Printed Penguin Boot………..……….22 forms must be mailed to the reunion committee no later § Chesapeake, VA—Tidewater Group News……………..23 than 30 June 2016. The form may be downloaded from: § http://oaeaelection.bobgaboury.info. Ballots will Here and There—Days Gone By…………………………24 be mailed out in July and must be returned to the § Pensacola, FL—Ice Diaries Book Review……………….25 Election Committee by 20 September 2016. § Your recommendations and suggestions concerning Brunswick, ME—New England Chapter News…….…...26 those areas that you perceive as satisfactory, as well as in § Slingerlands, NY—Ice Eagles Update…………………...28 those areas where you feel that the OAEA could be § improved, are solicited by me, your President of the Old Pensacola, FL—New Members & Reunions…………….29 Antarctic Explorers Association. § Here and There—Locator Column ………………….…. 30 § Laura Snow Pensacola, FL—GCG Chapter Meetings……………….31 OAEA President § [email protected] Norwich, CT—SUBASE New London/Palmer House…34

Late Note: I am sure that everyone has seen the cover DISCLAIMER STATEMENT story about the death of the first OAEA President, James Eblen. Those who knew Jim will agree that he was The Old Antarctic Explorers Association publishes the instrumental in the founding of the OAEA and highly Explorer’s Gazette quarterly. Opinions expressed by the supportive of our continued growth. Jim was very editorial staff or contained in articles submitted by members, knowledgeable in many fields as is attested in the cover and non-members are not official expressions of the OAEA story. He was very active in the Fleet Reserve nor does the mention of books, products, or events constitute Association as well as the OAEA. He really cared about endorsement by the OAEA. In accordance with Title 17 the welfare of military veterans. With so many fingers in U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this newsletter the fire he, with his wife Ruth, was still able to raise a is distributed under fair use without profit or payment for loving family. He will be missed by everyone. non-profit research and educational purposes only. Laura

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2016 OAEA ELECTION Editorial by Billy-Ace Baker

By the time you read this, if you are a regular member of the OAEA, you will have received your ballot by US Mail (see the Presidents Corner in this issue) and hopefully you will have voted and returned your completed ballot to the Election Committee. If you are an associate member you will not receive a ballot. In

The Explorer’s Gazette is accordance with the OAEA by-laws only regular members are the official publication of the authorized to vote.

Old Antarctic Explorers Bob Gaboury volunteered to serve as the 2016 election Association, Inc. committee chairperson. Bob has served as the chairperson for the 2006 through 2014 elections. In accordance with OAEA by-laws National Headquarters the BOD voted on a resolution to appoint Bob as the chairperson. 10819 Berryhill Road Bob received a majority of “yes” votes, so he was appointed by Pensacola, FL 32506 USA the OAEA president to chair the 2016 election committee. Phone 850 456 3556

And is published four times annually It is very difficult to find OAEA members who are willing to run for office in the elections. In 2014 Laura Snow and Bob Gaboury Editor ran unopposed for President, and Vice President. This year the Billy-Ace Baker turnout was a little better with two members, Ed Hamblin and Lisle Rose running for President and two members, John Lamont Editorial Assistants West and Nathan Mason running for Vice President. Gus Shinn Kerry Konrad On the other hand the three members, Allen Cox, Bob Buettner, John Stewart and Dave Bresnahan, who are running for the three Director Pam Landy positions, are running unopposed. Editor Emeritus Jim O’Connell 2001–2003

Association Officers

President – Laura Snow Vice President – Bob Gaboury

Secretary – Marty Diller Treasurer – Bill Rouzer Life Director – Billy-Ace Baker

Past President/Director – Jim Heffel Director – David Bresnahan Director – Wayne Germann Director – Ed Hamblin Director – Thomas Henderson Director – Robert Conner Director – William Smith Director – Russ Livermore Director – Dick Spaulding

Chaplain – Johnnie Draughon Historian – Billy-Ace Baker Parliamentarian – Jim Eblen

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DF-2016 From Page 1 E/F programs. He retired from Patrol Association, and the CERT Navy Air Operation Facility McMurdo Northrop in 1996. During his tenure at program. Jim was a founder of the in Antarctica during DF-IV (1958– Northrop Jim earned his master’s Navy Sailor of the year program in San 1959), as an Aviation Machinist Mate degree at the age of 57. Diego. First Class (AD1). The OAEA offers its sincere Jim did two tours in Air Dev Ron sympathies to fellow OAE Eblen's Six VX-6) (1958–62 and 1964–67). family and friends. During his first tour in the squadron Jim served at McMurdo as part of the Some of Jim’s DF-IV (1958–59) winter-over party other major FRA and several summer seasons at achievements are McMurdo as an LC-130 mechanic. Jim as follows: Jim served as the Flight Engineer on LC- spent 53 years in 130 #320 from 1960–64. He spent the DF-67: ADRC Eblen, ADR1 Schultz, service to the summer seasons of DF-66 and DF-67 AE2 Hammond, AT1 McKinnis, Association at the and AMSC Maynard in the quality assurance division in local, regional, and national levels. He Jim leaves behind his devoted wife Christchurch NZ. joined the FRA in 1963 when he was of 49 years, Ruth Eblen, and four of his on active duty, and affiliated with five children, Robert, Donna, Kenneth, Branch 93 (Lexington Park, Md.). and Sherry, nine grandchildren, and 15 Since then, he maintained continuous great-grandchildren. He was pre- FRA membership as an active member deceased by his son Keith. of Quonset-Davisville (R.I.) Branch Memorial services were held at 42, Pomona Valley (Calif.) Branch FRA branch 289, on Sunday 26 June, 211, Poway (Calif.) Branch 70 and was in Imperial Beach. California. Funeral a member of Imperial Beach (Calif.) services and interment will be held at Branch 289 at the time of his death. Miramar National Cemetery, on In addition to his term on the Wednesday 03 August 2016, with full National Board of Directors, Eblen military honors. served on numerous national committees, including three years on Eblen Hills: A cluster of rock hills, the Finance Committee, where he rising just North of the mouth of Colorado Glacier where it enters assumed the role of chairman for more the Reedy Glacier. Mapped by than a year. His calm strength as a USGS from surveys and USN air leader made him a natural choice for photos. Named for AD1 James C. National Vice President in 1994–1995. Eblen with the McMurdo Station Legislatively, FRA defeated winter party of 1959 proposals to implement a High-1 retirement calculation for military retirement that would have reduced the overall benefit for career service members. Jim also oversaw the FRA during the implementation of the military’s new healthcare program. MCPO James C. Eblen Following his term as National U.S. Navy 1952 – 1984 President, Jim continued to contribute, February 20, – 1933 June 6, 2016 serving multiple terms as FRAs Jim pledged 53 years of allegiance DF-66: ATCS Reginald Fletcher, National Parliamentarian. to the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) ADRC Jim. Eblen, AMHC L. Sources: Beardon, and AE1 Lenard. Moe and served as National President from 1995 to 1996. He was a lifetime  Antarctica An Encyclopedia Jim resided in San Diego with his member of the VFW, the American Second Edition by John Stewart family after a 32 Year Navy career in Legion, and Surface Navy Warfare.  FRA Today July 2016 Author which he retired in 1984 as a Master Other organizations Jim supported with unknown Chief Petty Officer. Jim went on to his time and endless energy include the  Obit from San Diego newspaper work for Northrop Grumman as Disabled American Veterans, the San  WO DF-IV, DF-66, and DF-67 logistics analyst in the B-52 and F-18- Diego Police Department Volunteer VX-6 Cruise books

4

Deep Freeze 2016: A History and Purpose Edited by Billy-Ace

Story by Grant DeVuyst Petty Officer 2nd Class 3 March 2016 he Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star crew pulled in their mooring lines and left Seattle over three months ago, as winter Tdescended on their homeport. Through the Pacific Ocean, days turned into weeks and weeks into months. The icebreaker crossed into the Southern Hemisphere on a hot December day under the equatorial sun. Over the course of a month, summer faded into the perpetual chill of the Antarctic. Thousands of miles from their origin, the cutter reached its destination: the fast ice of McMurdo Sound. It’s the first trip south for much of the crew, but for others this place is familiar. The mission, Operation Deep Freeze, predates even the 40- year-old cutter. Their task is a crucial portion of the overall military support to the National Science Foundation (NSF)- managed U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), one of the nation’s most unique peacetime missions. ______The first step in understanding the Shackleton earned their historical Antarctic Treaty System set aside Polar Star’s relationship with significance, enduring years of national territorial claims and Antarctica is a look at the continent immeasurable hardship in the name of designated the continent as a place for itself exploration, discovery, and scientific peaceful uses, including a sanctuary for In the totality of human history, advancement. scientific research and ecological Antarctica’s chapter has barely begun. Only two decades later, in 1929, the conservation. For 57 years now the Even the earliest expeditions of the legendary Adm. Richard E. Byrd treaty has stood, resulting in frozen landmass are only now reaching cemented his name in polar history unprecedented international and their 200th anniversaries; even less for while exploring and establishing interagency cooperation for science and the U.S. Navy, whose first visit was in outposts on Antarctica, as well as discovery. 1839. conducting the first flight over the Twenty years after the initial treaty, Then followed the continent’s geographic South Pole. the newly christened USCGC Polar Star “Golden Years,” the “Heroic Age” of The U.S. military’s role in Antarctic became a player in an already thriving Antarctic exploration, when men like discovery was more specifically defined mission to support scientific operations Mawson, Scott, Amundsen, and during the Cold War. In 1959 the at the bottom of the world. E X P L O R E R ‘ S G A Z E T T E V O L U M E 16, I S S U E 2 A P R  J U N 2 0 1 6

“For 40 years the Polar Star has been needed to keep the Program’s efficient routes. For the previous two fulfilling the mission down here,” said Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, at missions, however, the helicopters had Capt. Matthew Walker, commanding the geographic pole, in operation. been unavailable, leaving the crews to officer, Polar Star. “We operate in the Home to roughly 900 people during rely on satellite imagery alone to help most remote region on Earth; the the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, steer their 122-meter ship through the windiest, coldest, highest, driest place McMurdo is the world’s southernmost icy waters. on Earth.” seaport; home to airfields that The Coast Guard tested the drones accommodate ski-equipped Hercules over the course of 24 flights lasting a military transport planes and smaller total of 12 hours during the Polar Star’s aircraft; and a heliport from which month long stay in Antarctica, which helicopters transport research teams to ended on 8 February. Puma video and sites such as the ice-free McMurdo Dry infrared cameras recorded and streamed Valleys across McMurdo Sound. real-time footage and images back to the Before the yawning darkness of ship. The crew evaluated latitudinal and another winter creeps into the Antarctic, longitudinal positioning data gleaned the Polar Star and its crew will journey from that imagery to help them build home to Seattle to make vital repairs on two- and three-dimensional maps and the aging ship. Equipment rattles loose mosaics of the ice. or cracks under the strain of icebreaking

Coastie Checks Chart While Talking and requires annual repair. The cutter to Bridge will enter a dry dock period to prepare This year, the Polar Star reached a for another patrol the following Novem- frozen McMurdo Sound on 7 January. ber. 2016. The NSFs station sat 13 miles to “I believe that we support something the south with ice upwards of five feet greater than just the Coast Guard; I thick in between. Breaking in to NSFs believe it’s greater than the United McMurdo Station takes weeks of effort, States,” said Walker. “But I’m proud

ultimately resulting in a navigable route that the United States is the one Credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo from open water to the pier. spearheading the scientific program in by PO 2 Grant DeVuyst. With the combined 75,000 Antarctica. It’s a tremendous honor to Fly, Be Free! An engineering horsepower of the Polar Star’s turbines, be a part of the Deep Freeze mission.” development technician with the cutter makes gradual but substantial AeroVironment Inc., launches a Puma AE unmanned aircraft progress on the channel. It’s difficult to DRONES USED BY POLAR STAR DURING DF-2016 MISSION system from the flight deck of imagine the smaller, less powerful, UCGC Polar Star during Operation WWII-era Coast Guard Cutter Eastwind By Larry Greenmeier Deep Freeze 2016 in the Southern doing the same job in 1956 during the 21 March 2016—At the southernmost Ocean Jan. 3, 2016. first Operation Deep Freeze (though it’s place on Earth, researchers look forward These flights also provided National worth mentioning they had help from a to summer even more than most people Ice Center scientists on the Polar Star half dozen Navy ships). do. That is when mammoth icebreakers with aerial footage they evaluated along Exactly 60 years ago the freight like the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar with satellite imagery to help better vessels they escorted brought in the Star arrive in Antarctica’s McMurdo understand ice thickness, age and other makings of a new science station. Sound as part of Operation Deep Freeze conditions. The Pumas, which have a Today’s shipments keep the station to open up the shipping lanes needed to 2.8-meter wingspan, were likewise on running through a dark, brutal winter. resupply McMurdo Station and other hand to help with any search-and McMurdo Station, Antarctica’s facilities on Ross Island. When the rescue-missions if needed. “We largest research station, is the logistical Polar Star navigated into the sound last expressed a need for something that hub for the USAP, serving as a jumping January it was carrying something never could provide more immediate and local off place for science conducted before used in the 61 year history of the observation that could be launched elsewhere in the continent as well as Deep Freeze missions: — drone aircraft. easily and cover enough distance to housing the largest laboratory in The debut of the RQ-20A conduct reconnaissance on potential Antarctica, the Albert P. Crary Science Pumas from AeroVironment marked a routes through drifting sea ice,” says and Engineering Center. change for the Polar Star’s crew, which Cyrus Unvala, a lieutenant, junior grade, McMurdo, one of three year-round used to rely on Coast Guard helicopters who served as public affairs officer stations NSF operates in Antarctica to help survey the surrounding ice onboard the Polar Star. The Coast under a Presidential mandate, also is the before choosing the safest and most Guard found that “something” when the staging area for all the fuel and supplies U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric

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Administration (NOAA) offered to lend Polar Star at work and offers some idea in 1976, is expected to remain in service the Polar Star crew three small, battery- of the frigid conditions in McMurdo through approximately 2020. powered unmanned aircraft that could Sound, even when it’s summertime. be launched by hand as well as spare parts, ground-control equipment and Funds For New Icebreaker long-range antennas. They also included Tucked In Defense- a net capture system for landings Spending Bill designed to keep the Pumas from skidding across the ship’s deck and into A U.S. Senate appropriations sub- the sound. committee approved a defense-spending NOAA has been loaning out its bill that includes $1 billion for a new Conceptional Design For Canadian Puma drones to the Coast Guard for Coast Guard heavy icebreaker, which Icebreaker CCGS Diefenbaker

Arctic missions for the past several could come on line as soon as 2022. The Coast Guard also unveiled a list years, including the past three summers Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash, had been of design and operational requirements. onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy. advocating to increase the U.S. ice- One of them indicates that the In fact, the capture net was created as a breaking capacity for national security icebreakers must be able to continuously result of landing difficulties experienced and also to help with commerce in a push through at least six feet of ice, and during the Arctic missions, says Todd changing Arctic that has more maritime as much as eight feet while moving at a Jacobs, NOAAs unmanned aircraft traffic. U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle is speed of three knots. In comparison, the systems project officer onboard homeport for the nation’s icebreakers, Healy, a medium-sized icebreaker used the Polar Star. “The Puma is generally and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., also primarily for research, can break 4.5 recovered directly from the land, ice or has supported new investments in the feet of ice continuously at 3 knots. water at the end of a flight,” he says. “In fleet. The House passed a defense- The icebreakers will be used in a Arctic and Antarctic conditions we appropriations bill earlier that did not variety of climates, including polar, prefer to recover the Puma directly onto include the icebreaker, so any funding tropical, dry, and temperate. Ships will the deck of the ship rather than putting for the vessel would have to be worked encounter air temperatures as low as people over the side of the ship in a out in joint conference. minus 72 degrees Fahrenheit to as high small boat to recover the Puma from the Currently, there are only two as 114 F, the Coast Guard said. water.” Launching and recovering a drone from the flight deck of the Polar Star posed several challenges. The ship routinely rolled about 15 degrees from side to side during rough weather, Jacobs says. That meant as one of the Pumas approached, the ship’s deck might be moving up and down a meter or more with each roll. Wind and other problems caused the 6.1-kilogram Puma crash landings on ice and water during the mission, although NOAA and AeroVironment kept fixing the drones and did manage one run of about 46 kilometers, according to a report on the KQED Science Web site. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, a 420-foot icebreaker homeported During these test flights, which in Seattle, Wash., breaks ice in support of scientific research in the ranged from 15-minute jaunts to Arctic Ocean. The vessel was commissioned in 2000. (Photo/U.S. reconnaissance journeys lasting nearly Coast Guard Petty Officer Prentice Danner) three hours, the crew took note of the drones’ successes and limitations, operational polar icebreakers at the In February of 2015, the Arctic sea Unvala says. Even if the Coast Guard Coast Guard's disposal, the 399-foot ice maximum extent was the lowest nixes the idea of using Pumas in the Polar Star and the 420-foot Healy, value since records began in 1979. future, they would like to stow some which is the latest and most Additionally, the minimum extent in sort of autonomous or remote-controlled technologically advanced icebreaker in September was the fourth lowest on aircraft when they return to McMurdo the fleet. The Polar Star, commissioned record. next year. A time-lapse video shows the

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“It is well understood that the Polar involved recall that the Navy didn’t “If you got the whole billion dollars Regions are warming at a faster rate than the much like it and only kept going under up front that’s even better because you rest of the world. One of the reasons for this orders from the late Sen. Ted Stevens, don’t have to sweat it out up front and is the loss of sea ice,” AccuWeather Senior towering master of all things to do with get approval for smaller amounts each Meteorologist Brett Anderson stated in a recent blog post. “As more sea ice is lost defense appropriations. year,” Garrett notes. during the melt season, more open water is “The Navy tried to say, OK, we’re Two experts at the Heritage exposed. Open water is darker in color and done,” when the program first faced Foundation don’t want the Pentagon to has a lower albedo, which allows more of the difficulties,” retired Coast Guard Rear build the icebreakers, though Justin sun's heat to be absorbed by the surface.” Adm. Jeff Garrett tells me. “Ted Johnson, their defense budget expert, As a result of the decrease in sea ice, Stevens said, No—you’re not done. And and Brian Slattery support building the cruise ships are able to travel farther north they built it.” A Coast Guard captain new ship. Slattery, who follows the and routine Arctic maritime traffic is was program manager and it was run by Coast Guard for Heritage, thinks “the anticipated by approximately 2020, the a mixed staff of Navy and Coasties. icebreaker should be appropriated White House said. Garrett, one of the country’s most through the Coast Guard acquisition, construction, and improvements (AC&I) budget, because we need to get over the imaginary ceilings on these acquisition accounts.” Although Coast Guard Comman- dants have said for years that they need at least $1.5 billion annually to rebuild the service’s air and sea fleets, they usually get roughly $1 billion, and there’s been deep reluctance on Capitol Hill to break that habit. “The administration has appeared incapable for years of requesting the $1.5 billion for AC&I that the Coast Guard has said is a minimum requirement for modernization funding. While Congress has done a pretty good Polar Star Near McMurdo job at adding funding where necessary for the Coast Guard the past few years, the White House still sets the tone for these priorities, and the Coast Guard (in Should Coasties Or Navy experienced Arctic operators and a the context of the overall DHS budget) Build New IceBreaker? Coastie who understands budgeting and has been pushed toward the bottom of By Colin Clark acquisition, just wants the icebreaker the list for years,” Slattery says in an

After a decade of dithering, the White built. The Coast Guard could build it, email. House and Congress have finally come bolstered by their experience over the What’s wrong with the Navy close to agreeing that America must last few years building $500 million building the icebreakers? The Navy build a new icebreaker. One National Security Cutters, Garrett doesn’t fully fund its Shipbuilding and congressional subcommittee, the Senate argues. Or the Navy can do it. Conversion accounts (known as SCN), Appropriations defense subcommittee, “Money is money. Congress can put leaving the US with a shrinking fleet. “I has actually come up with the $1 billion the money wherever it wants,” he notes. worry that this $1 billion addition for needed to build it in less than a decade. Should the $1 billion actually be the Coast Guard will similarly make the But the money wasn’t put in the appropriated, it will actually push the SCN account look robust but without Coast Guard’s budget. The defense White House faster than it currently actually making progress toward the subcommittee put the money in the plans to move. The 2017 budget asks Navy’s battle force fleet requirements,” Navy’s budget. But the Navy won’t for a paltry $150 million to begin Slattery argues. operate the ship. So why should the icebreaker acquisition. Garrett says it But Garrett doesn’t care where the Navy get the money? Is that a good looks as if the Office of Management money goes as long as the ships get idea? and Budget intends to do “incremental built. “The whole issue with this It has a precedent. The most modern funding” and fund the icebreaker as the icebreaker has been debated for icebreaker in our fleet, the Healy, was Navy does aircraft carriers over years. decades,” says one of the chief co- built by NavSea, although some of those authors of two National Research

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Council studies, “Polar Icebreakers in a Economic Section of the Russian like Finland or Sweden that build ships Changing World” in 2007 and “National Embassy to the United States Grigory well,” Zasypkin explained. Security Implications of Climate Zasypkin told Sputnik. The senior diplomat added that Change for U.S. Naval Forces” in 2011. “America needs icebreakers. They scientific cooperation between the “The detailed procedural stuff. Well, have already allocated money for the United States and Russia is developing that’s just procedural stuff. It can be construction of an icebreaker,” Zasypkin very well. executed by DoD or by DHS.” said. “I doubt very much that they will “We help them especially Garrett argues, “the real question turn to us for help in terms of concerning the icebreaker fleet,” he has been the country’s commitment.” technology. This is a political issue.” noted. The SAC-D vote would seem to indicate Zasypkin noted that there are In case of an emergency, Zasypkin there’s hope. But… “Will I bet all my countries with very good expertise in said he believes it is unlikely that any retirement pay all this money will end constructing icebreakers, but Russia’s country, including the US will seek up untouched at the end of the process, expertise is unique and no country or Russia’s help, if that help can only be and be there on 1 October? No, but it’s a entity can compete with it. provided by Moscow. hopeful sign,” says the former In September 2015, President commander of the 420-foot Healy. Barack Obama announced a series of As Chinese ships sail between the new US investments in the Arctic; only islands of the Bering Sea, and Russia months after the United States took the stakes claims to the Arctic, we rely on chairmanship of the international Arctic the Healy and the . Polar Star and Council. The investments included fast- virtually every American who’s sailed tracking American icebreaker the Arctic and Antarctic, say they aren’t acquisition of new heavy icebreakers enough. between 2020 and 2022. The only US icebreaker currently US Unlikely To Request operating in the Arctic is a medium Russian Expertise To icebreaker, the Healy. The United States’ only heavy icebreaker is Build Icebreakers deployed to Antarctica. A third According to high-ranking official icebreaker has been held in Seattle, Grigory Zasypkin, the US is not going Washington, and largely used for spare to divide icebreaker building projects Russian IceBreaker In The Ice parts to repair the operating vessels. with Russia because of political “The Americans are not planning to Russia has a fleet of 40 icebreakers considerations. build atomic icebreakers, as I and additional 11 vessels under The US will probably not seek understand. As for the regular construction Russia’s help concerning technologies icebreakers, they may build them to build icebreakers, Deputy Head of the themselves or may bring somebody [in]

Model Of Russian Nuclear IceBreaker

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L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R

Billy-Ace, Sir Penguin: Thank you for the newsletter and all the fine work Just saw Thistle & her friends in latest Explorer’s you do to put it together. Gazette. They were quite excited to find themselves in Gary Price the media. Thought you'd enjoy an update. WO DF70 The Pals appreciate a hearty breakfast so we've Aloha Billy-Ace, become regulars at Showmars where, even though Thank you for protecting our Freedom! they are really bad tippers, they are developing a Another great issue of Explorers Gazette! following as being really entertaining customers. Keep up the good work Back home, when not communing with the cats, Bruce DeWald they like hanging out with other creatures and WO DF-63 absorbing good literature. You would be proud of their Billy: ongoing development. Thanks for the Gazette and thank you for your They send their regards and hope the upcoming service. OAEA gathering is well attended. Nick Majerus Most respectfully, USAP Contractor Connie Shinn 13 Seasons Penguin Pals Social Secretary Good morning Billy, Great edition. Clicked on the “if you feel lucky link” and tablet view worked well. Don't work too hard and stay well. Regards, Rob Buettner NSFA 77–82/86–90

Billy-Ace, …. Thanks for al the good work you do. Mel Pennington WO DF-73 KC4USV Dear Editor: Thanks for all your efforts. I find the Gazette very interesting. Elvin Lightsey Connie’s Penguin Pals at Breakfast Det One 68–71

Billy-Ace, Just finished the latest Gazette. Another great effort on your part. It's the only way I keep up on the goings on with the OAEA. The article of the Naval Cargo Handlers was a good article. Didn't have any idea we still had a group from the Navy involved with Deep Freeze. I will try to make a meeting sometime in the future. Send me the address where you're meeting so I can put it in my GPS. Ron Killary VX-6 62–64

Editor’s Note: Thanks to everyone for all the atta- boys and well wishes. It’s email like the above that Connie’s Penguin Pals in the keeps me going. Library With Their Friends

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Dear Mr. Ace: Billy Ace, I wish to thank you for a wonderful article in the I was saddened to see Master Chief Richard Explorer's Gazette - January - March 2016 on the Zinsmiester had passed away. He was a typical DF "Grounding of the Southwind". Sailor and a great guy in the mix. Hanne and I knew Also, the entire publication was very well done, him and his wife (at the time, Shirley) well. informative and a pleasure to read. Z was our leading Chief in Home Port in 75, SCPO Visit our website Southwind280.com. Worley was or Term Opns Operation guy in CHI CHI, Again, on behalf of the Southwind crew, thank you. he ran a tight operation (where I later spent almost Ralph Breschini two months helping out with the Army Major there in RM1 USCG Retired both Term Opns and the Transportation Office... Billy Ace: Worley was the SNCO there and drug me all over the Great Gazette issue. I particularly enjoyed the place, it was very professional in that respect, but a article about Rev. Spencer Smith. I've long been fast paced day and night operation…working...then annoyed that the Ross Sea group on Shackleton's the Off Duty was simply a Killer with him in the lead! Endurance expedition has had so little recognition. Not many could keep up or put with Worley? BUT I Their exploits in laying those depots for Shackleton is one of the most impressive chapters in Antarctic digress… exploration. They did not know, of course, that Chief Z came down to the ICE in 76 for a short Shackleton wasn't going to get to the depots and time, then he was transferred to some Navy Supply Spencer Smith paid for it with his young life. And to Activity at Hueneme...once in a while he'd come by think that after saving all of his men in the Weddell NSFA or we would meet him at the CPO Club, then we Sea group, he sailed down to McMurdo to rescue the simply lost contact with him. He was a great guy and a Ross Sea party. solid Chief. Not sure if it was me or the Command, but Best Regards it seemed at the time, "All the CPO's" I met were Maurice Cutler "Steamers"... I don't think I ever drank so much UP Reporter DF-II alcohol in my life prior to or after DF? Don't get me Billy: started on Billy Baker? As always another great issue of the Gazette. Dick Z was a good guy and departed this world If you are looking for any material, the 40th way too early. He was a vibrant full of life guy and a anniversary of recovery of the third and final aircraft sharp Naval Supply type... I'm sure he'll be missed. from Dome Charlie is this December, culminating in Worley as Well...but then a lot goes to Life the recovery of the three that crashed. Style???? John Speck Old Army Adage: "When in a Fire Fight, Keep your VXE-6 75–79 Head Down!" Jerry Schleining

Editor’s Note: I wintered over with Z in 71 and I knew he came back into summer support, but I thought he was gone when I came back in 1974.

Editor’s Note: I am hoping that John will help me compile an article about the Dome C recovery anniversary for the Oct-Dec issue of the Gazette. SKC Z WO DF-71 SKC Z SS DF-73

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Billy-Ace, Hello Billy-Ace: I read the latest Gazette and again, as always, it Apologies, I didn’t think I would receive any snail brought back memories. mail from you being that I have email. When I wintered (DF-70) at the PM-3A, WO-4 Bob I purchased a new town-house about 12 months Fort (our AOIC), made the entire crew pull over parkas back, and of course there is so many different orgs to from Bird Cloth that had been appropriated via surplus remember to change my address with………needless from somewhere?? Used a field jacket liner and hood. to say I failed miserably This is me in mine, which I still have but it is only I will take this opportunity to once again say a very one size to small. The first pic is me at South Pole big thank you for all you do for us OAEA members and Station 73–74 Summer Support and the other is me in the organization. Many of us due to work commitments the summer of ‘71, on St. Lawrence Island in the don’t get a lot of time to do much else but read and Bearing Straits. I was on the USCGC Northwind, keep abreast of what is happening with the OAEA. picked up at Nome by chopper and rode the ship for We certainly recognize and appreciate all the effort four days so I could visit Fairway Rock. Remember, I that goes into it though; so please know that you are was a Seabee. My entire at sea time was four days very much appreciated!! out of 20 years (disregarding Seabee type sea duty) I often think to myself, sheesh…..who can possibly and they were aboard Northwind. Wonderful fill your shoes when you decide to retire………a long experiences and wonderful memories. time off yet I hope. Also, know that I still spread the Best regards, word to all those I encounter within the program….and Gary Price direct them to the OAEA Internet site. I look forward to DF-70 much more participation, once I retire. PM-3A/NNPU Best regards to you……….. Marlene McLellan USAP Contractor Christchurch, NZ

Editor’s Note: Even though I love the praise this email is the result of Marlene NOT letting the OAEA know that her postal address had changed and her copy of the 2016 Reunion Special Edition of the Explorer’s Gazette that we send to everyone by snail BOUNCED. Just a reminder to everyone. If you change any of your contact info please let myself and Ed Hamblin know.

Billy-Ace: One of the members, “Mo,” mentioned wanting to look at the Dufek Papers at Syracuse. I looked at them years ago and they’re pretty paltry and dis- appointing for his Antarctic career; mostly stuff about his later command of the carrier Antietam, etc. etc. All best, Lisle Rose Hi Billy -Ace Thanks so much for the review of my book in the Oct-Dec 2015 Gazette. It looks great. Really stellar job. That poem that was picked won a prize in the Antarctic Sun that year.

Gary at South Pole Station Talk to you later and thanks a lot again for the excellent presentation of my work. I wrote it for the

vets on the ice as well as for those who've never seen

the ice.

Best always

Ronnie Smith Gary at St Lawrence Island

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Hi Billy-Ace Billy Ace, I have just been scrolling through the Gazette. Regarding the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion What an amazing bit of work, a small book in its own cover story on the Jan-Mar issue of the Gazette. In my right! Interesting and excellent articles, variety and day Terminal Operations (Under NSFA) was the colourful characters, though I must admit the long list umbrella control for all Cargo Operations—Hill Cargo, of recently deceased members makes me wonder Air Strip Operations; both on the ICE and at Willy what sort of hazardous circle I have let myself Field...and of course the Annual Ship (in and out) into! (And interesting to see several current photos of operation—We was important then!! the Editor!) Seriously, though, the way the association The CHAPGRU was our labor force. They simply is run looks highly professional compared to most followed the off load plan that we provided to them. other groups or societies I belong to. And thank you for They were, and remain, a great Naval Stevedore your review of It's a Dog's Life in Antarctica. I have Company that works like the devil and does great already had—and fulfilled—a book order from Rich works around the globe. The unsung heroes in all this Spatz who, I assume, first became aware of the book were the NSFA Seabee's. They built the annual ICE from the Gazette review. And an interesting character CUBE, Drove all the vehicles and material handling to email-chat with! equipment (as well as maintained it all) 24/7. The EO's Also, my thanks to you and to Ed Hamblin for my and the Maintenance crews were simply dedicated life membership certificate and associated information and did a superior job. received last week. The certificate has now been attached to my map of the Beardmore-Axel Heiberg region hanging on my study wall. It looks very appropriate there! Best wishes Peter Otway Dear Editor: In the above mentioned book review there is a Ice Cube Painting photo of a Miss Gallagher and the caption asks if The CHAPGRU did excellent work. They amounted anyone knows who she was. I think that the question to a strong labor force and human forklifts. They should have been: “Does anyone know what she certainly had a mission oriented command group and was?” See below photo. their overseers were good folks too. But they reminded Crazy Rich me of the Polish Labor Groups that were in Germany from 1945–70 they worked their ass off for food and a place to stay and the Army over saw and trained them to drive trucks, work warehouses, etc. Win Win. I know at the end of the Operations, we'd send the Groups "Recommended Listing of their folks who'd done good" on an all expense paid round trip to South Pole Station as a reward incentive. There were lots of NSFA folks who were detailed and involved in the Physical Off-load—all hands effort. The NSFA folks went back to work with our deepest regards and gratitude. It was a "Train Wreck Effort". They worked their asses off until it was over— everyone should have been given a week in CHCH. Carl Thomas Russell and Jerry Schleining some longhaired weirdo hippy with Miss Gallagher Editor’s Note: Ship offloading was an all-hands during the DF-67 winter evolution and all NSFA departments were provided X number of people to help with the off load. One Editor’s Note: YNC Gallagher Miss Gallagher was a year I sent Debbie Humphreys. A few days into the mannequin who resided in the McMurdo CPO Club off load I received a visit from a CHAPGRU BM1; for many years. The uniform worn by the He asked me if I was RM3 Humphreysw's chief and mannequin was stenciled with the name Gallagher. I thought, "oh shit, what has she done now?". He It is believed that the uniform was donated by YNC told me that she was the best stevedore he had and wished that he had more like her. Gallagher who was in the DF-61 winter-over party.

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Billy-Ace: B-A: Thanks for all the great work you do. In the below email, Mr. Centore reminds OAEs Jim Kanes that during their trip to Connecticut for the 2016 ASA 1969–72 reunion, a visit to the New England Air Museum in Hi Billy: Windsor Locks would give them the opportunity to I thought you might like to see these two photos see a major artifact of Antarctic aviation history—a of my father, Kirby J. Hanson, DF-III meteorologist. Sikorsky LH-34D helicopter operated by VX-6 during He wrote on the back of the photo that the first was Operation Deep Freeze. Reunion attendees who taken in the galley and the second outside in minus travel through Bradley Int'l airport will find a visit to 80F temperatures. He said the lowest temperature the Air Museum particularly convenient, because the that year was minus 102F. museum is directly adjacent to the airport. Norine (Hanson) Ziemski Marty Diller, Member, 2016 OAEA Reunion Committee From: Rick Centore: I saw your reunion announcement in the American Legion magazine. I'm a volunteer at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks. We have on display a Sikorsky LH-34D (145717) that served in Operation Deep Freeze. If some of your members have a connection to the aircraft they may want to stop in and have a look. Take care, Rick Centore

Kirby Hanson Warming His Hands

LH-34D Helo 717 From The NE Air Museum Web Site. This Aircraft Is On Loan From The National Naval Aviation Museum Pensacola Florida Kirby Hanson On The Left. Unknown On The Right The Sikorsky S-58 was ordered by the military and Editor’s Note: Kirby wintered-over at South Pole designated the H-34. It was first used in an anti-submarine Station during DF-III. Kirby Ridge is named in his role by the Navy with the first flight in 1954. The Army honor. used the H-34 as its principal transport helicopter from 1955 through 1964. The Marines adopted it in 1957 as their standard troop carrier for “vertical envelopment” landings, operating from carriers. The H-34 in our museum was one of four modified for operation in Antarctica with the Navy and was given the “L” designation. It served as a rescue and utility craft with Air Development Squadron Six (VX-6).

Editor’s Note: The LH-3D Helos were used by VX- 6 from DF-63 through DF-72. The below article

Kirby DF-III WO Blizzard DF-III WO with photos is from the VX-6 DF-63 cruise book.

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The Antarctic Can Be A Lonely Place For A Downed Helo

Mechs Lived In Survival Camp While Working On “717”

The work was miserably cold but only routinely miserably cold. What made it intolerable for Howard Humphrey, ADRC, was frozen raw whole eggs you had to shell like the hardboiled ones and mash in a frying pan with a fork. He tried to solve the problem of sunnyside- up by thawing an egg in his armpit. It nearly worked. But as the egg reached that tender stage, somebody called his name; he turned suddenly and had the instant, sticky knowledge that the egg was no longer good, even to scramble.

This was just one of the irritating incidents that resulted from an engine change requirement on a downed helo, “Shep” Darnell Manufactures A Needed Part It began when a pilot, picking up a two-man New Zealand trail party in the Royal Society Range, noticed the amber light of the sump warning system. He shut down and radioed McMurdo. Many hours later, another helo air evacuated the group. Next day, two Chief Aviation Machinists Mates, Humphrey and “Shep” Darnell, inspected the helo and determined an engine change was necessary. The crevasses forbade the landing of wheel or ski planes; a helo was used.

Dinnertime In The Field

“717” Perched Near The Edge Of Meserve Glacier

Cooking In Windbreaking Galley Ordering More Parts Removing Old Engine From “717”

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The "A" frames on hand at McMurdo were too bulky for the helos, so a 400-pound rig was designed and built. The Original plan called for two, three-man crews, each to work in 12-hour shifts. Photographer Tom Regina rounded out the party and produced these pictures. There were delays. A torque wrench, tossed to the party from a U-lB Otter from an altitude of 100 feet was immediately lost in the surface snow and never found. Another had to be flown in; the equipment proved too heavy for three men and the two-shifts system was abandoned. The sled holding the defective engine froze to the surface. Preheaters were used to loosen it, but they created a new hazard. The melt they caused formed a good-size hole under the helo’s forward wheels and the 15,000-plus-pound helo had to be moved a few yards by the seven men. The four days of actual work, completed on 4 January

1963 passed quickly, but not quickly enough for the ADJ3 Stratos Checks Rotors gourmet!; in the group. Said Darnell of sometimes duty cook, ADJ2 Nick L. Stratos. “He even burned the frozen stuff.”

LTs Roe And Maaske Check Over 717 Taking Down “A” Frame

“717” AKA Gentile 1 An LH-34D Helo And Crewman Silhouetted On The Rugged Ross Ice Shelf Near Cape Crozier

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LIONEL WAFER: HIS LIFE AND TIMES Ghost written by Black Jack of Ballarat

‘Day shipmates, this is your old pal ask Dave Greaney, who had Creaney Nunataks [sic] named GLionel Wafer. A sensitive subject. As after him. Will these experts correct their hundreds and we speak there are several illustrious hundreds of mistakes—even after they’ve had them pointed Antarcticans gnashing their teeth over the out? Nah. Of course not. So one just laughs and carries on. thorny problem of the Bulgars. That’s It’s a farce anyway, so why not let the Bulgars have their because: little joke? 1. They are Bulgars; 2. Bulgaria is hosting the next Olympics in Antarctica—so it is said, anyway; 3. The Bulgarian place-names committee has finally gone openly berserk. As for Number 3, Black Jack warned about this six years ago in the Oct-Dec 2010 issue of Billy-Ace Baker’s famous Explorer’s Gazette, and alluded to it in his encyclopedia, in which he was uncharacteristically circumspect. It was all okay as long as the Bulgars were having fun down there on Livingston Island, naming anything and everything they could see after a Bulgar saint, or a Bulgar high school. It was a joke back then, and we all laughed. For example, there was that great moment when Dmitri Ivanov stubbed his toe on a pile of fossilized dog droppings, and named the pile Nunatak Kucheshki Laina, which translates as—yes, you guessed it! Oh yes, that was funny.

Ana May High School in Sofia Bulgaria Dimitri Ivanov Accepting His Nobel Prize As long as all this was contained within Livingston Island it was fine. It was less funny when Nunatak Editor’s Note: The below email correspondence is what Kucheshki Laina made its way into the Bulgarian Antarctic Lionel refers in intro to this article. gazetteer, along with its English-language translation—for the entire world to see. Now, apparently, the Bulgars are re- naming existing place-names anywhere in Antarctica. That’s what’s upsetting the English and American bigwigs. I heard that McMurdo Station is going to be called Bulgaria Station, and the South Pole is going to be re-named Sophia Loren Plateau. Having said all that, it’s important that we keep our sense of humor about this. After all, the existing SCAR gazetteer, that holy writ which we all swear by as the yardstick of common sense, integrity, and accuracy, has so Elsa Davidson With Damien Gildea many place-name errors in it it makes your head swim. Just Bob Headland

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For: Interested Parties From: Damien Gildea [email protected] From: Bob Headland Date: Tue, 14 June 2016 15:21:54 +1000

Damien Gildea, who has been involved in mapping and Subject: Bulgarian Place Names To: [email protected] cartography in Antarctic regions for a couple of decades, sent me a copy of an enquiry he recently made to the place- Dear Sir/Madam, names authority of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic I am interested to know what is the SCAR position on Research (it follows this note). It refers to the ‘pepper- the absurd proliferation of Bulgarian names in parts of potting’ of toponyms in Antarctic regions and, quite rightly Antarctic that have no Bulgarian activity. in my opinion, questions the process. It is not a new The situation on Livingston Island, where there is at problem but is proliferating seriously and has a potential to least a Bulgarian base and Bulgarian activity, has been establish very undesirable precedents. The subject is unfortunate enough, and of course on nearby Smith Island. complex and involves national considerations. This But in recent years this activity has spread to the Sentinel prominent departure from generally conservative practice Range of the Elllsworth mountains, where I now see a appears to have one very active proponent. The example of significant number of features have been given names by the naming features from a map compiled by Damien Gildea of Bulgarians that have nothing to do with the scientific or a region where the naming authority has never visited is exploratory history of the region. These new names are so becoming so blatant as to render general recognition absurd. numerous as to point to reasons other than scientific I agree with the attitude expressed in his note and recognition for their presence. wonder what cumulative damage to Antarctic toponomy The naming of Antarctic features has been mostly will follow. I have informed him that I will circulate to rigorously managed for decades, in recognition of genuine others who might be interested. A consequence of this is scientific or exploratory activity relevant to an area. This that several of you might already have received this, but the Bulgarian activity is an insult to the integrity of the naming principle of better to hear of something twice than not at all process and all those it has rightfully recognized. applies. As evidence of the numerous new names accepted by Regards, and greetings for the Solstice on a night with a SCAR, see the scan of the amended old USGS map at: Full Moon. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roché_Glacier Bob Headland Senior Associate Yours Sincerely, Scott Polar Research Institute, Damien Gildea University of Cambridge, Expedition Leader & Project Manager Lensfield Road, Cambridge, The Omega Foundation 2001–2008 United Kingdom, CB2 1ER.

END END

Portion Of Original Vinson Map Portion Of Bulgarized Vinson Map

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I N M E M O R Y

OAE Arland A. Adams, 66, died on 9 April 2016, in Richland, WA. Arland served in Antarctica as a helicopter mechanic. Unit and year(s) unknown.

OAE Carl Alan Anderson, 69, died on 29 May 2016, in DeSoto, TX. Carl served In Air DevRon Six. Year(s) unknown.

OAE Marsha Anne Gantz, Anderson, 71, died on, 20 April 2013, in Lafayette, IN. Marsha served in Antarctica with the Contractor, Antarctic Support Associates, as a shuttle bus driver. Year(s) unknown. She also visited Antarctica as a tourist.

OAE James M. Beall, 98, died on 8 May 2016. James served during Operation Windmill (l947–48) as a meteorologist. Beall Island is named in his honor.

OAE George Beck, Jr., USCG (Ret), 89, died on 22 June 2016, in New Freedom, PA. George served in Antarctica. Unit and year(s) unknown.

*OAE. James Edward “Ed” Bell, 89, died on 10 April 2016, in Pensacola, FL. Ed served during Highjump as a Boatswain Mate Second Class (BM2) on the USS Yancey.

OAE Frank M. Berklacich, died on 11 June 2016, in Nashville, TN. Frank spent three seasons at McMurdo with the Navy. Unit and year(s) unknown.

OAE BGEN Tedd Lee Bishop, USAF (Ret), 90, died on 12 June 2016, in Greenville, SC. Tedd served with the 63rd Troop Carrier Wing as a C-124 pilot. Year(s) unknown.

*OAE LCDR Bruce Campbell Jr. USN (Ret), 84, died on 24 May 2016, in Orlando FL. Bruce served in VXE-6 as An LC- 130 pilot during DF-70 and 71. Campbell Ridges are named in his honor.

OAE Nicholas Clinch, 85, died on 15 June 2016, in Palo Alto, CA. Nicholas was the leader of the American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition 1966–67 that made the first ascents of several of the peaks on the Vinson Massif. Clinch Peak is named in his honor.

OAE Vincent J. DeFelice, Jr., 90, died on 14 June 2016, in Lansdale, PA. Vincent served in Antarctica with the US Navy. Unit and year(s) unknown.

OAE Allen E. Detwiler, USCG (Ret), 82, died on 3 April 2016, in Berkeley Township, NJ. Allen served in Antarctica with the Coast Guard. Unit and year(s) unknown.

*OAE Jim Eblen, 85, died on 6 June 2016, in San Diego, CA. Jim Eblen Hills is named in his honor. See the cover story in this issue for full details.

OAE Harold “Bud” Edwards Jr., 92, died on 16 May 16, 2016. in Brunswick, ME. Bud visited Antarctica as a tourist.

OAE Howard Davis “Dave” Ege, Jr., 91, died on 25 May 2016, in Kansas City, MO. Dave visited Antarctica as a tourist.

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OAE Ted Epstein, Jr., died on 8 May 2016, in. Denver, CO. Ted visited Antarctica on a mountain climbing expedition that climbed Mount Vinson the highest peak in Antarctica.

OAE BTCS Melvin Richard “Pete” Franklin, Sr., USN (Ret), 81, died on 4 May 2016, in Chesapeake, VA. Pete served in Antarctica with the US Navy. Unit and year(s) unknown.

OAE John Robert Graham, 85, died on 28 June 2016, in Seattle, WA. John “doubled Cape Horn” while serving as navigator aboard a 42 foot ketch from Argentina to Antarctica in 1996.

OAE Ryland Peter Guay, 86, of North Haverhill, NH, died on 8 May 2016, at the VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT. Ryland served during Highjump. Unit unknown.

OAE William Wayne Guynn, 81, died on 27 June 2016, in Folkston, GA. William served in Antarctica with the Seabees. Unit and year(s) unknown.

*OAE Robert Lee Harlan, 64, died on 18 April 2016, in Elberta, AL. Robert served in VXE-6 as an Aviation Mechanic Second Class (AD2) during DF-77 and 78. Bob was a member of the OAEA GCG Chapter.

OAE Lynn Herman Hartgrave, 75, died on 28 April 20156, in .Lynn wintered-over at South Pole Station during DF-68 as a Utilitiesman First Class (UT1).

OAE Captain James Chambers Hatch Sr., Supply Corps (SC), USN) (Ret), 91, died on 18 April 2016, in Atlanta, GA. James served on the USS Philippine Sea during Highjump. During 1971 he served as the supply officer at CBC. Davisville RI and made trips to McMurdo and South Pole Stations.

OAE Carrol Bertram Hayward, 92, died on 19 June 2016, in Atlanta, GA. Carrol served in Antarctica with the US Navy during Operation Highjump.

OAE Richard “Dick” Henry Hillson, 89, died on 20 June 2016, in Edmonton, WA. Dick joined the FIDS in 1956 and was trained in meterology before wintering at Base G in 1957, and Base W in 1958.

OAE Charles “Charlie” Dean Houghton, 71, died on 18 May 2016, in Las Cruces, NM. Charlie made three deployments to Antarctica. Unit and years unknown.

OAE Patricia Herbert Cook Howard, 67, died on 27 May 2016, in Houston, TX. Patricia visited Antarctica as a tourist.

*OAE Richard J. Iacobucci, 78, died on 4 April 2014, at Kent Hospital in Rhode Island. Richard served on the USCGC Eastwind during DF I and II. Richard was a member of the OAEA NE Chapter.

OAE CDR Douglas Richard Johnson, USN (Ret), 85, died on 20 June 2016, at Hilton Head Hospital, in Hilton Head, VA. Douglas and his wife visited Antarctica as tourists.

OAE Nick Knezevich Jr., 67, died on 10 September 2015, in Bethney, OK. Nick wintered-over at South Pole Station during DF-74 as an Electronics Technician First Class (ET-1). Knezevich Rock was named in his honor.

OAE William C. “Billy” Lappin, 41, died on 11 April 2016, Augusta, OR. Billy made deployments to Antarctica while serving on the USCGC Polar Star and USCGC Polar Sea. Year(s) unknown.

OAE Robin Ernest Leech, PhD, 79, died on 17 June 2016, in Edmonton, Canada. Mount Leech is named in his honor.

OAE SMSGT Bobby J. Manning, USAF (Ret), died on 22 May 2016, in Harrington, DE. Bobby served in Antarctica with the USAF as an in flight radio operator. Unit and year(s) unknown.

OAE CMSGT William “Bill” Palmer Mattson, USAF (Ret), 77, died on 22 May 2016, in Vacaville, CA. Bill served as an air crewman on USAF aircraft that made mid-winter air drops at McMurdo. Unit and year(s) unknown.

OAE David Andrew McGrath, 31, died on 12 April 2016. David served in Antarctica as a pilot. Unit and year (a) unknown.

OAE. Katherine Mitchem, 97, died on 26 April 2016, in Denver, CO. Katherine visited Antarctica as a tourist.

OAE Tiffany Moisan, 48, died on 5 June 2016, in Princess Anne, MD. Tiffany spent two seasons in Antarctica as an Oceanographer for the National Atmospheric and Space Administration (NASA). While in Antarctica she enjoyed hiking in the Dry Valleys and on her second season she became a member of the Lake Vanda Antarctic Swim Club.

*OAE Gary Newquist, died on in Raymond, ME. Gary wintered-over during DF-70. He was a member of the New England Chapter.

OAE David Walter Neyrinck Sr., 77, died on 23 June 2016, in Tremont, DE. David served in Antarctica with the US Navy. Unit and year(s) unknown.

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OAE Joceile Nordwall, 78, died on 25 May 2016, in Denver, CO. Joceile visited New Zealand and Antarctica as a tourist.

OAE Rev. Clifford John Ponnikas, 82, died on 27 June 2016, in Tacoma, WA. John visited Antarctica as a tourist and swam the last few feet.

OAE Catherine Fairman “Cappie” Potts, 96, died on 18 May 2016, in Dallas, TX. Cappie visited Antarctica as a tourist.

OAE David E. Provost, 78, died on 15 May 2016, in Edgewater, MD. David was part of a team that developed a satellite data link at the South Pole which facilitated scientific data reporting back to NASA headquarters.

OAE Edward F. T. Rice, 99, died at the age of 99.in Wilmington, DE. Edward visited Antarctica as a marathon runner.

OAE Carol Ann Rigney, 72, died on 22 May, 2016 in Penn Valley, CA.Carol visited Antarctica as a tourist

*OAE Quentin R. “Rish” Risher, 80, of Tewksbury, died on 31 March 2016 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. Rish served o the USS Arneb from 1956-59 as an Radarman Third Class Petty Officer (RD3). He was a member of the New England Chapter

OAE Patricia Singleton Romanov PhD, 89, died on 23 April 2016, in Eugene, OR. Patricia visited Antarctica as a tourist.

OAE Marshall J. Schuon, 80, died on 24 May 2016, in Tannersville, PA. In the 1950s, he served the Navy in Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica, as a journalist.

OAE Robert Thomas “Tom” Silva, 68, died on 1 May 2016, in .Albuquerque, NM. Tom visited Antarctica as a tourist.

OAE Robert C. Skinner, 78, died on 10 June 2016, in Seneca Falls, NY. Robert served on the USCGC Westwind during DF-III.

OAE Thomas Henry Smith, 92, died on 8 May 2016, in Grand Forks, ND. Thomas visited Antarctica as a public affairs agent on tourist expeditions. In 2002 he was on a ship that ran aground in Antarctica. Name of ship unknown.

OAE Mary Ellen Hall Snyder, 96, died on 16 May 2016, in Newtown Square, PA. Mary visited Antarctica and the Falkland Islands as a tourist.

OAE Magie J. Fitzhugh Taylor, 82, died on 3 June 2016, in Portland, OR. Magie was a merchant seaman. She deployed to Antarctica on a NOAA ship as a boiler tender. Name of ship and year(s) unknown.

OAE Thomas Norwood Taylor, 78, died on 29 April 2016, in Lawrence Kansas. Thomas was a biologist associated with several universities. His research was supported by the NSF for more than 50 years. Taylor Ledge is named in his honor.

OAE CEC Larry Dean Thompson, USN (Ret), 70, died on 3 June 2016, in Pahrump, NV. Larry served in Antarctica with the Seabees. Unit and year(s) unknown.

*OAE LCDR Francis “Frank” Stoddard Thomson, Jr., USN (Ret), 77, died on 22 May 2016, in Essex, MA. Frank wintered- over as a Construction Electrician First Class Petty Officer (CE1) during DF-65 with PM3A (NNPU) Crew IV. Frank was a member of the OAEA New England Chapter.

OAE Karen Marie Todd, 67, of Reno, NV, died on 16 June 2016, in a tragic accident while rafting with friends on the Kongakut River in Northeast Alaska. Karen visited Antarctica as a tourist with her longtime partner, Carol Sewell.

*OAE LCDR (MC) Donald Richard Walk, USN (Ret), 82, died on 3 May 2016, in Fair Oaks, CA. Donald served as the OIC and Medical Officer at Byrd Station during DF-61. Walk Glacier is named in his honor.

OAE Kevin “Mumbles” Walker, 88, died on 9 August 2015, in Noosa, Australia. Mumbles wintered-over with the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) at Mawson Station in 1962 as the assistant cook and dog handler. H also summered at Mawson in 1970. Walker Nunatak and Walker Valley were named in his honor.

OAE LTCOL Patrick J. Whelan, USAF, 46, died on 11 April 2016, while serving at Andersen Air Force Base on the island of Guam. In January 2014 Patrick and some fellow kayakers sailed a small boat from the southern tip of South America through the Drake passage to Antarctica and back. .

OAE Michael J. Wolak, 73, died on 30 May 2016, in Chicopee, MA. Michael served on the USCGC Eastwind.

OAE Ervin “Scotty” Wotkyns, 78, died on 8 April 2016, in Kingwood, TX. Scotty wintered-over at Byrd Station during DF-62 as a Hospital Corpsman Corpsman Second Class (HM2). Wotkyns Glacier is named in his honor.

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* As I look at the world C h a p l a i n ’ s C o r n e r today, particularly in Johnnie Draughon—OAEA Chaplain Europe and America, it is apparent to me that he fear of the Lord is the beginning of our quest for knowledge T wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is has done little to understanding. (Proverbs 9: 10) increase our under- standing and wisdom. A dear friend of mine recently published her With technical know- grandfather’s letters home from World War II. He was an ledge doubling every 12 to 15 months it seems that we Army chaplain who traveled from North Africa, to England, understand the physics of our world much better than we France, and Germany. While reading his letters I was struck understand each other. Wouldn’t it be great if we spent as by how profoundly prophetic some of them turned out to be. much energy and enthusiasm in seeking to understand others In late March 1944 Chaplain Walstad wrote, “America has as we do increasing our levels of knowledge? Just something something to learn from the spiritual decadence of Britain to think about as preparations are being made for another and Europe. Orthodoxy and evangelism must go hand in year of exploration in Antarctica.

hand. Growth in knowledge and in grace—heart and head. May the blessings be! Revival fervor with genuine Biblical scholarship. Unless Johnnie Draughon Holy Ghost fire can vitalize our theology, it is so much chaff. And chaff is a mighty poor diet for souls drying up in a *Pages from A World War II Chaplain’s Diary used with world of materialism.” permission.

Injured Penguin Gets Back On Her Feet With 3-D Printed Boot By Avianne Tann recently bought a 3-D printer for Mystic Middle School. She Edited by Billy-Ace reached out, and a mission was launched to help Purps. penguin with an injured left foot is now back on her “Working as a team, Mystic Aquarium, ACT Group and Afeet at an aquarium in Connecticut after receiving a the middle school students came together to design and 3-D custom 3-D-printed boot designed by middle school students print a new boot for Purps,” said 3D Systems in a news with the help of engineers. release. 3D Systems manufactured the printer, scanner and software the students used for the project, and ACT Group is a local 3D Systems partner. The learning curve was sharp, and it took months to finish the final product, according to Sue Prince, library media specialist for Mystic Middle School. But it was all worth it in the end, the students said. The kids joined aquarium staff to officially give Purps her new boot. The penguin “took off across the exam room, looking very comfortable in her new boot and walking much more

Boot In Palm Purps Wearing Boot like a normal penguin should walk,” said Flower. Purps the penguin injured her left foot about five years Matis, the aquarium’s vice president of education and ago after getting into “a bit of a spat with another bird”at the conservation, added that “it’s been truly amazing” to see Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, said Dr. Jen everything come together “in order to make a real benefit to Flower, the aquarium’s chief clinical veterinarian. the health of one of our endangered species.” Purps had torn her flexor tendon, which is equivalent to a person’s Achilles heel, Flower said. The tear caused her pain and made her walk with a limp. As a temporary fix, veterinary staff at the aquarium hand made a boot for Purps that immobilized but protected and supported her damaged foot, according to Flower. However, that handmade boot constantly needed to be replaced, so earlier this year, Flower proposed looking to 3-D-printing a more durable boot for Purps. Kelly Matis, the aquarium’s vice president of education

and conservation, had been on a community board that had Mystic Middle School Students & ACT Staff

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TIDEWATER GROUP GET TOGETHER by Ed Hamblin

he Tidewater OAE group got together for our quarterly “no business/ strictly social” lunch Tearly in April. We had four new faces this time; Joe and Virginia Bogden, Gordon Spence, and Bill Spindler.

Linda Hamhlin, Neil Sugermeyer, & Joe Bogden

Neil Sugermeyer, Virginia & Joe Bogden, Bill Spindler, & Jean Dickey

Herh Schaefer, Ron Rooks, and Bill Raymus Virginia and Joe were “recruited” from one of the area commissary stores where Virginia was spotted wearing a McMurdo Station sweatshirt while she was shopping. Joe spent a couple of USAP summers as a civilian in the late 80s around McMurdo. Gordon heard about our group through word of mouth and came to check us out. Gordon was a SeaBee back then, and although assigned to ASA at Davisville, was diverted to Christchurch where he spent most of his Deep Freeze tour, although did make flights to the ice as part of his job. Bill Spindler is a familiar face around the OAEA with several winter overs at Gordon Spence, Manny Perry, Herb Schaefer, South Pole Station over a & Ron Rooks 30 year span. Bill drove over from Emporia VA to bring the group up to date on some South Pole news, events, and happenings. The next scheduled Tidewater area lunch happening is 1200 on 1 October 2016 at Terrie’s Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant, 3320 North Military Highway in Norfolk VA (near the airport). Bill Spindler If you aren’t already part of the Tidewater VA area OAE e-mail network and would like to be included in the quarterly Cliff Dickey reminders, POC is Ed Hamblin, [email protected]; phone 757-405-3362.

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PICTURES AND STORIES FROM DAYS GONE BY BIOS:

RADM James Robert Reedy. Served as CTF-43 from Novemher 1962. until Apr 1965. The flight from Cape Town to McMurdo via the South Pole on 2 October 1962 was his brainchild. Reedy Glacier is named in his honor. Conrad “Gus” Selwyn Shinn. As a lieutenant he was a pilot during Operation Highjump (1946–47). He was back in Antarctica in 1956–57, as a lieutenant commander. He was the first man to land a plane at the geographic South Pole, on 31 October 1956. He was selected to fly the R4D Skytrain Que Sera Sera to the Pole. He was the 17th man ever to stand at the geographic South Pole. Mount Shinn and Shinn Ridge are named in his honor Luther H. Hodges served as the 64th Governor of North Carolina from 1954 to 1961 and as Secretary of Commerce from 1961 to 1965.

Date on photo 20 June 1963 Gus & The Foreign Interest RADM Reedy, Gus Shinn, and Secretary of Commerce Luther Hodges

Paraphrased From Dian Bellanger’s Oral History Interview 11 May 1999 as retold to Billy-Ace. looked over to the chief of staff and So the newspaper reporters went on Editor’s Note: While sorting through said, “Cut orders for this man and send down to the ice and they talked to the paperwork looking for ideas for articles him down.” admiral and they asked him, “Why in Days Gone By Column, I found the Well, I never got orders. So I went wasn’t Shinn allowed down here?” And photo of Gus, and Admiral Reedy. I back up to Washington and I went in to the admiral said, “Well, he’s in the asked Gus about it and he gave me a see Dr. James Mooney. He was a employment of some foreign interest, few details and he referenced the oral civilian in charge of the whole program. and they are trying to do something or history interview. Here is the story that And he said, “Well, gee, I thought you get something, and so that’s why I Gus told. had—.” “No”. So he put me on a flight excluded him.” So they came back and to go down. When we got to told me, and I said, “Lord, mercy, that’s When I retired in 1963 I was invited Christchurch, New Zealand and the the craziest thing I ever heard of.” And I back to Antarctica, so I went up to chief of staff visited me and he said, said, “Are you going to write it up?” Washington to get it lined up with “What are you doing here?” So I told They had said they were going to do an Admiral Reedy and his staff. They were him, and he said, “Nah, the admiral said exposé, but now said, “No, if we do going to send me down to Antarctica you can't go.” We had some newspaper that, we’ll never be invited back.” So with a group of VIPs, and I was with the people aboard so they said, “We’ll see they didn’t. But that’s a sequel for admiral and his chief of staff, and he what’s going on. another day.

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I C E D I A R I E S An Antarctic Memoir In the spirit of the diaries of edited byBilly-Ace Antarctic explorers Robert Falcon Scott

BOOK REVIEW and Ernest Shackleton, McNeil mixes travelogue, popular science, and memoir to examine the history of our fascination with ice. In entering this

world, McNeil unexpectedly finds Ice Diaries. An Antarctic Memoir. herself confronting her own upbringing By Jean McNeil, 364 pp; hard in the Maritimes, the lifelong effects of cover, illustrated with black and growing up in a cold place, and how the white photographs. Available from climates of childhood frame our Amazon.com $24.95 emotional thermodynamics for life. Ice Diaries is a haunting story of the About the Book relationship between beauty and terror, loss and abandonment, transformation & the Author and triumph.

decade ago, novelist and short Astory writer Jean McNeil spent a WHAT DO WE STAND TO year as writer-in-residence with the LOSE IN A WORLD WITH- British Antarctic Survey, and four OUT ICE? months on the world’s most enigmatic continent—Antarctica. Access to the McNeil brings the austere beauty and Antarctic remains largely reserved for scientists, and it is the the constant danger of the continent to life. Weaving science only piece of earth that is nobody’s country. Ice Diaries is the and narrative to examine the history of our fascination with story of McNeil’s years spent in ice, not only in the Antarctic ice, McNeil draws vivid portraits,.of the people who are but her subsequent travels to Greenland, Iceland, and drawn to the unforgiving continent and the importance of the Svalbard, culminating in a strange event in Cape Town, research conducted in the world’s icy places. Her South Africa, where she journeyed to make what was to be descriptions of the ships and bases, those thin membranes her final trip to the southernmost continent. against the elements, are unforgettable.

Base Z perches on the edge of a giant iceshelf. While it can accommodate up to 70 people during the austral summer, the core wintering- over staff consists of only 16.

Here, at the bottom of the world, the cold pulls at memory, and McNeil unexpectedly finds herself confronting her own Maritime upbringing, a harrowing childhood she thought she had left behind. The Antarctic and its strange allure bring her face to face with the lifelong effects of growing up in a cold place, and how the climates of childhood frame our emotional Jean McNeil is the author of ten thermodynamics for life. books including four novels and Ice Diaries is a rare glimpse at an elusive continent and a a collection of short fiction. She haunting story of the relationship between beauty and terror, lives in London England loss and abandonment, transformation and triumph.

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New England Chapter Summer 2016 Meeting

by Marty Diller Charlie ‘CB’ Bevilacqua—never leaves home without his NE Chapter Secretary-Treasurer flag display. So we were all set and CB quickly set up his flags and led the attendees in honoring the colors to begin the business meeting. The New England Chapter tried out another new restaurant for their 16 June Summer meeting—Conrad’s, in Norwood, MA. For meetings in Connecticut and Massachusetts, we’ve been looking a long time for a suitable venue that meets our needs—our old favorites, Yantic River Inn (Norwich, CT) and Rom’s Restaurant (Sturbridge, MA), have both been closed for some time and we haven’t been able to find another site that is both affordable and big enough to meet our needs. A total of 49 members and guests attended the meeting, which totally filled the dining room at Conrad’s, but left very little room to set up merchandise or other displays.

CB sets up flags before the business portion of the meeting gets underway.

Dick Kopplin (left) and Tom Henderson share Antarctic experiences.

Photo by Bev Diller Ron & Jane Gilchrist arriving: Ron & Jane arrive at Conrad’s Restaurant for the Summer meeting.

Chapter Business

Conrad’s doesn’t have a PA system or a U.S. flag on site, but Past Chapter President Fred Santino came prepared with his portable PA system, and the Chapter’s go-to guy— Nick Pellegrino poses for the camera with CB.

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this year’s reunion, and sales were quite brisk at this meeting.  Reunion: Co-Chair Billie Hunter updated attendees on progress in preparing for the 2016 OAEA National Reunion.

Dave Riley (left) and Walt McLean share their Antarctic experiences.

To honor the memory of Chapter members who have passed away – as well as the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Orlando – CB sings the lyrics of “Taps” at the closing of the business meeting.

Fundraising

Russ White (left) and Jim Rooney share their Antarctic The winner of the meeting’s 50/50 raffle was John Clough experiences. (USARP researcher 1965–78; Queen Maude Land Traverse

There were no new items of business at this meeting, and (QMLT) -2 and QMLT-3, Byrd Station Ross Ice Shelf Committee reports were mostly updates on ongoing Project (RISP)). John’s share of the raffle donations was programs: $130, and he donated $50 of it to the OAEA Scholarship  Dues: $545 was collected in the 2016 Program. The door prize winner, Bev Diller (Associate Life Chapter Dues Drive. member), won a free lunch at the next Chapter meeting (a  Education: Fred Santino reminded all that he $22 value at Conrad’s!). would like folks to complete and submit the Antarctic History Questionnaire form— developed to compile information from members about their Antarctic experience. Also, Jim Kelly distributed sample copies of the informational OAEA color brochure that has been long under development. Bulk printing of the brochures will now occur (after some final typographical corrections) and the brochures will be available at the next meeting—intended for distribution by volunteers who make File Photos John Clough Bev Diller Antarctica presentations to schools or other organizations. Meeting Schedule  Election: Marty Diller made an appeal to the members to seriously consider nominating The next OAEA-NE Chapter meeting is scheduled for 1pm themselves to serve as a Chapter officer. on Saturday, 24 September 2016, at the Bull N’Claw restaurant in Wells, ME. Chapter officers serve 4-year terms and the 2016 nomination window closes on 12 July. Editor’s Note: Unless otherwise noted all photos in  Merchandise: No report, but a limited the New England Chapter report by Associate number of OAEA-logo zippered, hooded Member Carolyn Brown. sweatshirts were available for sale. The reunion committee will be selling them at

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ICE EAGLES UPDATE

By Tom Henderson films and provides the filmmaker with constructive criticism. I am now about 80% through the rough cut for the film. This will be invaluable to me in improving the quality of the IThe rough cut is the basic assembly of the video, film. photographic and document components. I have added I am also submitting “Ice Eagles” to an open call for placeholder narration in order to adjust the length of the independent documentaries by the Independent Television associated content. Music will be the last step. Matt Edwards Service (ITVS), an affiliate of the Corporation for Public is currently working on that. Broadcasting. A panel reviews submissions and funds works I have so much material and so many good stories that I in progress to complete or improve the film. Competition is am seriously considering a 3-DVD final version. That is fierce for these slots so I would not expect to be selected. Just much more than I planned but I think the result would be of going through the application process, however, will be a more historical value. I would not increase the price; I still good experience. plan to release the final DVD version for $35.00. I will I am hoping to complete the film before the OAEA appreciate any comments about this. The email is Reunion in October and have copies available there. If not, I [email protected]. will have a 10–15 minute extended trailer that I can show if I am pleased to report that “Ice Eagles” has been accepted there is time on the program. by the 3rd Edition International Filmmakers Lab in Albany, New York, September 22–25. The Lab is for works in Tom Henderson progress. A panel of film experts reviews each of the selected

Charlene & Takahe In Formation At Mount Erebbus

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NEW OAEA MEMBERS REUNION & MEETING INFORMATION

The below listed personnel have joined the OAEA Send reunion notices to Billy-Ace Baker at 850 456 3556 since the previous issue of the Gazette. or [email protected] for publication in the Gazette

Thanks to New Zealand Antarctica Society South Pole Winter-Over DF-72: Tower, MN: 6-9 Newsletter, OAEA Internet Guest Book, Chris Westhall, September 2016. POC Lynn Solem, 612 709 7344, or Gloria Hutchings, Almeda Thompson, and Ken “Pig Pen” [email protected]. Henry for recruiting new members or for providing names and contact info for prospective members. USS Yancey (AKA-93): Jacksonville, FL: 22-26 If you know of any OAE, or anyone interested in September 2016. POC George Clifton 208 425 8531, or Antarctica, who is not a member of the OAEA please [email protected]. send their contact info to the OAEA Membership Chairman at [email protected] or 850 456 3556 USS Mills (DER-383): Ft Walton Beach, FL: 13-17 October 2016. POC Ben Laurens, 252 504 3733.

*Denotes Associate Member USS/USCGC Edisto (AGB-2/WAGB-284): San Antonio, §Denotes Upgrade to Life or Renewal of Annual Member TX: 29 September-3 October 2016. POC Glenn Smith, ΦDenotes Upgrade to Regular Member PO Box 747, Miami, FL 32754, or 321 269 5637, or [email protected]. Booth, William HM2 Life NSFA SS McMurdo 75-77 MCB-1: King Of Prussia, PA: 13–16 October 2016. POC Duke, David NOK §Annual Son of Bryon Duke Peter Dowd, 89 Edward Rd, Marshfield, MA 02050, or: MCB Special DF-II 781 837 0393, or [email protected]. YOG 34 Foley, Diane AC1 Life NSFA SS/USAP MCB-71: Charleston, SC: 19–24 September 2016. POC 84-90 Jerry Montecupo. By phone at 412 373 3096. Green, Horace CE2 Life ASA SS 60-62 Jolly, Sandra NOK Annual Widow of Ed Jolly USS Wilhoite (DER 397): New Orleans, LA. 12–16 WO McM DF-63 September 2016. POC: [email protected], phone Nash, Martha NOK Life Widow of A. Nash 479 968 1236, or Internet at: www/usswilhoite.org. VX-6 67-68 Naval Cargo Handlers: Williamsburg, VA, 8–10 Ochsner, Ronald CDR Annual CBU-201 68-70 September 2016. POC: Mike Gorton, 718 386 8017, or O’Meara, Michael CIV Life Quark Tours 07 MV [email protected]. Clipper Adventurer Otway, Peter CIV Life NZARP/USARP All Seabee Reunion: Port Hueneme, CA, 23–26 June 60-63/65-66/80-85 2016. POC Ed Closter, by email at: [email protected], SS Zegrahm 2010 or by phone at: 628 280 9495. Spiotta, Dorothy CIV Life NZAP Scott Base Antarctic Gathering: Port Clyde, ME, 15–17 July 2016. 86-89 POC Paul Dalrymple at [email protected], or Guy Vaughan, Ray CIV Life Tourist/Writer/ Guthridge at: [email protected]. Photographer 06-07 OAEA: Norwich, CT, 11-13 October 2016. POC Billie and Larry Hunter, [email protected], 310 Bitgood Road, Griswold, CT 06351, or 860-376-4790.

USCGC Southwind (WAGB-280): San Antonio, TX, 15– 18 September 2016. POC Edward F. Clancy, at 888 6th Street North, Jacksonville, FL 32250, by phone at: 904 242 9070, or by email at: [email protected].

USCGC Eastwind Association: Portland, ME, 14–18 June 2017. POC William “Bill” Morris, 321 Cedar Avenue, Chesilhurst, NJ 08089-1748, or 856 768 3961.

OAEA: San Antonio, TX, 9-11 May 2018. POC John Lamont West: [email protected] or 956 229 9797.

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● Jerry Marty is looking for a suitable museum for the OAE LOCATOR salvaged tail section of 917 that crashed at South Pole Send locator information to the editor by email at Station. The tail section has been in storage at the Port [email protected], or by snail mail to 10819 Berryhill Hueneme CA cargo yard for several years. Marty has Road, Pensacola FL 32506, or by phone at 850 456 3556. been advised that NSF needs the space for other cargo. Pass this around because we’re looking to save it versus ● Richard Havermale is looking for the imminent recycle bin. They are looking at a short anyone from MCB-71 who may have timeframe for disposition—2 to 3 months. Anyone having stories to add to his book The Ice Is recommendations for a suitable museum can contact Jerry Nice And Chee Chee Is Peachy. at: [email protected], or 562-439-9555 or 703- Richard can be contacted by email at 424-0053. [email protected], or by snail mail at: 3645 N 21st Ave Phoenix AZ 85015-5406. Richard Havermle

Cover of Richard’s Book

● John Bates has not been able to find any records for a vehicle accident that he was in. during January of 1970. BT UNCLAS According to John he was with ASA/MCB-58.The only SPC-45 supporting record he has is his medical record. He is HOLMES AND NARVER PASS TO BUETTNER looking for a report that will show what happened and SOUTH POLE FINAL VOYAGE OF LC-130 155917 that he was the driver of the vehicle. John can be A. NSF POLAR WASHINGTON DEC 171524Z DEC 74 1. ACFT 917 MADE IT’S FINAL TRIP TODAY, FINAL RESTING contacted by email at: [email protected], by PLACE IS ABOUT TWO MILES DOWN WIND OF NEW STATION. telephone at: 518-701-1577, or snail mail at: 2A Nassau 2. FOLLOWING IS DATA ON FINAL TRIP. Avenue, Schenectady NY 12304. A. PAX INCLUDED CARNES, WOLAK, BAIER, FEES & BOYD. B. CARGO INCLUDED 10 TONS OF SNOW. C. CREW INCLUDED K. BROWN, W. SHIPMAN AND C. COOK Editor’s Note: One of the things I also do is check as OPERATING ONE D-8 AND TWO 955 FORK LIFTS. many details as I can before listing anything in this D. SPEED 2 MPH column. I checked the DF-70 ASA cruise book and there E. ALTITUDE ABOUT 9500 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL F. FUSELAGE WAS FIRST WITH TAIL NOT FAR BEHIND is no listing for John in ASA. MCB-58 was never on the 3. ACFT 917 IS NOW IN A POSITION OF SILENT VIGEL OVER ice. CBU-201 was with ASA during DF-70, but there are THE ENDLESS SNOWSCAPE. THE FINAL FLIGHT WAS no photos of John in the CBU-201 sections. REMINISCENT OF THE FLIGHT OF THE PHEONIX. CARNES BT

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Gulf Coast Group Chapter Happenings by Billy-Ace Penguin Baker There being no further business the meeting was Saturday 2 April adjourned. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the 2016 GCG Chapter drawing and Mary Lou and Lennie for taking the Meeting — 22 Members photographs. The next meeting will he at the Rico and guests showed up for our Mexican Restaurante on 7 May. April meeting. We did not have a scheduled speaker and Saturday 7 May 2016 Meeting—24 members and no one in attendance asked for guests in attendance. First time attendees were Allen the floor. Kruger and his wife Barbara who drove to the meeting from Gautier, Mississippi. Al, a retired BUC, served in Antarctic Support Activities from 1959 through 61 wintering-over at McMurdo during DF-61 as a BU2.

Les Liptak, Billy Blackwelder, Joyce Blackwelder, Gus Shinn, Jimmy Baker, Rainey & Duck Talbert Dana Cervantes had been invited to receive her guest speaker plaque, but due to a personal problem she was not able to make it, so she sent someone from her staff to accept her plaque. Her assistant arrived before the meeting started, so there was no one to take her photo. With no business to discuss the 50/50 raffle and door prize drawings were held. Photo from the TF-43 DF-61 Cruise Book Liz Konrad won the 50/50 raffle and she took home BUL2 Larry Pease; BUH2 Allen Kruger; & BU3 Larry $35 as her share of the pot. Ely, put in a new ceiling on one of the storage The door prizes drawing, consisting of a philatelic warehouses. envelope from South Pole Station, and one of the mugs with the embedded OAEA (donated by Lennie at the March meeting) was won hy Bill Fazio.

Liz “Me Maw” Konrad Bill Fazio Winners of the drawings Al & Barbara Kruger

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Our guest was Stephen Samaha. Steve is a member of CERT (Community Emergency Response) and is the Coordinator of the Santa Rosa County Medical Reserve Corps. Steve spoke mainly about home and personal safety. His daughters Anna and Maria were also at the meeting. Steve was sponsored by Larry and Sharon Preston.

Maria Samaha, Anna Samaha, Steve Samaha, Larry Preston and Sharon Preston

Maria holding one of her door prizes

Maria Samaha was asked to draw the door prize ticket and she pulled her own ticket out of the bucket. The door prize consisted of an OAEA mug and a pair of penguin socks. Bruce Raymond’s widow donated an SP-90 license plate and a VX-6 Last Frontier license plate. These items will be used as door prizes at a future meeting. The Name tag that the GCG had made for Steve Thanks to Helen for passing out the door prize tickets After the question and answer period following and thanks to Sharon Preston for selling the 50/50 tickets. Steve’s presentation we conducted the 50/50 raffle and Thanks to Lennie and Mary Lou for taking the meeting the door prize drawings. Anna Samaha was asked to draw photos. The next meeting will be on 7 June at the Rico the 50/50 ticket and the winner was Al Kruger who took Mexican. home $35 as his share.

Close up of Anna Samaha Helen Bourgeois Sharon Preston

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Saturday 4 June 2016 Meeting—19 members and guests showed up for our June meeting. A very small turnout for what turned out to be an interesting guest speaker, namely Bert Outlaw, assisted by OAEA member Grady Lea. Both are members of The West Florida Genealogy Society. Bert had problems getting his equipment set-up for his Power Point presentation, but he and Grady got there early enough to overcome all the hurdles in time for his scheduled 12 noon presentation.

Jen Gambio Lydon?

Billy-Ace Getting information from Marsha Vatne for her name tag

Guest Speakers: Grady Lea and Bert Outlaw The Genealogy Society meets at the West Florida Genealogy Library on the first Saturday of the month. As it turns out Mart Lou is also a member of the Genealogy Society now I know why she is always trying to get me to change our meetings to the second Saturday of the month.

Kiwi Pam Due to a problem in getting the electricity set-up for the quest speaker we did not have time for the 50/50 raffle and door prize drawings. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Thanks to everyone who helped out and donated items for the door prizes. Our next meeting will be on 2 July at the Rico Mexican Restaurante.

Bert’s Guest Speaker Name Tag We had two first-timers in attendance. Namely Jen Gambio Lydon and Marsha Vatne. I did not get any info on Jen, but Marsha was an EO3/EO2 in NSFA during DF- 85, 86, and 87. She converted her rating to MA and retired as an MA1/AW K9.

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TWO PLACES YOU MIGHT WANT TO VISIT IN NORWICH

Naval Submarine Base New London

Naval Submarine Base New London is the United States Navy's primary East Coast submarine base, also known as the "Home of the Submarine Force". It is located in Groton, Connecticut.

Address: 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340

Phone: (860) 694-3011 Owner: United States of America

Address: 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340

Hours:

Tuesday 8:30AM–1PM Wednesday 8:30AM–1PM Thursday 8:30AM–1PM Friday 8:30AM–1PM Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Monday 8:30AM–1PM Submarine Base New London Nathaniel Palmer’s Homestead The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House 40 Palmer Street Stonington, CT 06378

This 16-room Victorian mansion was built in 1852 by two brothers, Captains Nathaniel Brown Palmer and Alexander Smith Palmer. Majestically sited on a high rise of ground overlooking the upper end of Stonington harbor, "Pine Point" offers sweeping water views in all directions. From its octagonal cupola, the family could identify ships arriving from distant ports. Once threatened by demolition, this magnificent home was purchased by the Stonington Historical Society in 1994 and is now preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Memorabilia pertaining to Nathaniel's discovery of Antarctica and the Palmer brothers' adventurous lives is on display, as are family portraits, furnishings and artifacts.

The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House is open for the season, daily, except for Wednesdays. Guided tours are given at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00pm. Palmer House Admission to the Old Lighthouse Museum is included in your ticket price: $9 adults, $6 children $25 Family Rate Free to Members Group rates are available. Phone: (860) 535-8445 E-mail: [email protected]

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