This week's Souvenir Edition of the "WHIRLPOOOL" will the experiences re-enact some of which all hands of the USS NATRONA have had during the last six months, Also, since the Souvenir Edition is being sent to all of our former shipmates, we expect to give them the word about the adventures of the Natrona and her crew.In addition to the regular weekly division articles each department is publishing a column on the news in its department during the last six months.Construction and Repair Department By Lt.(JG) PayneDear Retired friends:Supposedly, this is a history of the Construction and Repair Department for a six-month period. After we unwillingly let you people go home for discharge in Manila, we loaded the 25th in Lingayen Gulf and sailed for Nagoya. It took us a month to get there, and the biggest part of that time was spent near Wakayama. There was plenty of liberty and many interesting things to see in a foreign country.Lt(Jg) Williams crushed his foot between a cleat and the base of one of the Para vane booms and had to be sent back to the States on the USS Hope. Lt. JG Millikan then became our First Lieutenant for a period of about two weeks. Then he was followed by Lt (JG) Payne until he was relieved by a Lt (JG) Beisel sent out by the BuPers to relieve Williams. Lt (JG) Beisel, or "Fertile Fred" as he was more intimately known as, turned out to be one regular guy. He kept the Department going without a hitch.Lt. Goldman left the ship with all his Marine points and glory bars. He got five points for being in Saipan the first time. So, with no Marine Transportation Officer, Lt (JG) Payne took over as Naval Transportation Officer, and Assistant First Lieutenant.On our last trip out to Okinawa we loaded 1800 Army enlisted personnel and 95 Officers, all from the Eighth Air Force, who used to fly B-29's. They were about the best bunch we ever had aboard and very few of them had anymedals; therefore the were not big-shots like most of the bird-boys.We came into Long Beach again, had our availability in the Terminal Island Naval Yard, and shoved off to layout in the stream. During this time, and due to a mechanical failure, we dropped a boat from the top of No. 4 davit where it is two-blocked before starting down the track ways. There were four men in the boat, and none of them were hurt beyond a few bruises. Two of them had to do a little swimming.Also while we were out in the stream our "R" boat was hit on the starboard quarter by a yard oilier without any running lights. It tore the whole stern out of the boat and the only way they could keep it from sinking was to keep it moving through the water until it was hoisted aboard.At present Lt (JG) Erickson is the new First Lieutenant with only one day's experience and is having quite a time getting started. We all wish him luck.Lt (JG) Payne, Lt (JG) Gallaway, and Lt (JG) Churchill are being detached on the 23rd of February for discharge. Lt (JG) Beisel is also leaving at the same time. *************************************************************
Engineering Department Highlights By Lt (JG) H.C. Ambrosius.
Since we have had little publicity for some time, we shall try to put ourselves in the limelight once again. Do you remember some of those well known faces you used to see, for instance Lt. Commander Schurfield, who left the ship while we were in Pearl Harbor? The imprint of his dynamic personality was keenly felt among the engineers.Then there was "Pappy" Rizer, our warrant machinist. We used to kid him about being transported back to the ship by the shore patrol one time when he couldn't navigate by himself. Another fellow from our group was calm and reserved motor Mac from the boat shop- that's right, Chief O'Connell. I can never remember where he was from. I think it was some small place in East Brooklyn. Any day you might hear Dr. Putmann and the Chief in the boat shop arguing as to which one could make the best bracelets and other trinkets. (End of page 2)Since our return to the States in August the ship has undergone three periods of availability. Availability to an engineer is when yard workmen tear down the plant, scatter the pieces and leave him the job of putting every thing back together, providing he can find any tools.We have had comparatively few engine room casualties on our cruises, though of course there was the incident of becoming dead in the water our last trip out. Guess who the officer of the watch was! Anyhow, we were in a rough sea and when we had to stop, things really began sliding around the ship. It was at that time that Mr. Lunn was chased around the engine room by a large box of spare parts and several 50 lb~ Freon bottles. The box won the race.This may sound fantastic but I heard the other day that there are people on the ship who have never been in the engine room. Come down some time and we’ll show you what makes her go. **********************************************************
Medical Department USS Natrona.... The trip from San Francisco to Manila was marked by loss of temporary duty corpsmen at Eniwetok. Most of them ended up on duty in Okinawa, and have since been returned to the States on points.The replacements we carried to the Philippines showed a lower physical standard than troops previously encountered, and kept the sick bay well filled.At Lingayen Gulf, Drs. MacDonald and McBurney received orders to Pearl Harbor by air. Dr. McBurney is on duty at the hospital at Pearl Harbor. Dr. MacDonald, after a trip to Boston, and a month at home, received orders to the APA 117, a magic carpeter, as senior medical officer. He is probably still in aboard, in Seattle. Troops taken aboard at Lingayen kept us busy until landed a month later in Nagoya. The replacements who expected to be sometime in Japan kept the sick call census high.Our return to the States, while erratic, was uneventful. On arrival however most of the old corpsmen left the ship on points. Chief O'Neill went on leave, and for reassignment. Moore, Johnson, Zeigler, Wesson, Phelan, and Jackson went home. The complement consisted of three doctors and nine corpsmen. Our last trip to Okinawa seemed long, and we were not busy. On our return Dr. Putman was relieved and should now be in Boston or Holyoke, although we have received no word yet. Two more of the original Corpsmen are leaving at the end of the week.The present complement consists of Dr. Bundy, Dr. Raftery, Soule and Nickols of the original ships company. Bishop of the original Beach Party, Achin and MeClaskey transferred from the temporary duty group and newly arrived Chief Kreider and PHM2c Brown. Completion of our next trip should see completion of active duty for Drs. Bundy and Raftery, and will probably see inactivation of this department and the ship. *************************************************************** The Supply Department By Ensign White...............
The past six months have seen a great many changes in the personnel of the Supply Department. One of the original division members would probably not even recognize the present "S" Division.Pitts SKlc and Hays CCS were detached when the point system was announced in Richmond. Lt. Smith was detached at Ulithi Sept.l0th and Dell'Acqua a week later. Other storekeepers now amongst the missing are Young and Jackson, Birkeneder, Miller and Grant. Switzer and Pacitto will be eligible 2 April- we'll probably be in the western Pacific about that time.All the original stewards and cooks are gone with the exception of Raphael, Hughes, Thomas, and Wells. CST Blackman reported aboard a few weeks ago and is in charge of the officer’s galley. The laundry misses Hacking's deft touch, as well as that of Stuller and Reinninger. Russell, Gowen, and Winn have been added. In the galley CST Erhart, Hynes Bkrlc, Smith SClc, Murphy SC2c, and Vance SC2c are now civilians again. Summerville and Bonsignore, of the barber shop, have been replaced by Chapman, SSM (B)3c, as they too, had the required points. McConnell CSK came aboard about a month ago and is now busily getting supplies for our Noumea trip. (End of page 3) CPC Butler was detached about December 4, and Ens. Land, who was disbursing officer for about six weeks, also has "civvies". Chief pay clerk Graham is still in charge of commissary, while yours truly, having come of age under the point system as of 15 February now has the honor of being a "military necessity" until a relief arrives. The pay office strikers, Partee and Wallengren, are a great comfort.However, they have about 15 and 17 points, respectively. **********************************************************
Navigation Department By Lt (JG) Millikan
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Since this is a souvenir edition of the "WHIRLPOOL" We'll try and give you an account of ourselves for the last six months. So many things have happened it will be a bit difficult to include everything that has transpired.Six months ago this date it was 27 August 1945. We had just returned to the states after having been through the siege at Kerama Retto. The first draft of separates was already ashore and many of them out of the service: since the war was over. In the meantime, we've lost all but two of the original men on the NATRONA. They are Chuck Bailey and Hugh Blevins. At that time the Radar men were attached to our division. Of them, Stevens, Torres (Now a policeman),"Pappy" Randolph, Duggin, Shiek, Pautzke, and De Angeles have all left the ship and I trust are all full-fledged civilians. Holding down that huge compartment on the bridge at the present time are only five of the original twelve. Radar men; Baughn, Campbell, Marquette, Keller and the "tow-head" that goes by the name of Anderson. Davis, the man with the booming voice, left previously in the above mentioned six month period but we'll include him here anyhow!As for the Quartermasters, CQM Stark was the first to leave the ship. After our lengthy trip to Japan, via the Philippines, Litzenberger, Gregory, and Brown left. As you can tell by the last sentence the bridge area is much quieter than ever before. As for me I would just as soon have all the commotion! CQM "Fat Boy" Moffett took off like a herd of turtles for dear old Port Orchard last December just before we pulled out of San Pedro leaving all sorts of new material to work with. Lt. Bartlett, generally known as "The Boss Man" left us as did Lt. Roscoe Brown, They have both gone to that "glorious reward" of becoming a civilian. W.P. Heidt then became the leading P.O. of the N Division and we took in three new men. Laurich, QM3/c served us well for the short time he was here and we really hated to see him leave.But then, the same goes for all the men who have left us for a pair of pants with a crease down the front and back, as well as those who went "bye-bye" on shipping-over leaves. When Mr. Bartlett left his assistant Lt (JG) Millikan, took over the Chart Desk with Lt. (JG) R.E. Collins as his assistant.You should have seen CQM Hayle get aboard last December. He packed his bags, phoned his wife, reported aboard, and was at the helm on the way out of Los Angeles Harbor all in the short space of about an hour and a half. Shortly before he came aboard our division took in two new strikers--Byrnes, who is a big threat to Litz's title of "Chief Ridge Runner", and Waddingham, a died-in-the-wool Pennsylvanian. This morning Heidt left the ship on a dependency discharge. So there you have it – C. Bailey, Blevins, Byrnes, and Waddingham constitute the QM half of the N division. On Our last trip out the signalmen were put with the N division and we have lost some men from there. Solovich-(Cutler) and Beverlin are no longer with us. As you can see we are somewhat short-handed. But, I might add, we can still do the navigating and take care of the visual signals, as well as find our way through a pea-soup fog. You former sailors take note that it wasn't the fault of the Navigation Department that we started for Yokosuka and wound up in Okinawa, then headed for Seattle and dropped the hook in San Pedro. Yes, we can still cross the Pacific without running aground or getting lost. There you have it -- the last six months in a very small nutshell and that should be "Well-enough" for this edition. ******************************************************************
The reason Cupid makes so many bad shots is that he is aiming at the heart and looking at the hosiery. (End of page 4) ***************************************************************** The Communication Department By Lt (JG) Herrin.....
Since V-J Day and the surrender held on board the Missouri, the complexion of the Communication Department, as well as the rest of the Natrona, has changed radically. Personnel changes in the C division are large, leaving few aboard that were aboard the day the ship was commissioned. Lieutenant Rogers, our Communication Officer, left us via the point system for civilian life on Long Island; Ensign Halgren, Signal Officer, deserted us for Reno and all its temptations; Ensign Shellabarger, USN, was fortunate enough to draw shore duty at Bremerton, Washington, his home. Lieutenants (JG) Churchill and Gallaway were recently discharged and Lieutenant Partis, the Radio Officer, stepped up to Executive Officer and also received a spot promotion to Lieutenant Commander. The two remaining officers left in Communication are Lieutenant (JG) Herrin and Ensign Graber.Of all the chiefs in "C" Division, only a recent arrival in the radio gang, Chief Troupe, is now aboard. Augustus, Richmond, Pihlaja, Long, and Voss all have been transferred or discharged. Others in the radio gang who have gone are: Cramer, Schleicher, Reisch, Robinson, Raupe, Jarolin, Raden, Music, Masters, Rarnes, Dirchx, and the radio techs, Underborn, Eichbauer, and Cadis. Signal gang men leaving were Parry, Solovich, Bemerlin, Dupbe, Biagio, Partridge, Brand, Varner, Chivers, and Dare. Of the yeomen that were aboard, only Beranek, Tipton, Lowry, Smith, and Butkiewics remain. Legerwood went back to Denver, Harrison to Chicago, and Harris to ArizonaThe two most popular men aboard, the mailmen Sebastian and Sculpholm are also wearing the duck. Williams, formerly of the radio gang, has assumed the duties of mailmen.The present radio gang includes McCarl, Calvert, Troupe, Bull, Sternberg, Heinz, Schnelle, Greenberg, Daily, and the new radio tech Marsh. (He’s low on points so is a break for us). The muster of signalmen would read something like this: Cvjanovich, Fair, Herman, Liebsack, and Petley. Of our recently acquired radar gang are Anderson, Baughn, Keller, Marquette, and Campbell.Some time ago the signalmen were transferred from the "C" Division to the "N" Division, and the radarmen were transferred to the "C" Division. The change was initiated for watch-standing purposes, permitting the signalmen to stand quartermaster watches. __Contrary to what one would think, peace brought no let down on---communications aboard the Natrona. Since surrender brought a lift in restrictions on transmitting while at sea, we have been sending at least two and often many more messages via radio. With the help of the navigator we send our two weather reports daily while we are underway. These, aside from helping the weatherman, serve as checks on our progress for shore commanders.In November, the Navy authorized the sending of personal messages over Navy circuits to the other ships and shore bases, and on our last trip this privilege was taken advantage of by over three-hundred persons. Thus the radio operators were kept busy a great deal of the time just sending.Classified messages have been practically relegated to the annals of the past and a coded message to the Natrona now is indeed an occasion for the coding room. Our lack of practice usually causes a delay in breaking the message while the coding officer checks publications and instructions regarding the decoding processes.The interest in always reducing points for discharge and regarding promotion still cause main comm. to remain in the eyes of the ship. Our innate ability of getting underway orders and then getting cancellations or diversions has sometimes caused minor repercussions throughout the ship. The last cancellation of orders for the trip to Noumea was received very enthusiastically by all hands except a few shellbacks who had blood in their eyes and almost on their hands. From the present indications it looks as if the Natrona will remain a pollywog, never to be initiated into the mighty realms of Neptune. ****************************************************************
Ordnance Division By Beranek
Although at the present time the "0" Division has dwindled down to one officer and two enlisted men, at the peak of its strength it was one of the most flourishing divisions of the ship.The "0" Division was formed early after commissioning, under the able leadership and guidance of Lieutenant N.T. Schwin, Gunnery Officer, and Lieutenant H.E. Perdue, Division Officer. During the middle of November, 1944, Ensign R.C, Dowd joined forces with the Ordnance Department, and was assigned duties as Jr. Division Officer.An intensive training program was begun immediately after the forming of the Division, and strikers were given instruction on the operation and maintenance of the various guns. Drills were performed almost daily. Watch crews were made up of men from various divisions, and these men were trained under the personal supervision of Lieut. Schwin and his gunners' mates. During the six weeks of this vessel's shakedown cruise, these watch crews were molded into efficient fighting teams, and it was shown later at Okinawa that this training was not in vain.Practice firings were held regularly, and due to the training given the General Quarters' Gun Crews, more than the average number of target sleeves were brought down. This in itself was reward enough for all the hectic and tiring hours of drills.During the invasion of Okinawa and Kerama Retto, the Ordnance Department was put to the final test. The scoreboard on the Natrona's bridge shows a total of two enemy planes shot down, as well as two assists. It is needless to say that the "0" Division and the watch crews came through with flying colors.Since all the men in the Division were experts in their respective fields, advancements came quickly for them. A few transfers occurred in the middle of 1945, but the "0" Division remained essentially the same unit it had always been.The Division Chief Petty Officer, colorful J.W.P. Glasgow CGM, who in civilian life had been a rancher, sharpshooter, magician, knife maker, cattle puncher, business owner, etc., was the main source of humor and amusement for the division, providing them with never-ending stories of his adventurous and swish-buckling career. However, it was largely due to his energetic ability and experience that the "0" Division became a highly skilled organization. Chief Glasgow retired from the Navy on 20 April, 1945, taking advantage of the newly passed bill which permitted men over 42 to be released from active duty. His place was taken by Overby GMlc, who was later promoted to Chief.The two main "hangouts" of the Division were the Armory and the Forward Radar Shack, and a jo-pot was continuously perking in either of the two places. Occasionally the men were honored by the presence of either Lieut. Schwin, Lieut. Perdue, or more frequently, Ens. Dowd, who would spend a few minutes discussing the future of the Division over a steaming cup of coffee.The Division functioned like a family. There were seldom any arguments, quarrels, or trouble of any sort, and when there occasionally arose a Slight difference of opinion in the division, Lieut. Schwin and Lieut. Perdue smoothly ironed it out.The Division was composed of fine men. When peace was declared and the point system came into effect, the department dwindled slowly but surely. First to go was Wilson, GM2c, closely followed by Wood, GM2c, who had doubled as mail orderly before the arrival of Sebastian, Roy, GM2c, and Lamb, GM2c.Lieut. Schwin went over the gangway on the 15th of September, 1945 to return to his civilian job as Advertising Manager of the Household Finance Corporation in Chicago, Illinois. Lieut. Perdue became Gunnery Officer and Ensign Dowd advanced to the post of Division Officer and Asst. Gunnery Officer. Trench, FC02c, and "Gigi" DiGregorio, GM2c, received their well earned freedom on 24 November. Three days later Lieut. Perdue counted his points, found they totaled 46, and lost no time in leaving the Natrona to resume his civilian occupation as a Lawyer at Salisbury, Maryland.Another shift in the Gunnery Department took place, and Ensign Dowd became Gunnery Officer, Shortly after, Ensign Dowd was promoted to Lieut. (JG).The next day Weichbrodt, GM3c, received an emergency leave, further lowering the complement of the rapidly diminishing "0" Division. On the 4th of December, Smalley, GMl received his sixty day leave. As the points were lowered further, Laubenheim, FC03c took his leave from the ship.(End of page 6)The early part of January, 1946, saw Bryant, GM2c, enter The Gates of Civilian Life and soon after, seven of the eight remaining men were transferred for reassignment. These seven were Miller, FCOlc, Watkins, GMlc, Peters GM2c, Moore FC2c, Paustell GM3c, Saunders GM3c, and Thayer GM3c leaving Holifield GM2c, as the sole survivor of the-Division, later, a striker was added to the Division, to assist Holifield in the operation and maintenance of the remaining 20mm guns, clipping rooms and magazinesThus, the "0" Division which was born early in November, 1944, saw an early death, but during the months between the two events, it was proven without a doubt that with able and intelligent leadership, a group of men can be trained to become an efficient division; a division that will remain in the memories of men for years to come. ***********************************************************
History of the Laundry By Sherrard and Wierson
On 8 November, 1944, five men came aboard the "Mighty 'N- to put the Laundry in commission, Namely, Duane Hacking, Harold Stuller, Carl Renninger, Clarence W. Krewson and Thomas Sherrard. Out of the orginal five, four of them have been honorably discharged.Duane Hacking, or "Hack" as he was better known as, hails from that sheepherding state of Utah, and was lucky enough to have enough points to be discharged in January. "Hal" Stuller is from the fair city of Denver, Co1orado. Hal was a master ofplastic works while aboard the "Mighty 'N!" He too was discharged in January. Clarence Krewson, "Mike" came from the rugged state of Oregon. He was the first of the four to be discharged. He changed his rate to Electricians's mate sometime before, However. To Hack, Hal, Mike, and Krout we wish you lots of luck in your new lives as civilians.Thomas Sherrard, better known as Tom, is still aboard the ship. Tom hails from St. Marries, Idaho. That's where the fish stories are long and the timber grows high. He expects to be a civilian sometime in June.Juel O. Wierson, "Oley", hails from the "Sweede" state of Minnesota. "Oley" was transferred from the Second Division to the Laundry in January of 1945, and there he still resides. He expects to be discharged in June also.Billy E.Abshire, ("Abbie"), comes from that Hoosier state of Indiana. "Abbie" was transferred to the Second Division. "Abbie" also expects to be discharged in June.In December, 1945, four men were transferred to the Laundry. They are Chresty, Bollins, Russel, and Pardun. Russel is the only one now left in the Laundry. Bollins was discharged in January of '46. Pardun and Chresty were transferred to the deck divisions.At that time, Eldon Gowens was transferred from the Second Division to the Laundry. He hails from Colorado Springs, Colorado. His ambition is to own his own night club.Winn was transferred into the Laundry about February 10th. He hails from Oklahoma - just one of those ditch diggers.Russes, who we almost forgot to mention before hails from Detroit, Michigan. He really has a nice wife. Don't take offense, Russ.Well, that about winds up the history of the Laundry. *********************************************************
The First Division By Willis
The First Division, on the 9th of August, 1945, consisted of twentyseven men. Twelve petty officers and fifteen seamen. Lieutenant D.S. Waddy and Ensign Gallaway were the Division Officers. Bell,J.H.BM2c was the leading petty officer; Sykes,W.G.BM2c; Costillio BM2c; Callahan, J.C. Coxswain; Chavarria,B., Coxswain; Capell,H.C., Coxswain; Hearing,R.P., Coxswain; Herbert J.C., Coxswain; Maxted,G.E., Coxswain; Osborne,O.H., Coxswain; Presnell, J.C., Coxswain; Prewitt, L.C., Coxswain; and Stehn, Coxswain. manned the boats assigned to the division and kept things shipshape on deck.The fifteen seamen also manned boats along with mess-cooking, handling stores, and standing watches. General Quarters was sounded frequently, and sleep was scarce. The seamen were Syott,T.S.; Teller,M.D.; Gregg,L.L.; Bebish,W.A.; Schunder,C.O.; (end of page 7)Abshire,W.; Macy,W.; Williams,C.C.; Hagesman, E.E.; Mandell,J.C.; Lee, B.J.; and Gully, L.E.On the evening of August 10th, forty new recruits were brought aboard the ship, and thirteen were assigned to the First Division. They were Anderson,M.P.; Burr,W.C.; Coates,B.J.; DeGroot,T.L.; Demore,B.D.; Herbert,J.C.; Kurtovich,S; Milligan,W.N.; Perkins,E.E.; Stewart,C.E.; Thompson,E.S.; Vass,H.G.; and Willis,S .. These new men eased the strain on the old Division considerably.Shortly later, in the first part of September, the USS Natrona set out to sea again. The trip lasted-over three months. One of those months was spent in Japan, where the Division lost six men because of transfers. These men who were transferred were Anderson, Burr, Demore, Herbert, Milligan, and Stewart. The other divisions aboard also lost men. At this time, DeGroot and Coates were transferred to other divisions on the ship. Another change at this time was that the original three deck divisions on the ship were cut down to two divisions, the First Division and the Second Division. Again the First Division received more men. These were Burns, BM2c; Burkhart,Slc; Cerello,Slc; Snead,BM2c; Hamby,BM2c; Bonnette, Coxswain; Boushley, Coxswain; Heath, Slc; Compton,Slc; Parker,Slc; Torries,BM2c; Schannian,BMlc; Pillsbury, Coxswain.; Jackson, Coxswain.; and Palentio, Coxswain;. Snead, BMlc took over the Division as leading petty officer.The ship pulled into San Pedro the last part of November. The war had been over for three months, and a few of the men were discharged. There names are Bell, BM2c; Costello, BM2c; Callahan, Coxswain; Chavarria, Coxswain; Capell, Coxswain; Hearing, Coxswain; Herbert, Coxswain; Maxted, Coxswain; Osborne, Coxswain; Presnell, Coxswain; Prewitt, Coxswain; and Stehn, Coxswain. Here, seventeen men were taken aboard. They were Williams, B.; Stokes, B.; Sherfield,W.; Parrett,G.; Shervy,P.; Short,W.; Slaughter,W.; Lowe,C.; Price,B.; Rash,D.; Chrestay,A.A.; Nolan,J.; Schneiaer,C.; Nowicki,N.; Norris,R.; Szabo,J.; & Vincent,B. Ensign Cohen and Ensign Chandler were assigned to the first Division. Mr. Waddy was transferred for discharge and Ensign Gallaway relieved him. Ensign Erickson was assigned as Mr. Gallaway's assistant.After spending fifteen days in the United States, we put out to sea again with Bachus, BM2c, as leading petty officer. Japan was our destination. However, our orders were changed to Okinawa only a few days before we were scheduled to arrive at Japan. The trip lasted a month, and we pulled into San Pedro again on 13th January.After reaching San Pedro, more men were transferred for discharge. They were Sneed, BMlc; Cerello,Slc; and Hageman,Slc .. Mr. Gallaway was promoted to Lieutenant (JG) and was detached to the beach for discharge. Mr. Erickson became First Lieutenant; While Mr. Cohen became Assistant Second Division Officer. Mr. Strickland took over the first Division with Mr. Chandler as his assistant. ***********************************************************
The Second Division By Burt
The Second Division is composed mostly of men from the old Third Division, which was disbanded several months ago. The men that made up the Third Division during the month of November, 1945, and that stayed with it up to the present date are Anderson, Ariza, Arnett, Harvey P. Bailey, Bayne, Barlow, Bartlett, Brown, Bryan, Buck, Burkhart, Burns, Burt, Cassel, Cassity, Coleman, Confrancisco, Cosma, Costa, Crain, DeAngeles, Deason, Denmore, Kendall, Lawrence, Leary, McDougal, Nelson, Neuman, Shoemaker, Seefeldt, Sneyd, Storer, Taylor, Thayer. Tourtillott, Thompson, Wibbing, and Woods.When the Third Division became the Second Division the following men were added: Cabral, Larsen, Maurer, Palatino, and Ragusa. In charge of these men were Sneyd, BMlc, with Costa, BMlc second in charge. Ensign Payne and Ensign R.E. Collins were the Division Officers at that time. After Sneyd was transferred to the First Division, Costa took over and is still in charge.When we were in the States during September, thirteen more men were added to the Division. They Were Walden, Stolarske, Swain, Galliher, Wyrick, Frehs, Crandall, Whitney,(end of page 8) Szabo, Steele, Franke, Wilson, Gilman, and Parduhn. Most of these men have seen more action than many of the men on the ship.If all of these men were still aboard, we would have a very large Division, but several of the men have been discharged. These men are Cabral, Palantino, Ragusa, Anderson, H.P.Bailey, Bain, Bramlet, Cassity, Coleman, Cosma, Crain, Denmore, DiDonato, Eddy, Grissom, Leary, McDougal, Nelson, Thompson, Wibbing, Waldon, and Stolarski.Also, several men have been transferred for various reasons. Buck, Deason, Shoemaker, Storer, and Taylor were transferred to another ship while we were in Japan. De Angeles and Handlee were' transferred to participate in the trial of Boatswain Bryan. Seefeldt and Tourtillott were transferred for leave. Burns and Burkhart are in the First Division now. Cassel was transferred to the "S" Division.The newest addition to our Division is Bonnette, who was transferred from the First Division to fill a coxswain vacancy.Since Mr. Payne was made Assistant First Lieutenant and Mr. R.E. Collins was made Assistant Navigator Mr. Strickland was made our new Division Officer, with Mr. R.L. Collins and Mr. Caldwell as his assistants. Mr. Strickland was later transferred to the First Division to fill Mr. Gallaway's vacancy. In turn, Mr. Cohen was transferred to the Second Division to be Mr. Caldwell's assistant, Mr. Caldwell being our Division Officer now. These new officers reported aboard in November for duty.********************************************************** ....... History of the Wardroom-Mess By Raphael
On 7th November, 1944, a group of twenty-nine men consisting of Stewards, Cooks, and Steward Mates came aboard the USS Natrona to carry out their part of the job.These men, who we served with for many months, are as follows: Wren, C. StM2c and Herbert,L. StM2c, whom we don't know much about as they became ill and had to leave us in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Sim, B.A. Ck2c, whom we all liked but who met with an accident, had to leave us in San Francisco, California, August, 1945.After the war ended, the following named men left us to resume their civilian life; Ancheta, I.Q. Cklc, who was quite an artist and quite a clown; Casalla, E.D., Cklc, whom everyone knew because he was always over the side, trying to feed all the fish in the ocean (you know, "Sea Sick"); Youg, P, St3c, who used to keep those decks hot, getting underway in Okinawa; Alford, T. StMlc, who we know best as "Pal", because he was quite a P-A-L; Jackson, E. Ck3c, the man with the record of telling the tallest and highest sea story on the Natrona (My how we miss those lies). And then there was Washington, L. St2c, the big man who everyone liked, the man about the ship. He always ran through the sick bay because of Doctor Putman.Can anyone forget Gacad,J. CCk, who always started a game and broke it up saying "shoot two"; Brousard, C.J. Ck3c, the human snake with his odd wiggling and his candy making; Harrington, R.A. Ck3c, the "mouthpiece kid", who punched everything from bag to pot (look out for that bell, or you'll get hit); Jackson, T.C. StMlc, better known as "laughing boy" with his comical and humorous ways that kept the men's morale up; James, L, StMlc, also the life of the ship and the kid that was so full of fluid that he couldn't do it. (How about that "Texas hop"?); Jones, J.M. St2c, the "sack kid", the man that slept forty-eight hours and just couldn't get back to the ship on time for anything, not even for sixty days leave. (Oh, but he got two years to get in practice); Madayag, J.M. St2c, the man that put on that great exhibition and knocked himself out; McAllister, W. StMlc, better known as "wine, no!", the man who forgot everything but was liked by everyone.And how about Stevins, J.D. StMlc, the islander from New York, whom everyone liked, even though his jokes were crumby and stunk; Nolasco, M.R. CSt., the"doughnut king", although we never did get any of those doughnuts (I guess Davey Jones got all of them); Robinson R. St3c, the big fellow who could out-run anything when "bogie" would cone over; Smith, J.H.,StMlc the "raisin jack kid", who always seemed to have trouble with someone tramping down his vine; (end of page 9)Washington, L ,StMlc, better known as "grumpy" who was always complaining about something. (Well, what's up now?); Williams, E. StMlc, the man that woke up and scared everybody, even himself When he looked in the mirror; and William, R., St3c, the man that took Japan by surprise. What a man!And then there was the last member of our old group that left; Thomas, E. Ck3c the square that got hep and oh, what a hep-cat he was.There was also Weatheroy, L, St3c, better know as "snooks, the personality kid" who finally talked his way on enough points; and last but not least, the rip snortin’ cowboy from Texas; Wells, W. St3c, the boy that could do more with a cow and a horse than Buffalo Bill, but was liked by all.Now, out of the twenty-nine that put the Natrona in commission, there are only two left. Namely, Hughes, J. (Cklc), and Raphael, L.D.(that's me).Well, Hughes is still here wistfully watching the calendar and hoping some day he will be old "jodie", but he has hopes, because "Time Marches On".And now, "yours truly": Raphael, L.D. (Stlc), the man that was going to beat everyone else out, is still here. (But remember the 4th of April is just around the corner. Of course, there are rumors that he might ship over. I wonder?).Well, we have added quite a number of new members to our group, one of which has shipped over and left us. His name is Jones, C.W. StMlc, better known as "Gabby".Now for those men who are still carrying on: Blackburn, O.,CSt and Chapman, I.M. CCk. are our leaders and are swell to work with and for. Fisher, H.A. StMlc; Jackson, W.G. StMlc; Brown,R.R. StM2c; Worship,J.C. StM2c; Blocker, C. StM2c; Jones, W.A.StM2c; Bryant, I. StM2c. They are all "regulars", and my hat is off to them. Keep up the good work.The following are also aboard, but April or May will be their months to enter the cruel, hard, world: Jackson, J. StMlc; Jones, R.L. StM2c; Bolton, W.H. StMlc; Cole, A, StMlc and Wright, J. StMlc.That takes care of this Wardroom Mess History and I am sure that I speak for everyone when I say that all of the men were well-liked on board the "Mighty !N!".So-Long for now. ********************************************************* ........Facts Concerning the Dough-Heads By Stark
I will try to write something about the fellows who have worked in baking but who have been discharged by now.First we had Eddy Hynes, Bkr 1c, who came aboard the ship when it was put into commission and stayed with us until he was discharged in December. Eddy was a good baker in civilian life, and I mean he really knew his baking. He had charge of the bake shop while he was aboard. Eddy was a swell “jo”. He was very quiet, never doing much talking. His main ambition was to be discharged and go back to his little of Berlin, New Hampshire. He wanted to loaf around until his cash should begin to run low; then he said he would go back to baking. By now I imagine he is back at work and forgotten that he was ever in the Navy. The last I heard of him, he was still loafing and was thinking (not very seriously) about going to work.Most of you fellows knew Norman Wold, Bkrlc who hailed from Marseilles, Illinois. To those who knew him well, he answered to the name of "Freezing" or C.B.. Incidentally, "Freezing" was in the Sea Bees for a couple years before he transferred to the Navy. I still don’t know which he liked the best, but he always did talk of the Sea Bees with much pride. When he was discharged in December, the bake shop seemed empty. It seemed strange not to have him around wearing that goofy smile of his that we were all well acquainted with. There was one little thing that caused Wold to get plenty of razzing. This was when he was given charge of the ice boxes and when he became known as "Spud Coxswain First Class". I believe Wold resented it, but he never said anything. However, it wasn’t a bad deal at all for him-- he always said that his new job was a welcome change after eight years of baking. When Wold left us he went back to Marseilles with his wife and his son. His son was born just before we hit Kerama Retto. And by the time Wold got home, Denny was ten months old. I'd sure liked to have seen the expression on Wold's face when he held his son in his arms. When Wold last talked to me, he had already had his son through college. (end of page 10) I don’t know what you are doing now, Norm, but I wish you and Carolyn lots of luckEveryone was acquainted with "Little Joe” DiGuglielmo. "Little Joe" was born and raised in wilmington, Delaware. And as far as he was concerned, there was no other State besides Delaware. Before he entered the Navy, Joe was working on the railroad. He signed up in order to see the world. Now he has seen the world and is back again on the railroad. I wonder whether or not he misses the Navy.We had one fellow here in the shop who decided the Navy was going to be a good lifetime job, so he shipped over. He was Beaudioux, Bkr3c, better known as "Gabby". Why he was called "Gabby" I don't know, because he never did talk much. "Gabby" was born and raised in Houma, Louisiana, and he entered the Navy after he finished high school. The last time that I heard about him, he was headed home on a 50-day leave. By now he should be looking forward to December, 1949, when his next cruise is up.Among our present dough-heads, and the one that everyone knows so well, is that handsome guy from Wyoming, L.S. Kraft. He is Wyoming's gift to the Navy and God's gift to the women. Maybe Cassel in the galley has what it takes, but Kraft just makes them swoon. He's a natural Boyer, Van Johnson, and Errol Flynn combination. And upon meeting a girl, he always tells her his name is Flynn and asks her what her hobby is. And if you should see Kraft turn on the charm, you would beg him to teach his methods to you. Boy, if only I were like him! Could I have fun--ow-ooo!. When~ I asked him what he was going to do when he got out of the Navy, He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I'm afraid I'll have to go back to Wyoming and give the girls a break by letting them gaze on their ideal." Well, that's enough about Kraft, because I'd like to tell you about another dough-head who all the girls are wild about.This fellow has the cutest little mustache, and he told me that the girls love it. Everyone knows DeGroot, better known as "Tuck". "Tuck" comes from Petaluma, California, which is close to San Francisco. He has been in the "S" Division since September, and he really takes an interest in his work. Just to show you how well he likes his work, I will give an illustration. "Tuck" went home on a "72". and just to prove to his mother that he was good, he baked her two peach pies. When I asked him how they turned out, he said that they were just like those his mother used to make, ex-cept that they were only thirty times better. But "Tuck" really does like baking and is really a swell fellow. He still has about six months to go in the Navy, so he will probably get duty on another ship before he gets out.Now there are only two more fellows from the bake shop to mention-Bunkmen and myself. We both came from Wisconsin and both have about the same ideas. Roy lives in Wansan, and I live in Waupun.Roy has been in the bake shop about eight months and has really learned fast. From the way he talks, he would like to work in a bake shop on the outside. Good luck in your future job, Roy. But the first thing he says he is going to do when he gets out is to change Dolores' name from Miss to Mrs. Before he entered the service Roy worked in a box factory in Milwaukee. He says that he used to make the boxes. Now he wants to bake so that he can fill the boxes he made. Whatever Roy does, he should make good. He, Tiede, and myself figure on seeing each other quite often after we are all home.Right at the present, I don't know what I will do when I get out. Perhaps I should say that I don't know where I will work, because I will be baking. Before I entered the Navy just ahead of the Draft Board I used to do baking, and since I have been in the service, I will naturally continue baking when I get out. But The first thing I intend to do is to talk Millie into changing her name to Mrs. I’ve asked her only 999 times by now, and the answer has always been no. But I'm always hoping that next time will be the time.Well fellows and friends, (yes you cooks too), I have almost run out of gab. But I would like to take this opportunity to tell all of you that it has been a pleasure to know all of you and to be with all of you. Good luck to you all. ***********************************************
SHIPS HISTORY OF THE COOKS
By C.H.VerHoef
Fellows, as you all know, we are writing a history of the "Mighty N", and I am writing something about the cooks, past and present. We have had a swell bunch of fellows working in the galley. All of the fellows that have left us were thought very well of by all aboard.For instance, there was Hays. He made chief and left us in "Frisco" for discharge.Also, there was Smitty, who was one of the swellest fellows in the galley. He always had a smile for everyone. In civilian life, he was a baker. How he became a cook in the Navy is only a Navy secret, but he was one of the best.Another cook was Zalinski. He is now our chief.Chasteen SC2c was a cook, but at heart he was a boatswain mate. Never a day went by that he wasn't trying to tell Snead or Costa how to handle the deck apes. It was always his desire to get out of the galley and to get into the deck force. But deep down in his heart he still liked cooking, and he is a darn good cook. I hear that after getting out, he missed the Navy at first. But at last he decided he liked the cruel outside world better, way down deep in the heart of Texas.Now we will turn to Murphy, who was a hash slinger in his own hash house in Kansas. We always admired Murphy because of the wonderful stories he told us about his life. And he had quite a few stories too. Some of them were heard six or seven times, but they were never boring. The one story he loved to tell was the one about the guy who he threw out of his own joint, because the fellow wanted toasted whole wheat bread with no butter. The thing that made "Murph" sore was that this was the first time he didn't have whole wheat bread on hand.Now we will turn to Vance, or "Pappy" to all those who knew him very well. "Pappy" like Chosten, lives deep in the heart of Texas. Here, He was owner of a grocery store and a butcher shop. So naturally he turned out to be a butcher in the Navy, and he was a good one too. His pet hobby was to give the boys fatherly advice.Of course, all of you fellows know Frank E. Waggoner, Commonly known as "Give me a little ditty" Frank. Life aboard the Natrona has been made much more pleasant with "waggs!" cute, little songs, which have become well-known to all the cooks and bakers. We are sorry to say that we cannot put them in print for you to, read.Then, we have our dry-land sailor, Schuller. He was a swell "joe", but he couldn't keep his stomack on an even keel with that of the ship. Therefore, he was transferred at Saipan. On our last trip there, he spent an evening aboard ship with us. At that time he said that his only wish was that he could have stayed with us.Not many of the fellows knew Alexander, who was injured two days before we were put into commission. The accident occurred when the No.2 hatch covers fell into the mess hall, injuring several of our boys. He was very well liked by the fellows who knew him.Before going any further, we better mention Chief Eahart, who was a swell chief and an old friend. He left us in Long Beach to go on a shipping-over leave. We all missed him very much, and we know that wherever he goes he will be well-liked by all those who come in contact with him.Now we come to our cook who was really a carpenter at heart. You all know him. He's our "one and only" from Appleton, Wisconsin, our own Tiede. He always said that the Navy would have been all right if he could have been a carpenter instead of a cook. But even though it was impossible for him to be a carpenter, he did his work well: and he always said that he could let his wife take it easy when he came home, since he could do the cooking. I wonder if he is doing the cooking now. But I'll bet ten to one that he is home now helping to relieve the housing shortage by building more homes.Rittig, who relieved Vance in the butcher shop, is doing a swell job. On his ten-day leave, he became engaged to his little gal at home. That only goes to show you that all the fellows haven't received "Dear Johns" since they have left home. We know that "Looie" will make a nice husband for some girl.You all know Bonjie, the little guy with the man-sized whiskers. (end of page 12)He says he shaves in the morning and that he can't make liberty unless he shaves again at four o'clock.Campbell, who wanted to be a butcher turned out to be a cook. He's doing a great job too.Of course, all of you know McGinnis, "Mac" to you. He's the boy with the big smile.And we have Cassel, "God's gift to women". When Cassel is around, Sinatra and Crosby are only memories.Our two latest additions to the galley gang are Hoffman and Miller, of course you know them both.I'm going to, let you in on a little secret. I don't imagine that anyone else will say anything about me, so I will have to do it myself. I'm known to most of you as "Kelly". I'm leaving the ship on the second to get that piece of paper which makes all reserves happy, a discharge.I will miss the Navy, but I'm going to be glad to get out. Possibly, I'll be back in. I have really enjoyed the many months I have spent aboard this Ship. *********************************************************
Engineers Have Hairy Ears By Lt. (JG) McNair
Seeing the many new faces aboard now brings about memories of some of other ship mates, many who have been discharged or transferred. Recalling some of the past achievements and experiences of the Engineers I think Our greatest hour occurred during that hot battle on Zamami Shima (more desperate in some respects than the one which took place a few weeks before) between the Engineers' baseball team and the teams from the other departments on the Ship. Inspired by the gentle tender words of encouragement of Co-Captain O'Connel our team came through in the finest tradition for the Engineers.There was something angelic about O'Conne1's leadership. He always had a kind word, even to those who had made serious errors.I remember the time Clark made some error. I think he missed a fly when he stepped on a beer can, or a gorse got in his way or something (the diamond was a little rough, wasn't it?). Anyway when the side was finally out and when Clark came in from the outfield, O'Conne1 spoke these reassuring, inspiring words in his own quiet way: "Whatts a matter ya bum?" Oh yes that was some team. Then there was Vasta, always c1ose behind O'Conne1 to scream, "Foul. We wuz robbed." in reply to any decision of the umpire which was in the least bit favorable to the other side.Harris, our pitcher, really gave his all. I remember $30 he won for me with one of those fast-breading curve balls.I think one reason for the team's great success was the "spirited' corps" brought by the boys from Brooklyn from their native land to the team. I don't know but it just seemed that they were a little more proficient at making unflattering remarks to the opposing batters than anyone else. Let's see, they were O'Conne1, Vasta, DiDomenico, Carter, and Weinstein, weren't they, the f1atbush faithfu1s?Of course Scalise was a hard man to talk out of those pop flies at the plate. And wasn't that Shorty Fanow who used to race between the boulders to pick up those hot grounders back of second base?And of course, Carter, in those shorts of his, was rated the teammate with the prettiest legs. Why don't you try "Fuz Wuz", which removes unwanted hair, Carter?At first base was that noisy guy. Oedy, (Always raisin' hell, that fellah!). He gave the boys some good advice on when to run for second. Oedy also starred when it came to drinking the beer after the game.On the sidelines, sitting pompously on a sand dune, owner Mr. Scurfield would usually be mapping out strategy with O'Conne1 and Oedy. While the game was in progress, his moustache would give a nervous twitch now and then, and the expression on his face seemed to say, "For *#%% sakes, boys win! I'd rather go up in the hills with the Japs than look at the mocking smile of Dr. Putman if we should lose".Seymour could usually be seen sitting on a rock, cigar in hand, passing out words of wisdom to all hands. "Well, I'm a 'tin can' sailor myself, and we used to ---------" and so on far into the night.Getting away from baseball, what has happened to the Salt Water Distiller's Association? Only Chunko, (End of page 13) Artio1e, Curtiss, and Cookson seem to be left. That was a noble organization. Where are Beut1ar and Bolt? How much water was that, that you made, Chunko? Aw gowan, it isn’t so.By the way Chunko, are you still partial to the girls in the service?Mr. Rizer has retired from the Navy after many years of faithful service. His parting words were "I'll fix that &*@@# purifier yet. Let's give it another kick Farrow.I understand Weinstein and Sigler are running a numbers racket in Tiajuana, d---ingenious, those boys.Kelly, of the Chicago Ke11ys, shoved off some time ago. You remember Kelly used to sit on the low injection valve, when not occupied by Walker or Forrester, and tell sea stories. How was that again Kelly? You were in that hotel in Frisco when you heard a masculine rap on the door and ----------.Tsk, tsk, these sailors.The backbone of the Engineering Department, Pagnano, is still aboard. He reports that several women in Long Beach are mad, simply mad, about him, "Sonny Wisecarver" Pagnano they call him. Young is still in the fireroom, packing valves, twisting nuts, and other stuff like that. Recently he was picked up by the SP's for not saluting a Lieutenant (JG). Afterwards he confided to me, in tears, that he was wrong, all wrong. Now, now Young, don't take it so hard. You'll go to Heaven anyway, I think.Two weeks ago, we suffered a great loss. Our talented "Oil King", Dameron, was transferred for discharge. And as he sailed away in the P-boat, he was singing “Natrona Blues”, strumming on his old guitar. Say Dameron, how is hat record selling that you and Fiss made recently?I suppose Harris, ex log-room yeoman, is hard rock mining in Arizona. Come on Harris, put my name on the liberty list; no-body’ll find out.Mr. Lunn, Mr. Nixson, Mr. McNair, and Mr. Ambrosious are still aboard carrying on the unending war in the wardroom between the deck officers and the engineers.Well shipmates, I hope this nonsense recalls something of the past of which you are found. And remember: “Engineers always stick together”. *********************************************************
Reminiscences By Charles W. Coombs
I would like to say something to all my friends who are civilians and to all my future friends who used to sail on this wonderful ship. Although I don't know most of you well, I’ve probably heard about you at one time or another. Some of it was good and some was bad, but as a whole you seem like a pretty good bunch of fellows. I wish I could have been aboard to meet some of you, as I'm sure it would have been quite an experience. I wish good luck to all of you, whether you are now civilians or not. ************************************************
Additional Dope from the Engine Room By J.E. Muehlenbec
This paper will be sent to all hands who have left the USS Natrona and who are seeking their fortunes in the vast outside world. I take this privilege for myself and the rest of your shipmates left behind in saying that we all sincerely hope your futures will be pleasant ones, and we wish you the best of luck in finding whatever you may be looking for.
******************************************** The Radiomen and Radarmen By M.M. Marquette .......................
These are the days that we should all be happy men. Unless they are lonesome for that endless slapping of the waves against the side of a ship, we should still be happy; because these are the kind of men who will make it possible for us to get out sooner. (End of page 14) When we leave we will look back and admit that there is a little pride in that junk-heap, sitting out in Los Angeles Harbor. Yes men, to be proud of it, there must be something outstanding involved. No, it's not her unclean, square-cut lines, her cracker-box hull, or chopped off bow. Nor is it those few little anti-aircraft guns that decorate her sides, but the thing that is really outstanding about this old, "Rust Bucket", is the record. Everyone helped to make this record what it is, but the men whom I represent are the Radio men and Radar men.Since the ship went into commission the Radiomen have decoded, sent, and received thousands of messages of all types and descriptions. The gang, up until the war ended, consisted of two officers, one chief, and twenty two enlisted men. Mr. Partis, then the Division Officer, has now attained the rank of Lt. Commander and has become our Executive Officer. Mr. Rogers, then the Communications Officer, has been detached from the Ship. Of the old crew, we have only nine left, with an addition of Dailey Rm2c and Marsh RT2c. Also, a new Chief, J.E. Troop.In the Radar gang, there were twelve enlisted men and one officer. Lt(JG) Erwin now a Lieutenant Senior Grade. These boys were the most confidential and wide awake "Swabies" aboard ship. They made it their business to know where every plane and ship was for miles around and to give everyone first hand information on the results of air raids and attacks. Of the original twelve only five remain.But it won't be long now before even the old Moru counts up her points and asks for a discharge.Now we will recount some of the experiences of the radar men while they were out over the "blue".Anderson is the guy, while on radar watch, reported a mail buoy. The 0.0.D. and all his assistants spent the better part of an afternoon looking for it.Jim Duggin was our ideal Texan, who fought the civil War three times a day and never won it. Every time we had an air attack, you could bet your bottom dollar that Davis would be under the S.G. But this was due to the fact that we had Chuck Baughn on the flying bridge yelling, "He's diving". Just as everything got good and hot, Marquette at the S.A. would begin to sing that ever living old favorite, "I got a gal, she's eight feet tall, sleeps in the kitchen with her feet in the hall". As a rule this was cut short by a fast but lawful joke by our ever so joking C.I.C. Officer Mr. Erwin. Between "bogey reports the "Shiek" conversed with our lawyer and egged that unforgettable Randolph into telling his weird stories of the - South, where a man's a man and the bootleggers know it. "To hold the whole gang in check, we had that one-time flat foot from Torres --the boy that thought he had twins when he received two letters about a month apart that cost him two boxes of cigars.There was a man new in the gang, and also to the water, Comshell, who One day while asleep on the deck getting a complete wash down; he went through all the stages of drowning, even that last frantic call for help. Keller gave in, and took him below to gaze upon a few of his pin up pictures. It made him worse.No gang is complete without your combination gambler and insurance salesman. Pautzke was nothing but that, and good too -- gambled with his life, so he says. (End of page 15)Latchford is one name that will be hard to forget. Being the fleet's best Boogie Woogie player on the piano, he also indulged in a bit of women trouble. And last but not least was that old man of old times, Tom Stevens, the handiest guy in the Navy. ****************************************************************Additional Dope From the Engine Room
By W.A. Kissel
To all the lucky boys who have already left the Navy and the USS Natrona, I wish you all the best of luck in civilian life. I hope to be there soon myself.More ThoughtsBy C.B. Pressler I am not a reporter, but I would like to say a few words in this week's edition of the "WHIRLPOOL", which is the Souvenir Edition and which will be sent to all the men who have served aboard the USS Natrona. I take this opportunity to express my best wishes to all of you men who are taking a new start in civilian life, and I wish you very successful futures ****************************************************************
A casting director of a big Hollywood studio was interrupted by his secretary, who said, "There is a man outside who insists upon seeing you immediately." "What does he do'?" said the casting director. "He tells me," said the secretary, "that he specializes in sticking his right arm into the lion's cage in big jungle pictures." "That sounds interesting," said the director. "What does he call himself?" "Lefty, said the secretary. *****************************************************************
A man and his wife were sitting together in the living room one evening. The phone rang and the man answered. He said, on the phone, "How on earth should I know? Why don't you call the Coast Guard?" Then he hung up and returned to his newspaper. The wife asked, "Who was that, dear?" The husband said,"I haven't the faintest idea. Some silly jerk wanted to know if the coast was clear. ***************************************************************
An old cannibal chief sat anxiously outside the hut of the tribal witch doctor. That worthy finally appeared with a happy smile on his face. "Chief Wampum," he declared, you are the father of a bouncing eight pound baby boy. Do you want to take him with you or will you eat him here? ***************************************************************
The good ship Donald Porter got firmly stuck in the ice north of Greenland one winter, and it looked as though all hands were doomed to starvation. When the last piece of dried fish had been doled out, the brave captain stepped forward. "My heart cries," he declared," I got you unto this mess and it's only fair that I be first to go. You can eat me for a fortnight." He took out his trusty blunderbuss, pressed it to his temple, and was about to shoot when the second mate, Harper, cried, "Stop! Not that, Captain. Don't blow your brains out, I beg you. That's my favorite dish." * * * * * * * * * * * * *Officer: "What is the last word in planes?" Cadet: "Jump **************************************************************
Recollection
By Lieut. Comdr.GEORGE PARTIS, USN Executive Officer .This week we thought it would be appropriate to publish a souvenir edition of the Whirlpool so you lucky guys who are civilians can hear about what has happened since you left the good ship Natrona.And maybe it will recall many memories - some pleasant and some not so pleasant - and just so you don't forget what the old ship looks like, we are sending a photograph along with the paper.Some of you gun crews will notice the absence of the five-inch and the forties forward as well as most everything between. And the Boat Group will notice the boats - the ship carrying only an "L","R", and four "P" boats at the present time.Most of you won't forget those long days and longer nights that were spent in Kerama Retto - those two hundred odd General Quarters and the old war cry," IN THE BOATS _ MAKE E-E-e-e- SMOKE", or the day the HENRICO was hit and the all night GQ that followed.The boat group won't forget those cold rainy days in the boats and the long trips to the "SOUTH ANCHORAGE.We'd like to see those LCM crews spin their boats around on a dime, 'ala' Kerama-Rhetto. Grissom, Pillsbury and Wibbing would tear their hair out if they could see how our modern Navy coxswains handle their LCMs at Pico Street Landing. The coxswains seem to think they are handling the Queen Mary and need tug boats to get their boats turned around.Mr. Schwin and I won't forget Litzenberger and his endless cups of coffee while standing watches on the bridge and how we voted him the best darn coffee maker in the whole Navy. Litzenberger had a sharp eye for "bogeys", too, and could spot'em when no one else could see them.We remember Brown, our 5 X 5 quartermaster, and his stories of the old Navy, sometimes garnished with, but never really told with the whole truth, of Mr. Bartlett, setting on the chart desk wheedling sorry and soulful tunes from a harmonica. That isn't peacetime procedure, Mr. Bartlett. Or, the near collision we had with the Wyandott (KA 92) during our rehearsal at Leyte. We remember Martz, our radio tech, who hailed from Jackson, Miss., and who was always "just fixing' to do it", when asked about that job he was to have finished two weeks ago.Remember "Pinky" Robinson, The little radio man with the big smile. "Pinky" is now selling two pants suits, one suite for the price of two, way up there in. Sedro Wooley, Washington.And Randolph, who always picked up a "big fat-assed" bogey every time he sat down in front of the SA radar.Captain Winquist, who had to wear a luminous cord around his neck to save him from the "thundering herd" on the bridge during an air raid.The beach party won't forget Mr. Waddy - how could you forget a person that big - and the way he "expedited" our loading at Lingayen Gulf. Mr. Waddy is now residing in "Ark-can-saw", and if any of you go through Fort Smith, stop in and see him.Moffett, our hefty Chief Quartermaster who was always screaming, "feather-merchants" and had such an even temper - he was mad all the time. Moffett, when last heard from, was heading for the sticks around Bremerton. Mr. Shellabarger is there to, so we hear, helping to make civilians out of sailors.The officers won't forget "Happy" Rogers, also known as "Snarly" who had plenty to say at the dinner table, and who didn't hesitate to say it. (End of page 17)Jarolin, whose well modulated voice could always be heard on the radio, "This is WEATHERVAME, this is WEATHERVANE," or Figaro, who won't forget the "famous" 25th division, individually or collectively.Mr. Goldman, our fighting marine - he'd fight with everybody - won't forget the 25th either.Harrison, our easygoing yeoman, who we hear is working in Chicago.Ledgerwood, our bartending yeoman, who we think is bartending in Denver, and drinking up all the profits.Doctor McDonald, who always had a smile for everyone. Doctor McDonald, we heard, was transferred to the USS HASKELL, but should be out of the service by now.Costillo, the Chief of the Side Cleaners, and his little punt - the only man on the ship with his own boat.Doctor McBarney, who chased something or other with a butterfly net. If he ever caught anything he certainly kept it a secret.We are quite sure Mr. Schwin will never forget the night the welders broke into his peaceful slumbers - "Hey Chief?" Shipyard workers are such chummy people, aren't they?Remember Blackford - the guy who never laced his shoes - and that mustache that made him look like a movie bad man.The Santa Anita race track threatened to close up, and even the jockeys were going on strike - when they heard the Natrona was leaving the area. It seems that Mr. McNair, in addition to his engineering duties, also helps to run the race track- mainly by the contribution of huge sums of cash - bet on the wrong horses.Voss, our Chief Signalman who was with us during our more hectic days, in now on the USS MAGOFFIN (APA 199).It's a hell of a note when the Shore Patrol wants to know why a guy carries his cigarettes in his shoes. Gosh, can't a guy have some peculiarities? And forty hrs extra duty at two hours a day - that's a long time. Anyone wishing to hear a goof story and obtain some incorrect information on how to smuggle cigarettes via the "shoe" system see Langford, James Hunter, now a respected (we hope) citizen of Houston, Texas.Seefeldt, our eminent coxswain with all the pep and who knew how to make soldiers work, went on 60 days leave in November 1945, and if he didn’t freeze up there in Moline, Illinois, is no doubt back with his Uncle Sammy.Shiek, who was just as romantic, (like all radar men), as his name, left some three months ago and we haven't had a bearing on him since.Stehr, the big truck driver from the Northwest went right back to Arlington, Wash. to live after being discharged. Imagine! Blackberry pie is on the menu he says, if we pay him a visit. We would like Mrs. Stehr's confirmation first. And who is going to pick the berries.Bramlett, our ex-"L" boat coxswain is some where in the wilds of New Mexico we believe, a small town called Albuquerque or something.We wonder if Brand, our ex-signal girl, headed right back for Perryville, Arkansas when we let him loose. WHAT! You've never heard of Perryville?Broussard, a prominent member of the officer's galley at one time, came out to the ship to see us recently. A loyal Californian that he is, he hasn’t gotten any farther away than Los Angeles.Richmond, our ex-Chief Yeoman, who even had a "gizmorado" file in the Ship's Office, is now running a gas station in Pinole, California. The Chief attempted to visit the ship a few months ago, but was inadvertently chased off. (End of page 18)Raupe, our diplomatic radio man wrote us from deep in the heart of Texas the other day - some place called. Granbury - and endorsed a snap shot of himself and a very attractive looking girl. Were interested but he didn't introduce us so all we can do is wonder. Kind of selfish aren't you Raupe?Important: All members of the Pinky Dink Club will please keep their hands above the table at all times.We wonder if Gregory still haunts those wonderful night spots in San Francisco - places like the "Pink Rat" - 'which make us wonder just what is in a name or how they choose them. Gregory knew them all - the best - and the worst.Guidry probably won't forget the hungry hordes pouring through the mess hall - especially those who went through two and three times - and stealing "all them spoons, too!"Kendall was arrested a few days ago in Riverside, California for having his hat on the back of his head and his cuffs rolled up. The Shore Patrol sure does get around in strange places, don't they.If Koutsoyan and Boushley are listening, we'd like them to know that we are still trying to get them a Bronze Star or something for capturing all those Japs.Lange, our proficient Pharmacists Mate, escaped from us not so long ago and promptly left for parts unknown. ***************************************************************
"Famous Sayings by Infamous People"Mr. Arnot, "How about a cigarette?"Dr. Putnam, "Don't you dare touch my mustache!Dr. Fishback, "I am losing so much money being in the Navy, why outside I used to make $000,000.00Mr. Bartlett - Stooped!!Chief Moffet, "High - yah, fat boy."Mr. Perdue, "Have you sighted the mail buoy yet?" ***************************************************************
TO THE OFFICER'S AND CREW OF THE U.S.S. NATRONA........Well it is time for me to say good bye to the Natrona, but in spite of the fact, the Natrona I'll never forget as long as I live. I know there are a lot of you that I won't get to see before I go, but for those that I do and for those that I don't, I want you to know that I think you are the best bunch of fellows I've ever met, or hope to meet. I have had a good time since I've been aboard, and I know the biggest majority of you have too, in spite of the things you've had to do and how much some of you say you hate the Navy. I hope we will meet again someday. Wishing you the best of luck on the next trip and a quick return back home. Hoping that good old civilian life catches up with you soon, I remain, Your old Shipmate, FISSThe Executive Officer threatened to transfer Fiss and Dameron if they didn't stop their "hillbilly" yodeling in the Gunnery Office - all day long they yodeled - and half the night - and they wouldn't stop so darned if he didn't up and transfer ‘em. Of course their points may have had something to do with it. ***************************************************************
Word has just been received that the ship is to get underway and proceed to San Francisco for inactivation. All the guns, boats, and portable radio gear that we so joyfully got rid of in Wilmington must be installed or brought aboard again. (End of page 19) ***************************************************************
Things we wish: That Ensign White, our paymaster, would be more free with the money on payday. The high cost of living is terrific, especially around those bars in Long Beach. *************************************************
"Dear Sir," writes a recently discharged sailor, "while in the Navy I developed a fondness for the G.I. type of haircut. Since being mustered out, I have been unable to find a barber who will give me that sort of haircut. Do you know of one? If not, do you think I could give myself the kind of trim I want? He's asking for it! Just send him back to the USS NATRONA - we'll get a hold of Summerville and Boy! Will he get "that sort of haircut?" In Memory of Doctor PutnamThe ward was full of ailing men, the air was full of groaning, Doc Putnam entered, full 0 fun "Good moaning, men - - good moaning!" * * * * * * * *It could have happened on the NATRONA. "How many fathoms?" asked the Captain. "Can't touch bottom, sir," was the answer."Well, concern you, how near do you come to it?" the Captain shot back. * * * * * * * * *For Mr. Gallaway, Mr. Payne, and all the others who protested to LIFE about this article - here is the answer. Life Time and Life Building Editorial Offices Rockefeller Center, New York February 28, 1946 Officers of the USS Natrona C/o Lt(JG) R.R. Gallaway USS Natrona (APA 214) C/o FPO, San Francisco, Cal.Dear Sirs:Thank you for correcting the misinformation contained in our December 10 article on “Sinbads Shore Leave.”The Location was Wakayama; about as far from Tokyo as is New York from Pittsburgh.Life has no wish to excuse itself; we can’t imagine why the researcher decided to toy with Japanese geography. We were glad to have your comment on this point and appreciate your interest in writing. Sincerely yours, /s/ Jane W. Popper for the Editors(End of Souvenir Edition of The Whirlpool) Page 20 *************************************************
The original printing of this souvenir edition Of “The Whirlpool” was on 8 X 13 inch pages, I have re-typed it as accurately as Chuck Bailey can. 1/1/2007