May 4, 2021

Name: Mike Dougherty
E-mail: mikedougherty63@yahoo.com
Shop: 56 shop

I was a second year apprentice when I reported to Al Stranahan At the marine railway.What a classy guy.He gave me a tour of USS Trutta explaining how we were gonna "save the Trutta"and give her to the Turks .Now I realize that he was teaching me How to orient the new guy.I became friends with a young Turkish sailor and his chief started hitting him when he caught us shooting the breeze.Since I was still in my street gang phase I attacked the chief.Al got me out of that trouble.I learned that the main job of the foreman was to protect his men.I sure miss the Yard!

February 4, 2021

Name: Dennis J Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

Another Obituary. Sorry for all the bad news.

Martin (Marty) Sheeron Jr
PNSY Boilermaker Production Superintendent

Martin J. "Marty" Sheeron passed away peacefully on January 30, 2021 from Mesothelioma. Marty started his long career at the Shipyard in July of 1968. In July, 1969, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Army. After serving in Vietnam and Germany, he returned home to the Shipyard in March, 1972 to resume his Boilermaker Apprenticeship. He graduated from the Apprenticeship in December 1975.

Marty was promoted to Boilermaker Foreman in 1979, then to Boilermaker General Foreman in 1983, and finally in 1989, to Boilermaker Production Superintendent. His family never questioned the long hours the Shipyard demanded of Marty. He believed the people he worked with at the Shipyard were the best of the best.

In 1995, Marty left the Shipyard and took a position with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Boiler Inspector Supervisor. He worked for the Commonwealth until his retirement in January 2016. Marty always said his job as Boilermaker, Boilermaker Foreman, and Boilermaker General Foreman were great jobs, but his job as Boilermaker Production Superintendent was his hardest but most rewarding job of them all. He considered it the best job he ever had.

Marty leaves behind his beloved wife Diane J. Palmer Sheeron, who kept the family strong and together when he was away at the Shipyard. He is also survived by his children; Marty Sheeron (Philadelphia Detective) and his wife Bernadette, Kevin Sheeron (420 Steamfitter) and his wife Erin, and Carrie Bickel and her husband Patrick (Project Manager/Retired Army Officer), as well as 8 wonderful and loving grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to Marty's Funeral Mass on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 525 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111. His interment at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA will follow at 1:00 PM with full military honors.

February 3, 2021

Name: Dennis J Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

I was asked to share this with the Ex-Yardbirds:

Casper "Pat" on January 31, 2021 of Country Club Estates in Deptford. Age 63. Loving husband of Joyce M. (Nee Parks) for forty years. Son of the late John Casper and Naomi (nee Ciriglo). Beloved father of Jennifer Casper of Mantua, Katherine Vasta (Mario) of Deptford and Patrick J. Casper (Casey) of Mantua. Brother of Steve Casper (Natalie) of Deptford and the late John Casper. Devoted grandfather of Braxton and Iyla. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Pat was an inspector for NJDOT and formerly worked at Philadelphia Navy Yard Pipe Insulators 57 Shop. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, enjoyed smoking cigars and loved being involved in his children's sports. Most of all, Pat loved spending time with his family. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 7pm to 9pm and Saturday, February 6, 2021 from 9:30am to 10:15am in The Chapel at BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, 1757 Delsea Dr., Deptford, NJ 08096. A Mass of Christian Burial 11am at Holy Angels Parish at St. Patrick's RC Church, 86 Cooper St., Woodbury, NJ 08096. Interment Wenonah Cemetery, Wenonah. For directions, to sign online guest book and to view Pat's Video Tribute visit www.boucherfuneralhome.com. MASKS MUST BE WORN COVERING NOSE AND MOUTH ENTERING THE FUNERAL HOME AND THE CHURCH. Boucher Funeral Home 1757 Delsea Dr. Deptford, NJ 08096 856-464-1097

January 21, 2021

Name: William j Domzalski
E-mail: rigger072@yahoo.com
Shop: 972

sad to report the death of Carl "SKI" Kurzawski X72 shop Rigger..If you worked the SLEP program on any Carrier ,and needed some fork truck service you knew "SKI"..R.I.P.

January 16, 2021

Name: Ron Miller
E-mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: X31

Three of my coworkers at the US MInt who once worked at the Yard have recently passed away: Charlie Burke - 31 Shop; Bruce Dickerson and Bill Eggers - both 38 Shop.

January 14, 2021

Name: Clifford A Nash
E-mail: pnsycliff@aol.com
Shop: 06

Stephen F. Weber, Sr.
 

Stratford - age 78, passed away on January 4, 2021. Survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothea "Dot" (nee VanDenEnde); children Rita (Lucky) Hawkins, Stacey, Stephen (Christina), Elizabeth (Francis) Dubinink, and Franny (Tracy) Walsh; grandchildren Samantha, Evan, Sarah, Sophia, Alexis, Trevor, and Quinton; sister-in-law Theresa Weber; brother Laurence Weber; and brother-in-law Leo Canniff. He is predeceased by his siblings Herbert Weber and Rosemary (Weber) Canniff, and sister-in-law Barbara Weber.

Stephen proudly served in the US Navy. After the service, he began his career as a general foreman electrician at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. He enjoyed participating in the Naval Yard bowling league, traveling and cruising with his family, rooting for the Boston Red Sox, and listening to Neil Diamond.

January 12, 2021

Name: Joe DeKraft
E-mail: joedek@verizon.net
Shop: X17;C/265

John, I started working @ PNSY in January of 1967 six months after I got out oh high school. Of course everyone always remembers the USS New Jersey but not everyone thinks about the submarines as much. As I was around The Navy Yard back then I remember two particular submarines from back then and used during Open House tours back then and one was the USS Bang. Here are two Wikipedia links for both of those submarines. The USS Bang was sold to Spain and was eventually scrapped in 1983.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Bang

The second submarine I remember was the USS Becuna and is still around today and is docked at Penns Landing right next to the USS Olympia in Philadelphia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Becuna

January 10, 2021

Name: John Urbanski
E-mail: Jcurbanski@yahoo.com
Shop: Yard visitor

About 1965,my Cub Scout group visited the Naval Yard. We toured the New Jersey which was mothballed at the time, and we also toured a USN submarine that was there. If memory serves me, I remember it being a WWII fleet boat. Can anyone ID her for me? Thanks much.

January 7, 2021

Name: Clifford A Nash
E-mail: pnsycliff@aol.com
Shop: 06

My heartfelt condolences for the family of Jim Merkins. We started together as Toolmaker apprentices in 1969. RIP Jim

January 4, 2021

Name: Jack Hofbauer
E-mail: johnhofbauer@comcast.net
Shop: 06 toolmakers/Code 380

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Merkins. I worked with Jim and for Jim for many years as a toolmaker. Jim was one of the best guys to work with and "the best" supervisor I've ever worked for. He never forgot where he came from and never let the power go to his head. Jim was well liked and respected by everyone who knew him and he was always a pleasure to be around and talk to. We worked together, played softball together, went fishing together, and enjoyed many lunches at the Navy Yard parade ground put out by the sailors. Jim always stood up for his workers and was a real team player. You're another good man gone too soon and you'll be missed by everyone. RIP my friend!

January 2, 2021

Name: Tom ( Rock) DeMarco
E-mail: tomdemarco1@gmail.com
Shop: 72R

James J. "Jim" Merkins, Sr., 75, of Aston PA, passed away peacefully on Dec. 30, 2020, surrounded by family.


Raised in Fernwood, PA, Jim graduated from St. Cyril's School in East Lansdowne and Upper Darby High School (Class of '62). He was an accomplished student and athlete, excelling at all sports, especially wrestling.
Jim served his country enlisting in the United States Army training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and serving tours in Germany and Vietnam, earning the rank of Platoon Sergeant. Jim subsequently worked at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for 40 years as a toolmaker, retiring as General Foreman of the Naval Foundry and Propeller Center. After retirement, Jim worked for Penn Delco School District as a beloved bus driver.


Jim married his high school sweetheart Lorrie in 1969. They had a beautiful marriage of 51 years. Lorrie was the love of his life and by his side for the last several weeks as he bravely battled Covid-19. Jim's greatest love was his family and in addition to his devoted wife, was survived by his four children: Lorian Ruggeri (Chris), Janna Palaia (Jason), Jim Merkins (Suzy), Taryn Kraus (Dennis) and 8 grandchildren, Annie, Christopher, James III, Alexander, Lauren, Morgan, Gregory, and Drew, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim was the son of the late Robert and Eugenie Merkins and preceded in death by his brothers Robert, George and Bernard, sisters Norma and
Suzanne, and son-in-law Lt. Gregory Fulco, USN.


Jim brought his love of sports to the youth of Aston committing many years to coaching basketball, soccer and baseball. Jim was the Commissioner of the Aston AA Girls Basketball League and earned a spot in the Aston Sports Hall of Fame for his dedication. Jim never missed his children's sporting events and enjoyed taking them and his grandchildren to Phillies games.


In recent years, Jim spent his summers at the shore with family in Wildwood Crest. He could often be found dancing with Lorrie or holding a microphone singing a song for all to enjoy. Jim had a beautiful voice that many will miss, especially on July 4th when he would sing "Proud to be an American" at LaCosta in Sea Isle.


All who knew Jim would describe him as a devoted family man and a true gentleman.


He will be missed by all who have had the honor of meeting him.


Visitation: Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Wednesday evening, 6-8:00pm, D'Anjolell Stigale Memorial Home, 3260 Concord Rd., Aston, and Thursday, 9:30-10:45am, St. Joseph Church, 3255 Concord Rd., Aston. A Funeral Mass will follow visitation on Thursday, 11am. Interment will be in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.

January 1, 2021

Name: Tom Maiorano
E-mail: tmaiorano1@verizon.net
Shop: 38 Shop

Happy New Year to all at PNSY. Hope and pray this year will be better than the last one.

December 28, 2020

Name: Julio Casiano
E-mail: Jullio@Philly-Yardbird.com
Shop: 26
 

Sad news about Sean Murray. He was in the first apprentice class I had when I went to the welding school. I remember he was a dedicated hard worker.

December 28, 2020

Name: John Stangler
E-mail: jcstangler@aol.com
Shop: 26

Share:

Sean P. Murray, of Philadelphia, passed away on November 1st 2020 at the age of 56. Sean was the loving son of the late John P. and Susan P. (nee Brennan) and brother to the late Maureen Sciandra. Sean will be greatly missed by his sister Susan Hill (Robert), and his brothers; Frank Murray (Judy) and Dan Murray. Sean leaves behind a loving legacy in his many nieces and nephews; Christie Cochrane (John), Erin Rodstein (Eric), Jules Hill (Steve), Bridget Murray, Joseph Murray, Chris Murray, Ryan Murray, Patrick Murray, William Murray, Jocelin Murray, Megan Sciandra, and Kelly Sciandra, as well as great niece Grace Cochrane and great nephew Jack Souder.

Sean was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers fan, following his teams throughout each season was a great love of his. Sean will be remembered for his hard work as a welder with the Navy Yard and his love for his family. When Sean was not working, he enjoyed spending his time on the water fishing, especially at the New Jersey shore.

Private family services will be held for Sean. Relatives and friends are invited to reach out to the Murray, Hill, and Sciandra families to offer words of support and memories of Sean. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sean's memory to Philabundance would be greatly appreciated.
https://www.philabundance.org/

December 20, 2020

Name: Robert Edward Daley
E-mail: hogdale@hotmail.com
Shop: 51


Well, I have asked before with not much luck, but I'll give it another try. I worked at the yard in the late 70s to the mid 80s and had a boss named Bill Adair AKA rotten Ralph. I have no idea where that came from.
Anyway, had hoped to make contact with him so maybe I could meet up with him the next time I come back east. Anyone heard from him ?
Thanks Bob

December 20, 2020

Name: Dennis J Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

To all the Yard Birds, and your Families, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

 

November 28, 2020

Name: richard beggs
E-mail: RICH.BEGGS@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 064

Kipling's tribute to an English GI

ITS TOMMY THIS OR TOMMY THAT - OR TOMMY GO AWAY
BUT ITS HELLO TOMMY WHEN THE BAND BEGINS TO PLAY.

Veterans day 2020

November 11, 2020

Name: lee bidlack
E-mail: fordlightning@etex.net
Shop: 06

Happy Veterans Day, Y'all. Thank you for your service.

September 15, 2020

Name: Clifford Nash
E-mail: pnsycliff@aol.com
Shop: 06

PNSY closed 25 years ago today. WOW

August 30, 2020

Name: James L Perkins
E-mail: jimbo09991@netzero.com
Shop: 56

Just saw the obituary for my good friend John Malamon. Appentice classmate, co-worker, and good friend. R.I.P.

August 27, 2020

Name: Dennis J Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

CHARLES (Charlie) Martin 38 Shop Foreman
https://www.allowayfh.com/obituary/charles-martin

U.S. Veteran
On August 23, 2020, age 91, of Cherry Hill, NJ. He was the loving husband of Margaret (nee Cox) and loving father of Lynn (Joe) Nicklous and Charles W., Jr. (Valerie). He is also survived by five grandsons; two great grandsons; two great granddaughters; and one sister Janice Henson. Mr. Martin retired from the United States Navy and later retired as 38 Shop Foreman at the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve and was also a Boy Scout Leader for Troop #127. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Monday morning at 10:30 AM in the Alloway Funeral Home 315 E. Maple Avenue Merchantville, NJ. Interment Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery Arneytown, NJ. There will be a viewing Sunday evening from 6:00-9:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

August 5, 2020

Name: Clifford Nash
E-mail: pnsycliff@aol.com
Shop: 06

Gov Murphy has withheld the NJ Home Stead Rebate and the Senior property freeze for this year. If this affects you and your family, you can sign apetition at

senatenj.com/petitions/propertytaxrelief/

August 1, 2020

Name: Roger Nabors
E-mail:
Shop: 99

Last August I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.I received targeted therapy until Dec. When I recieved a bone marrow tansplant.I was in remission until The middle of July when I found out that the cancer has come back In my bone marrow. Although my treatment team does not know what causes this type of cancer I wonder if it is something I was exposed to at the yard. Anyone else hear of any ex yardbirds getting this type of cancer? I hope everyone is well.

July 27, 2020

Name: Tom ( Rocky ) DeMarco
E-mail: tomdemarco1@gmail.com
Shop: 72R

July 27, 2020
If you read the post from today 3 more Yardbirds have passed , my Condolences to their families !!
Boe Collings x38
Gene Usher x 31
George Tittermary x 56
Keep their names alive !!
Post more info as I see it

July 27, 2020

Name: richard beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Tom Demarco: Why not share your stories and pictures here. Thats what this web site was created for.

July 27, 2020

Name: Tom ( Rocky ) DeMarco
E-mail: tomdemarco1@gmail.com
Shop: 72R

We have a Private Facebook Group for PNSY where we can share pictures, stories and more . Everyone here is welcome and most are a member already . If you would like to join us and share your stories just request , there are 3 questions to answer the first one is the most important, just answer or if you dont and I can see you were a yardbird on your Facebook page , you are in !!
Thanks ,
Rocky 72R
 

July 27, 2020

Name: James Yunker Sr
E-mail: yunkerjf@netzero.net
Shop: 67

Got a ltr from Sherry L. Day (investigator for SLD INVESTIGATIONS).She is trying to reach anyone who may have worked with former Rigger Edward O'Donnell between 1972 and 1979. Mr. O'Donnell passed away as a result of asbestos-related disease. Anyone with any info please contact her at (734) 878-5236 or sherry@SLDinvestigations.com
She said she got my name through Ed's wife. Unfortunately I cannot recall him on any of my ships. Any info will be appreciated by Sherry.

 Jim Yunker x67

July 11, 2020

Name: Cliff Nash
E-mail: pnsycliff@aol.com
Shop: 06

Anyone interested in signing a petition to repeal WEP and GPO offsets

We need to coordinate with others to make more noise for repeal of the offsets!
Are you someone who is willing to reach out to other affected retirees in your own state, in another state, or in your professional group to get them to back up our efforts to repeal the GPO and WEP? Here is the opportunity to do that!
SSF is working with a nationwide committee from the Alliance for Retired Americans, retired public workers who are cheated by the offsets. Like our group, they come from a number of different states and represent different professions. Working together we can make a greater impact!
Please send us an email to ssfairness@gmail.com and we will match you up with someone else who wants to stir up activity for repeal in your state, region or professional group.

Please include the following information:
Name:
Occupation:
Retired or Not retired:
Professional or retiree memberships or other affiliations:

City of residence:
State:
Email:
Phone number (so we can check with you personally before we give out your information to a prospective partner):
Add your comments, suggestions:
Please send this information to: ssfairness@gmail.com

As of this writing, the petition to repeal the GPO/WEP has more than 50 thousand signatures. Thank you for signing and sharing it with your friends and family! There is a link below so you can send it out again and make sure your friends and family have supported you by signing on.
https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/elimination-of-the-unfair

(We have no affiliation with MoveOn, but are using their free platform to collect signatures.)

Copyright  2020 Social Security Fairness, All rights reserved.

July 4, 2020

Name: Tom Maiorano
E-mail: tmaiorano1@verizon.net
Shop: 38 Shop

Happy Birthday America and a Happy 4th to all my PNSY shipmates.

June 29, 2020

Name: Tom Maiorano
E-mail: tmaiorano1@verizon.net
Shop: 38 Shop

Just found out Paul Bramley, ex Rigger G. F. passed away the other day. Have no more info at present time

June 27, 2020

Name: Dennis J Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

BALDINI
VITO P. "HOT ROD"
Shop 38

80 years young, on June 23rd, 2020. Survived by his beloved wife Irene (nee Carroll); his loving children Alessandra, Maria Kelley (Dave), Danielle, and Vito F. (Amrah); also his 5 cherished grandchildren. Funeral Mass Wed. July 1st, 10:00 AM at Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, 6301 Woodbine Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151. Inurnment SS. Peter and Paul Cem. Contributions St. Thomas More Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 294, Drexel Hill, PA 19026

June 25, 2020

Name: richard beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A LOT OF PRESSURE

We had an opportunity to use a little physics when we were tasked to provide a blank (cofferdam) on the pump well intake tunnel in dry dock 4. The caisson was being sent down river to Sun Ship for overhaul. Work was being done on the gates that separated the pump well sump of dry dock 4 from dry dock 5. This work had to continue.Dry dock 4 would be flooded with the caisson gone.

We constructed a cofferdam made of two and a half inch douglas fir planks, twelve inches wide that formed a six foot diameter blank. Four by six inch strong backs held the planks together. A rubber gasket was applied to the perimeter of the cofferdam.

A four by six inch steel angle was bolted to the dock wall that at one time held a screen to prevent debris from entering the tunnel. This provided a guide and keeper for our blank. We estimated that the water pressure of about 30PSI ( a force of almost 6600 pounds) would hold the blank in place.

The dock was flooded and the docking officer, whose idea this was, went down into the sump after the dock was flooded to check for leaks. He reported that there were none. The work continued on the gates separating the two sumps. The docking officer left for his next assignment. I retired.

I got a call about six months later. The contractor working on the gates decided to cycle the pumps to check his work. Apparently, he nor anyone else knew about the cofferdam. The added suction plus the pressure of the flooded dry dock 4 blew the cofferdam apart, and partially flooded dry dock 5 where the Kitty Hawk was docked. The flooding was quickly controlled. NCIS investigated the incident.

The only evidence that NCIS discovered was a letter of commendation the docking officer had written for the shipwrights involved in the project.

The caisson returned from Sun Ship, was sunk and the dock pumped dry.

As Calvin said to Hobbs in the last comic strip by Bill Watterson on December 31, 1995 "Lets go exploring"

June 24, 2020

Name: richard beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

WE OVERHAUL AN ANTIQUE

Dry dock two's caisson was probably 80 years old when we docked it in dry dock one for it's overhaul. The hull, like the Titanic, was rivetted together. It was built before Arc welding was invented. We had to have the welding engineer determine what type of material the hull was made of, and if welding on it was possible. The welding engineer and 26 shop met and decided the proper methods for any welding we had to do on the hull.

The wooden fender system which we were replacing, was attached to the hull with through bolts. Those below the water line always leaked. The wooden cushion system that the rubber seal was attached to, was secured with threaded studs set in tapped holes. The deck was like an old sailing ship. Planks bolted to frames and caulked with cotton, oakum and pitch.

The welders installed blanks on the hull over the holes from the old fender system. They installed studs for the new fender system, and for securing the wooden cushion system. Shipfitters installed a new steel deck to replace the old wooden one. Non skid was added to the new deck.

This overhaul happened around 1985. I often wondered how it held up. I don't think the dock was used much after the overhaul,

June 23, 2020

Name: richard beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LIGHT THEM, IF YOU GOT THEM!

My first experience with navigational lights left a lasting impression on me. 64 shop was required, with an inspector present, to plot the location of all the navigation lights aboard ship, and to align, if necessary, the shields of the lights. A certification letter was prepared and signed by the inspector attesting that the lights met the specifications of International Maritime law. The ship was required to carry the letter.

It was a routine job carried out before the ship left the yard. I was an apprentice when it was discovered that the light certification wasn't done. The ship was at the pier, steaming ready to leave. A team of shipwrights went aboard and started plotting the location of each light. One light remained. It was the aircraft warning light atop the stub mast - which was about 20 feet high. The stub mast (bout 8 inches in diameter) had ladder rungs welded on the sides.

Someone had to climb the stub mast and drop the end of a tape measure to the deck below. Being the youngest, and allegedly the most agile, I got the job. I climbed the mast, through the stack gas, and dropped the tape to the shipwright who recorded the measurement. The letter was signed, the ship sailed and I promised myself that if I was ever in a position responsible for certifying navigational lights - it would be done while the mast was staged.

June 23, 2020

Name: richard beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ADAPTABILITY

It was rare for an apprentice to change trades once his apprenticeship started. An apprentice welder switched to apprentice Shipwright after two years into the apprenticeship. He became an exceptional shipwright. We also had an apprentice machinist, that transferred from the Frankford Arsenal when it closed. He too adapted well to his new trade.

June 23, 2020

Name: richard beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

One of the apprentices hired with our class was a veteran. He didn't request a kit of tools, that he was entitled to. He seemed to be waiting for news that he won the Irish Sweepstakes. He was gone in a few weeks. He transferred his apprenticeship to the National Park Service, which maintained Independence Hall in Phila.

Who even knew such a position existed? He did - apparently.

June 22, 2020

Name: richard beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

KINETIC ENERGY

The Foremen and General Foremen that I worked with were not physicists but they developed some theories of their own. During dockings/undockings that I was involved with, I noticed the amount of attention that the General Foreman paid to the fwd/aft spring lines. He kept adjusting them until they were taut, without any slack. He explained his theory that a ship landing on the blocks, in motion, will resume that motion when it becomes waterborne. He didn't know the science supporting his theory, but he said he saw it happen many times.

He said he saw ships become afloat and surging in one direction or another without the influence of wind or current. He said, he thought that there was energy stored in the blocks when the ship landed, and that energy was released when the ship became afloat.

I followed his example of removing any slack in any of the controlling lines prior to flooding the dock to refloat the ship. I never took the chance to see if his theory was valid.

During one undocking of a destroyer in dry dock 2 (I was an observer) little attention seemed to be paid to fwd/aft spring lines. They had slack in them. There wa no wind, but a little current from the flooding. The ship lifted off of the blocks and surged north about 12 feet before the aft spring line stopped the forward motion. The Shipwright supervisors quickly got control of the ship and the undocking resumed with any further incident.

Was the surging of the ship due to the energy stored in the blocks, that I was told about? Maybe! I never tested the theory. I always removed any slack in any line before flooding a dock to undock a ship.

June 22, 2020

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

OSHA AND PAY RAISES

Congress and the Labor Department created OSHA and made most Shipwrights and woodcraftsmen the highest paid WG-10 journeymen in the Shipyard. OSHA decided that anyone working above a certain height must wear a safety harness, because that work was considered hazardous. OSHA also found that anyone installing/removing fiber glass insulation must wear a dust mask, because the material was a health hazard.

Shipwrights and Woodcraftsmen, had for many years asked for extra compensation for their exposure to the dangers now cited by OSHA. They were elated when the Shipyard agreed, and they started receiving the extra pay.

The new OSHA rules also changed the way mast staging was erected or removed. The requirement of wearing safety belts aloft made working from a tray held by a crane, the only possible means for securing the safety belts to a strong, secure place- the crane's hook. Shipwrights became airborne in trays - erecting/removing staging. They also were considered working aloft when in a high reach mobile equipment.

The man-day rate for 64 shop must have been the highest in the Shipyard.

June 21, 2020

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A PARTING SHOT

The 9 inch (circumference) braided lines used to control a ship entering/leaving a dock were always viewed by me as an accident about to happen. They would stretch, not visibly, to the point of failure.

I only saw one fail. It was during the docking of Lexington in dry dock 4. The line parted, with both end whipping across the dock. One hit the rigger's cart used to move the lines, and destroyed it. The other missed a Foreman Rigger and ship's force.

Never stand in the bight of a line, is an old sailor's warning. Sometimes it can't be avoided. The parted line proved that a ship afloat, uncontrolled, is a force that is hard to arrest. The Lexington flew off center, shearing two bilge blocks from their moorings. The remaining breasting lines prevented the ship from hitting the dock wall.

Most of the sheared bilge blocks floated to the surface. Calculations proved that only two bilge blocks were displaced. The parted line was replaced and the docking continued without incident.

Bill Domzalski later told me that the braided lines were replaced with kevlar lines one third the size

 

June 21, 2020

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE NOBLE AND FAITHFUL DOG

Probably anyone, other than a Shipwright, would think upon seeing a Shipwright dog - that it was a crude implement. In reality, it plays an important part during the docking of a ship. The lumber components of a dock set up are secured with dogs. A ship being centered over the docking blocks is always in motion - usually in two directions. The braided lines used to control the ship are elastic, and stretch under tension, allowing the ship to surge as the dock is pumped dry. The ship is still in motion as it lands on the blocks. A ship afloat, whether a destroyer or carrier, is a tremendous force that must be controlled until it is firmly grounded. The dogs are the only things that keep everything in place at the time of contact.

I have been contacted by email from former 64 shop employees, and reminded that I didn't explain the labor extensive job it was in placing, and driving up those dogs with a 8 pound maul. They are right, it was a lot of work. Like all shipwrights, I was on the end of one of those mauls, driving up those dogs and wondering when the Foreman would be satisfied with the number of dogs in place. Always room for one more, would be his answer.

There are about 500 blocks in a slep carrier setup requiring about 12,000 dogs - each one placed and driven up.

June 20, 2020

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

PHYSICS AND US

Sir Isaac Newton's law of gravity - a body in motion tends to stay in motion- a body at rest tends to stay at rest describe the opposing forces used by 72 shop Riggers to ease a Slep carrier into dock, while under constant control. The carrier, with lines to power capstans fore and aft, moves into dock slowly. The capstans at the head of the dock are straining to move the ship forward. The capstans at near the caisson are straining to slow the forward motion.

Breasting lines - port and stbd - are straining to keep the ship centered in the dock and slow it's forward motion. The resulting forces allow the ship to inch forward, with the tightly coordinated movement of the breasting lines moving forward, one ballard at a time to the next, while the rest wait for their turn to move, one at a time.

In reflection, we have watched this control of a massive force of 40,000 tons of a water borne object without appreciating the efforts of the riggers involved, and the forces they had to control. It usually took about an hour for this tug of war of opposing forces to move the ship into position.

A Bravo Zulo to those riggers and shipwrights, who with a calm resolve, made those dockings seem routine.

June 15, 2020

Name: RICHARD BEGGS
E-mail: RICH.BEGGS@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 064

MAYBE - MAYBE

Maybe an extra-terrestrial archaeologist, sometime in the far future, will discover a slag hammer in the debris left behind by 26 shop welders at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. Maybe he will determine, through this discovery, that humans had the ability to fashion tools. Maybe he will never decide what the tool was used for. Maybe he decided it's unique design, and probable use had an important function in the advancement of civilization on this planet. And then, maybe not.

June 12, 2020

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/2321

Bob Corsini,
I was just trying to elevate our lowly slag hammer to its proper place in shipyard history.
I did not want 64 shop "dry dock dogs" get all the credit. Read the posts before that and a picture of "dogs" was posted with a story attached. Just thought it would be fun to point out the mundane and see if anyone would take the bait.
Hey its the shipyard, and what would it be if not for a little ball busting.

June 11, 2020

Name: Bob Corsini
E-mail: bobcorsini@gmail.com
Shop: 26

Howdy... Just had to say Tom Queenan, the slag hammer story IS funny. Don't give up the comedian job just yet!

May 27, 2020

Name: Richard Hoffner Sr
E-mail: pauscg@gmail.com

I'm an avid naval history collector and a USCG Reservist who used to train at PNSY. I have been trying to find the name the graphic artist of The Beacon. I think his last name was Kunsavich but I'm not sure of the spelling or first name. Can anyone tell me his full name? Thanks

May 20, 2020

Name: dan elliott
E-mail: lollygag5@aol.com
Shop: 26 shop

WANT TO let everyone know that my brother Frank Elliott 17 shop passed away last night may 19 2020.

May 17, 2020

Name: Lee Bidlack
E-mail: fordlightning@etex.net
Shop: 06

Just wanted to let y'all know my brother Gordon "Skip" Bidlack passed away May 8th. He was in 17 shop and then moved down the coast landing finally at Naval Air in Fla. Cancer from Agent Orange claims another. Services pending until the National cemetery opens in Jacksonville, Fla.

May 16, 2020

Name: Bruce Conte
E-mail: :
Shop: Many

I am sad to read about the passing of Pat Casey. We worked together in the "wave-guide" section within 56 shop and years later in P&E. I was Pat's apprentice (boy) as we worked together installing the SPS-49 radar wave-guide. Pat and I were both originally from South Philly, and we were constantly going back and forth (in jest) about our family's heritage. I reached out to Pat a few years ago and we talked for hours about the old days in 56. He told me his wife Eileen had passed away a few years earlier. Pat was a good man!! To Pat's family I expressed my deepest condolences. RIP my friend. You are with Eileen again watching over your two sons.

May 15, 2020

Name: Dennis borger
E-mail: Denthewoodworker@gmail.com
Shop: 56 shop

Just wanted to let everyone in 56 shop know that pat Casey passed away he was living in florida

April 25, 2020

Name: Joe Rosenberg
Shop: 64 shop

Never made a comment before,but just recently Jim Manzy,Ernie Hertler,and now the Turtle all gone. Very sad.

April 24, 2020

Name: Dennis J Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

Thomas William Terifay A.K.A. The Turtle, of Shop 26, & lived in Bellmawr NJ; formerly of South Philadelphia, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2020. Age 85.

Tom was an employee of the Welding Shop 26 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard for 41 years. He was an Army veteran, and a graduate of Southeast Catholic High School, class of 1952. He was a wonderful husband, father, pop-pop, brother, uncle and friend. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Beloved husband of Rosemarie (nee Kraus). Devoted father of Thomas, Michael, Kathleen (Tom), and Annmarie (John). Loving pop-pop to Ashley Rose, John Blair, and Megan Marie. He is also survived by his brother Andrew (Nancy), and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers John (Jane), Robert (Nan), and sister Dorothy (Robert).
 

https://www.gardnerfuneralhome.com/obituary/380063/Thomas-Terifay/

April 23, 2020

Name: Joseph J Caden III
E-mail: egorianlaw@yahoo.com
Shop: code 274 Planning Dept Design Division #4

Left electric wireway group with layoff notice 08/12/94. GDEB General Dynamics Electric Boat hired me as a Designer 08/16/94. Virginia class CATIA V 3 trained and worked there until layoff in 2001. Taught CATIA classes part time and in the summer 0f 98 cotaught two eight day classes in a row with Jessie? The learners were from NNS Newport News Shipbuilding, VA. Their leader gave me his card and I called 3 years later. Started there 05/01/01 and remain there until this day on Ford Class. Been teaching as a TR3 Training Representative 3 since 2005. Now 63.5 years old between 2 to 6 years from retirement. Fully believe it was all do to my tenure at PNSY from 05/25/80 to 08/16/94. They taught me the business and the love of it carried me through. Shipchecks, working with engineers, planners, and other designers was the highlight of my worklife. Drawing and modifying drawings on boards and then was placed on Computervision in 1983. Intro to computer you would not believe what they do with these tools today,

April 20, 2020

Name: Dennis borger
E-mail: Denthewoodworker@gmail.com
Shop: 56 shop

Just wanted to let everyone know that jery Wright pasted away last night April 20 jery worked in 38 shop and worked for the coast guard in cape May nj

April 11, 2020

Name: Jim Perkins
E-mail: jimbo09991@netzero.com
Shop: 56

I concur with what Pete said. Stay safe everyone.

 

March 30, 2020

Name: Peter Johnston
E-mail: twelthj@gmail.com
Shop: 56


I just want to say to my fellow Yardbirds to take care of yourselves and your families during this horrible time the world is experiencing with this virus. God Bless all of you

 

February 16, 2020

Name: george kepner 62435-051
E-mail: gek1986@yahoo.com
Shop: 051


regret to say Ernie Hertler pasted away last night about 7:03pm Feb15th 2020 .

February 15, 2020

Name: george kepner 62435-051
E-mail: gek1986@yahoo.com
Shop: 051

just wanted to let everyone know that Ernie Hertler has become very sick with leukemia and has chosen to refuse any more life assisting measures. please send prayers out for the Hertler family

January 9, 2020

Name: Bob Daley
E-mail: hogdale@hotmail.com
Shop: 51

Does anyone know anything about self proclaimed tough guy shop 51 foreman Bill Adair ? AKA Rotten Ralph.

January 4, 2020

Julio,

I regret to inform you and other PNSY friends, John W. "Jack" Halpin, 51 Shop passed away May 29,2018 in Treasure Island, Florida.
Jack was a 1953 graduate of Southeast Catholic High School. Survived by wife Cass, siblings Tom, Mike Joe, Catherine, nieces, nephews and dogs, Maggie and Kirby. Former employee of the Phila. Navy Yard and Navy veteran. Missed by all. Rest in peace.
Be well Julio,
Al

December 24, 2019

Name: Tom Maiorano
E-mail: tmaiorano1@verizon.net
Shop: 38 Shop

Want to wish all of my 38 Shop and PNSY brothers and sisters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

December 21, 2019

Name: Ron Miller
E-mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: 31 Shop

I know I told this story several years ago, but I think there is a rule that old guys are allowed to tell the same story more than once. It was December 1994, the last day before Christmas shutdown, and with the closing scheduled for September of '95 we all knew it would be our last Christmas at the Yard. My 31 Shop friend and carpool mate Bob Purdy and I waited in the parking lot along with a small group of quiet Yardbirds. The weather matched our mood - it was cold, damp and gloomy. The shuttle rolled into sight. "Hey it's the oldies bus," someone said. Some of you may remember shuttle bus driver who kept a little boom box on the dashboard tuned to WOGL. We shuffled onto the bus, grabbing the last few seats. Everyone sitting in silence. On the radio came the voice of Gene Autry singing the opening lines of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Someone in the rear started to sing along. A few chuckles. Then laughter. A few join in. Then the whole bus starts belting it out, roaring the final line, "You'll go down in historeee!" We exit the bus with backpats for the driver, smiles and mutual Merry Christmas greetings all around.

It is my favorite Shipyard memory,
Greetings Yardbirds, wherever you are.
I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

 

December 18, 2019

Name: JACK BALKIR
E-mail: JBALKIR@GMAIL.COM
Shop: CODE 1200 / SHOP 51

I would like to wish happy and healthy Christmas holidays to all my yardbird friends and their families. God bless!

December 17, 2019

Name: Dennis Kaiser
E-mail: Dennis_Kaiser@Outlook.com
Shop: Code 911/Prop Foundry

Timothy Maza PNSY Shop 11 Shipfitter
November 18, 1947 - December 15, 2019 (In Florida)
It is with a heavy heart I am passing on the sad news of Tim's (A.K.A. Tiny Tim) passing. Tim was a PNSY Shipfitter, and Shipfitter Foreman, as well as a friend to many of us Yardbirds. He was my teacher when I transferred to PNSY from NAEC in 1974. He taught me a lot about building and repairing ships as well as how the shipyard worked. I've stayed in touch with Tim through the years, we spoke every other month or so. It was fun listening to the old stories of how we both made our way in the shipyard. He was a good man and will be sorely missed. Rest in Piece my friend.

December 14, 2019

Name: Dennis Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911/Prop Shop

To all the Philly ex-YardBirds, Good cheer, great hope and the best that the season has to offer for you and your family as you celebrate this time of Year. Merry Christmas!

November 11, 2019

Name: Jim Yunker
E-mail: yunkerjf@netzero.net
Shop: 67

To all my fellow Veterans who have served or are serving:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !!

October 15, 2019

Name: GEVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26

I believe to 20 Trolley was the longest line. It went from Chestnut Hill to the Navy Yard. Down Germantown Ave., over US-1., down into the number street, twisting through South Philly, coming out on 10th or 11th and Bigler, through the City Dumps on to Packer Ave, behind the City Stadium, into the Navy Yard's East Gate, behind the home on Broad St. to the Marine Barracks, on to Broad St. in front of Marine Parade Grounds, to the terminal across from the Base's Medical Bld.

October 14, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Ron Miller: The route 15 trolley started in 1859 and stopped in 1992 when it was changed to buses.

October 13, 2019

A picture for Ron Miller.

Richard Beggs (x64)

October 10, 2019

Name: Ron Miller
E-mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: 31

Thank you, Richard Beggs, for posting the picture of that old trolley. I printed a copy and sent it to my brother, a trolley/train aficionado. We can remember riding that type trolley on the #15 route along Girard Avenue to visit my grandmother in Fishtown back in the 1950's. As I recall there was a conductor sitting next to the middle doors, and you paid him as you exited. My father, who worked at the Yard during WWII, spoke of seeing long lines of empty trolleys waitng at the end of each shift.Thanks again for that little piece of history.

October 9, 2019

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26

I shall try. Thanks Rich.

October 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

GOALS

A notable and attainable milestone for a man who reaches 30 years of retirement would be to reach the same term of retirement as that of his term of service. Good luck Jerry Evans.

October 4, 2019

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26 SHOP

Thank you PNSY, and this great country. September marked 30 years in retirement from government service.

September 23, 2019

One way to get to the yard was by trolley car. The old number 20 trolley went down 12th street (I think) and around the old Municipal stadium, and into the yard with one stop on Broad street - across from the yard dispensary.

I took that trolley on the day I came into the yard for the apprenticeship test, and later on the day I was hired. The number 20 trolley was my means of travel to the yard for about a year, until the bus stop opened where the blind man's café now stands, and the trolley was discontinued.

I can remember that old wooden trolley car creaking and wracking as the motorman opened it up around the stadium.

Richard Beggs (x64)

August 1, 2019

Name: Tom Varley
E-mail: Yelrav1@yahoo.com
Shop: 38

There will be a celebration of life for Chuck Kessler on August 10th.The address for the celebration is 408 S.Carol Blvd, Upper Darby Pa. @ 4:00 PM.

For more information please contact his sister : Naomi Bailey PH # 610-680-1957

July 29, 2019

Name: Raymond Freda
E-mail: frayray227@aol.com
Shop: 06 Electrical section A

Obit for Pat Meeink, from x41 shop.

MEEINK PATRICK M.
Age 72, of Secane, PA, passed away June 16, 2019. Grandfather of Shane P. and Ashley T. Meeink; survived by his sisters, Nuna, Kitty, Ann, Agnes; also survived by longtime friend, Kevin (Donna) Meikle. Beloved father of the late Shane Patrick and Patrick S. Meeink.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation Friday June 21, 2019, 1 P.M., O'LEARY FUNERAL HOME, 640 E. Spring-field Rd., Springfield, PA 19064, and to his Funeral Services 2 P.M. in the Funeral Home. Int. private.
Donations can be made in his memory for Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

July 10, 2019

Name: Karl Schluth
E-mail: pizzasteak@verizon.net
Shop: 031

Does anyone have any pictures of my father William A. Schluth Jr. He graduated his 51 shop apprentice ship in 1959. He then went on to a Supervisory Position in the Propeller Shop. Any remembrances (good or bad) or photos would be appreciated.

June 22, 2019

Name: george kepner
E-mail: gek1986@yahoo.com
Shop: shop 051

does anyone remember working with a group of ship builders from a shipyard in Japan . they worked as a team !! I remember they wouldn't even that a break for the bathroom or anything else unless they went together .

June 18, 2019

Name: John Stangler
E-mail: jcstangler@aol.com
Shop: 26

https://www.congofuneralhome.com/notices/Charles-CramerJr

June 1, 2019

Name: Smilie Christie
E-mail: smilie@christiebroshvac.com
Shop: 17, C/500, C/229

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/james-lafferty-obituary?pid=180248616&view=guestbook&utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GBAnniversaryEmail_20190313&utm_content=AddtoGuestBook

June 1, 2019

Name: GEVANS
E-mail: gevans10542verizon.net
Shop: SHOP 26

ASBESTOS
I have lived with this insidious fiber most of my life. We rapped ourselves in it. We used it to protect things. We used it to create Containments on ships and in the docks. Every Wire Rooms had it in. In the Fire Rooms and Engine Rooms. It still haunts me.

May 26, 2019

Name: GEVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26

We do need Lawyers. They have used the first law of business, CREATE A CUSTOMER. They are for Society and against it. They are against Big Business and for it. They are against Insurance Companies and for them. They are for the Medical Industry and against it. Even layers need layers. What has been created?

May 26, 2019

Name: GEVANS
E-mail: gevans1054@verizon.net
Shop: 26

IN MEMORIAL
Sargent Robert J. Evans, USMC, killed in action. September 17, 1951, Korea.


May 26, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Re: Robert L. Hofbauer

Ray d: It would help if you knew what your father-in-law did at the yard. Trade?

May 24, 2019

From: Ray d

Good morning,

I'm trying to find out if there is a way to find out what building my father in law worked in? His name is Robert L. Hofbauer. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

May 23, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizion.net
Shop: 064

LAWYERS

Shakespeare once answered when asked "what would make a better world" - said "kill all the lawyers."

Dan: I went through three depositions for friends just like you described. There were 10 lawyers asking the questions. Two of the cases settled out of court. I was a witness at the other case in court. The same lawyers asked the same questions, hoping for different answers. My friend won his case. I don't know what the result was.

May 22, 2019

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

Rich ,

LAWYERS and WHORES

Couple of years ago I was asked by the family of a ship fitter I worked with back in the 60's to testify about the conditions of asbestos at the yard during that time period . He died from asbestosis related disease . He never smoked and was the nicest guy you would ever meet .
I had to go into the lawyer's office that was representing his family and was prepped for the deposition that I was to give on his behalf .At the deposition his lawyer was not allowed to talk to me during the hearing . I was on my own to face 12 lawyers representing the companies involved in the lawsuit . One by one they came at me from across the table with all kinds of double talk . Every chance I got I called for a break . This went on for two days.
I shut down each and every one of them and it felt good to put these wolves in their places . They had no clue of the conditions we were working under at the yard in the 60's .
Ask me if I would do it again ?? No way in hell!!
Oh yeah , the family won the trial and settled for quite a few dollars . They deserved it .

May 22, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LAWYERS

Jerry: You may not trust them, but there are times when you need them. Ever file an asbestos law suit?

May 22, 2019

Name: GEVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

ASBESTOS COMMERICALS
They make it sound like it easy going. Remember never trust Lawyers and Car Salesmen.

May 19, 2019

Name: Cliff Nash
E-mail: pnsycliff@aol.com
Shop: 06

Charles R. Rowan
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jul 3, 1937 - May 16, 2019 (Age 81)


Murphy-Ruffenach Funeral Home Obituary
Charles was born on July 3, 1937 and passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2019. Charles was a resident of New Jersey at the time of passing. Charles was a United States Army Veteran and a retiree of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Relatives, friends, members of Quaker City and Gloucester City String Bands, employees of the Philadelphia Phillies and members of the American Legion Post 135 are invited to his Visitation Tues. Another Viewing will be held Wed. morning 10-11 AM at Old Zion Church, 628 N. Broad St., Phila., PA 19130. Funeral Service 11 AM. Burial Fernwood Cem. Donations in his memory may be made to either the above-mentioned Church, or Alex's Lemonade Stand, 1820 Williamstown Rd., Franklinville, NJ 08322.

May 19, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ASBESTOS COMMORCIALS

All navy ships built before 1980 were loaded with over 300 asbestos products. Individual law suits were filed by many shipyard workers. The lawyers got a 30% or 40% share of the settlement. Many workers had asbestos fibers in their lungs without knowing it. A ticking time bomb waiting to go off 30 or 40 years later.

May 18, 2019

Name: Ron Miller
E-mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: 31

THOSE MESOTHELIOMA COMMERCIALS

I'm sure I'm not the only Yardbird who cringes when I hear them. Probably exposed to asbestos, knowingly and unknowingly, numerous times. I know my first time, for sure. In the fall of 1982, two weeks into the 31 Shop apprentice training, I was learning engine lathe basics with my partner, Paul Muller, when one of our instructors, Ed Fazekas, grabbed us to go on a "scavenger hunt" on the Shangri-La, docked right outside of 31 Shop in the shadow of the Hammerhead. The old carrier (interesting history, especially the name, see Wikepedia or Google) was being readied for scrapping, and Fazekas wanted to scarf up any machine tooling we could find for use in the apprentice section. We wandered all over the ship for about half an hour, at one point ducking under some heavy duty plastic curtains into a compartment where we were greeted by a Navy officer in a full white "moon suit" and respirator. He told us in no uncertain terms to get off the ship because it was undergoing asbestos removal. We retreated, but Fazekas, undaunted, led us down another deck, and finally found the ship's machine shop, which had been stripped of anything of use. I didn't think much of it at the time, didn't really know what asbestos was, or its danger. I'm sure those old conventional carriers in for SLEP were all loaded with it. I know there was a huge class action settlement, and judging by the number of TV ads by the lawyers, they must be getting a pretty good chunk of it. Well, I'm still vertical, thankfully. I hope we all live to a hundred and pass away in our sleep.

May 14, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

NAM VETS

Dan: We had about 6 apprentices leave for the Nam War, besides the Boxer. None returned to the yard. Their names aren't on the wall. They must have returned save.

 

May 13, 2019

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

MISSING BOXER

Rich , We lost TOO many of our generation in Nam .
Sorry to hear about your fellow worker. God bless his soul .

Danny .
USN '67-71'

May 13, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A TIGER FOUND

I Found my missing boxer. He never got into the ring. He was KIA Viet Nam.

May 12, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

TAMONG A TIGER

I was recently out of my apprenticeship and joined the operations in dry dock 4 - building the Pratt and Dahlgren. I worked on most of the processes of 64 shop - blocking, shoring, etc.

The hulls were nearing completion when I was given the job of building an inclined ramp under the sterns of the ships for the installation of the shafts. It was the only ramp ever built for the purpose. Large dollies were used in later shaft installations.

Each frame was a different height and the length of the diagonal braces had to be calculated. There was a new apprentice assigned to the gang. He was in the Golden Gloves finals maybe this made him over confident. He was aloof and didn't assist much in the work.

I showed him how to calculated the length of the diagonal braces using a two foot square. He quickly adapted to his new job. and the square never left his hands.

Everybody relaxed, including our future boxer. He transferred to another area when the DLG's were ready to leave the dock. I lost touch with him and I don't think he ever completed his apprenticeship. His destiny may have been the boxing ring, or maybe his fate waited for him in Viet Nam.

May 12, 2019

Name: Mike Dougherty
E-mail: mikedougherty63@yahoo.com
Shop: 56 Shop

As an apprentice, one of my first jobs was replacing bolts and nuts on USS New Jersey's fire main. They were steel and we used a chipping hammer on the tough ones. I never passed a hearing test again bit I did use ear plugs after that.
I was one of the pier D elite who never wanted to work out front on surface ships again. I even gat to go on a river run. I was in the overhead rack in the aft torpedo room when we did the crashback dive. I never knew machinery could scream.
Loaned out to the laggers I did finish work on the Blue Ridge. The boss canvassed for the weekend and I said sure. We were marched Saturday morning to pier 5 To a destroyers aft fire room where a bad fire had occurred. For 2 days we removed lagging with wire cutters and hammers.The General Foreman stationed himself at the ladder to inspire us I suppose.
Soon I would graduate to journeyman, get Riffed and lose my deferment. Salem Nuclear power plant paid better and Atlantic City local 121 needed us bad They also treated us bad but I still was very fortunate. Anybody else still alive?

May 12, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ITS WHO YOU KNOW

Consistency of policy was admired by most and despised by some. It was the policy of 64 shop, the Service Group and the Shipyard to not provide light duty jobs to employees disabled due to non occupational injuries.

There were long term employees, in this situation, who were denied light duty jobs during their term of disability. There were occasions, however when an employee with a non occupational injury was placed in a light duty job. A close relationship with the decision maker seemed to be the basis of the aberration.

The employee and the decision maker shared the same process of preventing the over population of certain animals, as well as other things. The injured employee was placed in a light duty job. He had a noticeable limp for some years.

A tiger team was being selected for some project, and the light duty employee volunteered. His limp was gone. The selection for the tiger team was a General Foreman. He did not select the light duty employee whose limp returned after his non selection. His light duty job continued, like many others, until he retired.

One strange light duty assignment was given to a otherwise healthy young man. He had received hair transplants to his receding hair line. His head was swollen due to the procedure and he couldn't wear a hard hat. He got a job in shop planning until the swelling decreased. At least, he returned to duty.

May 11, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs @verizon.net
Shop: 064

OIL STAINS AND DISRESPECT

In 1967 the New Jersey was being overhauled to bring it back into commission. The biggest job 64 shop had was the repair, recaulking and sanding of the teak decks.

Careful attention was paid to prevent any oil spills on the deck. The dryed out teak would absorb the oil like a sponge. A potato chip would leave a stain that could not be removed.

We were successful during the long period of repairing, recaulking and sanding of the decks. 56 shop landed some kind of a test stand Fwd on the Stbd side. We saw too late that it had an internal oil leak. a large oil stain of about 100 square feet developed. We could not remove the stain. We were probably too sensitive. The ship's force didn't notice it, or complain about it.

I attended the undocking conference held in the ship's wardroom. The docking officer started the meeting with a bizarre statement. He said " lets get ready to get this old bitch out of the dock before she falls apart." Two full commanders, prospective ship's force were startled, but didn't say anything.

There was a different docking officer present on the day of the undocking. We never saw the former docking officer again.

May 11, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

FAIL SAFE

Around 1970 64 shop decided to purchase Motorola transceiver radios for use in the docking operations. The Radio Shack radios we were using were not performing. They seemed to fail at critical times.

The new radios cost over $600 apiece. They came with a large charging station. A great deal of thought went into deciding where to safely and securely keep them.

Someone found a large steel safe in the salvage yard. It was brought to Bldg 177. The combination for the safe was provided. The General Foreman wrote it on a card and put it in his desk.

Everything went well until the day we needed the radios. The General Foreman tried to open the safe. He tried the combination three times, and failed each time. He went to his desk to recheck the combination he had recorded and stowed there. He couldn't find the card he had recorded the combination on.

We had to use the Radio Shack radios once again, while a lock smith from 07 shop was called to open the safe. He got the safe open. He disabled the combination, as the shop requested. A hasp and keeper and a $2 lock was used to secure the safe.

The key to the new lock was kept by the Superintendent in a key safe in his office.

The purchase of additional radios and their chargers outsized the safe. A shelf was added to a wall to provide space for all the radios and chargers - without any security. They sat there unmolested until the fire that ended the existence and history of Bldg 177.

May 10, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 64

WHAT CRISIS?

I was working in dry dock 4 on the LPH construction. The battles ships California and Tennessee were in dry dock 5. B-52.s were landing at Philadelphia International airport. They were being moved from Florida and other southern states. it was 1962 - the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Kennedy and Khrushchev were playing hardball about Russian missiles in Cuba and US missile in turkey. WW-3 could start. Work at the yard continued. Most workers seemed oblivious to what was happening. The biggest question for most was "how does it look for the weekend?" I don't think Danny boy was aboard then.

May 9, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ALL HANDS ON DECK

Strange things seem to happen to me while I worked at pier D. I was in a tank with two shipwrights in a sub on the rail as they took circularity readings of the hull. It was about 1430. The General stuck his head into the tank, and told us to report to dry dock 4 at once. In an unprecedent action, the shop Superintendent ordered every person in 64 shop to report to dry dock 4 ASAP.

We thought the worst. WW-3 had started, we had gone to dev-con 1, the barbarians were at the gates, battle stations, dive -dive. We arrived at the dock. There was a LST wet berthed there. The shop Superintendent stood on the brow. Once aboard, you did not get off.
The ship was due to depart the shipyard when it discovered that it's work package included the blasting and painting of the superstructure and mast. They didn't want it now, they wanted it RIGHT NOW,

Every cable run, light globe, port hole, fan room vent had to be covered, including cables and lights on the mast. There were about 150 people available. Every man woman and child (they were part of co-op program from the city) were expected to report to the ship. Some were delayed gathering material. The whistle at 1600 stopped about half. Car pool obligations stopped more. About 50 people showed up. Children were excused.

The entire second shift (12 men and a Foreman) showed up. Work begun, and like all jobs, it got done without any fatalities. It was the first time our superintendent pulled a 16 hour shift.

Painting began the following day. All the cars parked in 88 area got a dusting of hazed gray paint. The ship left looking great. The shop Superintendent, however, was not pleased with the number of people who answered his urgent call to duty. Next time, he vowed to take names of malingers. and have them disciplined, as appropriate.

May 9, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE - ETC

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I didn't exert much influence in the process and methods of the shop at pier D. I did try on one occasion. The sail staging was constructed of 4x8 timber legs and 2x12 headers - a large bulky timber frame staging. The 4x8x 32 feet were not readily available. The legs we had were used since I was an apprentice, 20 years ago. They were warped, twisted and full of holes. I scrapped them. New 4x8x 32 feet legs were ordered.

The sail waited to be staged. I decided to use pipe staging, which was the method used by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to stage their sub's sails.

Our General Foreman was not around when I started to build the sail staging with pipe. He only seen it when we were done. There was nothing he could do, but accept it - however reluctantly. The pipe staging worked better, being easier to adjust for the installation of masts and scopes. I submitted a benny sugg and the General Foreman rejected it. I appealed and the suggestion was approved.

It was used on one sub, and never again. I was temporarily transferred to one of the DLG's for it's tile installation. During my absence the 4x4x32 feet legs arrived. When I returned to pier D, the shipwrights were once again building the timber frame staging for the sail of a newly arrive sub. One shipwright whispered to me that my pipe staging idea was the reason I was transferred. He may have been right.

The early out program of 1972 created openings for General Foreman in 64 shop, since every General Foreman left. I was one of the Foreman promoted.

Pier D was still there. The Belknap was berthed in the back channel, and there were a few shipwrights on board laying out lines for the new deck houses. I went back a few times to advise them. The Belknap moved to dry dock 4. Pier D was slated to be demolished, along with piers A, B and C. There would be a big empty space where the piers once stood, sometimes with subs at each of them. The saga of pier D and it cast of characters is forgotten now, may be it's for the best.

May 9, 2019

Name: GEVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

LCC-19 PART II

Supply Dept. hired 3 former Welder Supervisors to jump start the Structural Material Control Ctr. (MCC). New construction hulls completed, time for outfitting. Most of 11, 26, 41's taken care of time for 17 Shop to take care of creatures that will live on the ships. LCC_19 loomed up.

Many compartments changer, up grades, equipment changes, made it difficult to keep track of the needs in each space on the ship.

Our first job was straighten up the back of 990 bldg. Material for all the new construction plus shop stores was in and out the bldg. The Supply IG was due on Monday. We were told to fix up the area. We innovated and moved all material to steel field and the submarine lay down. Monday morning Big Meeting. The Supervisor Shop Planner 17 Shop accused us o stealing the material and selling it outside the shipyard.

May 9, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LABOR/MANAGEMENT RELATONS AT PIER D MOVES INTO THE 19TH CENTURY

Overtime at pier D for shipwrights was scarce to nom-existing. There were a few operations that shipwrights were called to assist 38 shop. The installation of the snorkel mast required two 4x4 shores secured to the mast - to prevent it from lowering after the crane released it. 38 shop usually requested two shipwrights to install the shores on the day the snorkel mast was installed. The operation took about an hour. The two shipwrights spent the rest of the day standing by.

Overtime was being closely watched. 38 shop asked our General Foreman if we would supply the shores, and they would install them - sans shipwrights. The General Foreman agreed.

The shipwrights were beyond upset on Monday morning when they discovered the snorkel mast had been installed without their help. They asked to see the General Foreman. I advised against it. A low profile, I cautioned was necessary to survive at pier D. They insisted to see the General Foreman.

They were last seen loading their tool boxes on the shop truck - to begin their exile to the dreaded river front.

May 9, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Bill Ennis helped us write supporting letters for Outstanding Performance ratings. Without his help we would never get those letters past IRO.

May 8, 2019

Name: Dennis Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

Bill ENNIS May 6, 2019.

Former PNSY Shipwright, Engineering Tech, NAVSHIPSO, retired Defense Dept. employee and Army Veteran. Relatives, friends, members of American Legion Post 810, Knights of Columbus Council #1284, and Elks Lodge #585 Wildwood, and Order of the Moose are invited to his Viewing Friday evening, 5/10/2019, 7 - 9 P.M. at BURNS FUNERAL HOME, 9708 Frankford Ave., Phila., PA 19114. A second Viewing will be held Saturday morning at St. Matthew Church, 3000 Cottman Ave., Phila., PA 19149. Funeral Mass 10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to JDRF, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

May 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

SCHEMERS AND DREAMERS

Men with advanced skills were usually given jobs requiring that skill set. They and only they, were repeatedly assigned to these tasks. It had been that way before, and during the years I worked out front, as a Foreman, away from the fun house at pier D.

Some of these shipwrights would, if they could influence the schedule of completion of these tasks - so that overtime was necessary.

I had worked every one of these operations as an apprentice and journeyman while at pier D before these shipwrights were now on the scene. It was a strategic battle at times by opposing forces. One side - me and the other side the alleged specialist shipwright.

One side preparing and eliminating any cause that would delay the process, and the other side trying to prevent the ease of process, with overtime being their objective.

I won some, and probably lost more. But it introduced a new dynamic into the process at pier D. I was transferred back out front after a few years when the DLG overhaul program started, and things got back to abnormal at pier D.

May 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

PIER D - A MALAISE

As previously noted, pier D was a strange place to work. The men working there seemed privileged to be there, and feared being transferred. It may have been the attitude of men during the great depression who subjugated themselves to hold a job, any job.

Watching the three shipwrights, who didn't seem to have a Foreman directing their clandestine activities , wander around while every one else was working, would have resulted in turmoil in any other 64 shop work site.

They often filled an overtime billet, continuing to search for things not yet lost. I don't think they ever tried to perform any shipwright related tasks.

I never worked overtime at pier D. it was rare for an apprentice to do so, and my attitude didn't help. I had repeatedly asked for a transfer. The supervisors may have thought I was trying to trick them like Br'er rabbit from Aesop's fables. They wouldn't transfer me.

The workload finally lessened and men had to be transferred. The men leaving looked like those getting on the train to Auschwitz. I was all smiles.

Years later, I returned to pier D as a foreman. Most of the original cast had departed. The work, severely repetitive continued on without my influence.

May 7, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A DYNASTY ENDS - A GAME OF DRONES

I tried to avoid the assignment to pier D as an apprentice and later as a journeyman. There was a surreal atmosphere there. There were three characters - shipwrights- whose principle duties seemed to consist of providing the General Foreman with things he may, or may not have asked for. The property pass ledger, which we gleefully read when possible, listed items the General Foreman took home. An apple pie, 4 tomato plants, 6 ears of corn, 2 pounds of ground steak, and many things not usually found in a shipyard.

The General Foreman's disciples were diligent in finding these things. In fact- it seemed to be their only job.

The finding of things not lost escalated into a truck load of plywood and floor tile that found it's way into a Foreman's garage who was working at pier D. A neighbor reported the unloading of the material to the police. The Foreman was tried and convicted and fired. The General Foreman and his three supplicants were not seemingly involved, although they were questioned repeatedly. The General Foreman quietly retired and his three amigos faded into the background, and later retired, or just left.

May 7, 2019

Name: GEVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

LCC 19, I remember it well. After finishing the decks, bulkheads, foundations, rudders, in "B" bay 541 bldg. I was RIF"d. I than started a new life in the Supply Dept.

May 7, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

DEJA VU

On August 1, 1951, I walked down Broad Street from bldg. 501, took a right at Porter Ave and walked west. I was told to look for dry dock 2. Bldg 177, my destination, was just past the dock. There was a moth balled cruiser in the dock. I met the Chief Quarterman Shipwright in the building. He sent me and another apprentice to dry dock 4.

There were 2 subs in the dock, recently cut in half, waiting the installation of a 30 foot section for a future electronics upgrade.
The subs would be used as picket boats with large radar antenna to be added to the early warning system being deployed.

Two subs had already been elongated, undocked and berthed at wharf F in the back channel. Berthed just ahead of the subs adjacent to the marine railway was an impounded German freighter. Someone said it had new steel alloy hull - called Monel.

I was sent to wharf F after a few weeks at dry dock 4. I joined a gang installing teak battens on the hull superstructure. We had also installed staging for a new sail.

18 months later I walked back east on Porter Ave to Broad Street to board a bus to leave the yard for 2 years of military service.

Two years later, returning from military service, I again walked down Broad Street from Bldg 501, took a right at Porter Ave and walked west. There was a destroyer in dry dock 2. I met a new Chief Quarterman Shipwright. He sent me back to wharf F. There were 2 subs, not migraines, having teak battens installed on the hull superstructure. The German freighter was gone. It was like I had never left.

On august 1, 2001, 50 years to the day that I was hired, a friend tempted me to join him for a drive through the yard. I declined. I knew that dry dock 2 was probably empty, and that a parking lot now replaced bldg. 177, which had burned down one night on the second shift. I didn't want to see the partially dismantled marine railways, or the empty spaces where Pier D, A and B once stood.

I am glad I never took that drive. I rather have my memories of how it was, not how it is now.

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

My anodyne postings were not meant to start a debate regarding the effectiveness of Presidents with a military background. Surely, as clearly noted, some did poorly and some excelled. It was also clearly noted that history will decide if their military background played any part in their performance. The original posting questioned the character of those Presidents who evaded the call to service. That question remains.

Sorry dan: Presidents played a major role in the Shipyard history and must be discussed

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

The other branch of government not mentioned is the Judiciary - the Supreme Court. It lost it's only veteran when John Paul Stevens retired. We may never see another veteran on the court, where one is needed.

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A DEEP BENCH

Anyone who is concerned that the DOD seems to field the most Presidential candidates may have a case. The election in 2018 elected 18 veterans to the congress, and one to the Senate. The congress now includes 78 veterans, and the Senate has 19. All potential presidential candidates

May 5, 2019

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Your opinion or hypothesis, is that military experience equates to a presidents ability to be effective. Lincolns military experience was two months in the militia. In my OPINION,That brief experience had very little to do with the effectiveness of his time in office. You might have a different OPINION, but follow your own advice and do not conflate his effectiveness as fact, because of his military experience. That is your opinion, and as you stated in an earlier thread, opinions are not facts.

May 5, 2019

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

Enough with the president's history . How about some history of the Philadelphia Navy Yard .
And as Vince used to say " How's it look for the weekend " ??

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

CORRECTION

William McKinley Was assassinated 6 months into his second term of office. The shortest term of office was that of William Henry Harrison. He died 30 days into his first term. He caught a cold at his inaugural and died from pneumonia.

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

CIVIL WAR VETERANS

The seven Presidents that followed Abraham Lincoln in office were all veterans of the Civil War. Andrew Johnson, U.S Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison and McKinley were officers. Six were Generals. Their performance in office was normal and acceptable, with the exception of Grant - whose term of office was plagued with scandals. It seemed to be the culture of the time to elect men with military experience to the office of President.

The last 11 Presidents, with the exception of Clinton, Obama and Trump all had a military background. The culture continued. Presidential candidates like Bob Dole, John McCain, Kerry and McGovern who ran and lost were also veterans.

Perhaps, as noted, the DOD always provided candidates for high office.
It would be naïve, however to believe that lower level employees of the DOD could aspire to be President, regardless of their poker ability.

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE SHORTEST TERM OF OFFICE

President William McKinley, who had a military background, only served six months in office before he was assassinated. During that six months he led the country to victory in the Spanish-American War.

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

SO PROUDLY WE HAIL. OR NOT

A few other Presidents with a military background that did not have successful terms of office included Richard Nixon who resigned from office due to the Watergate scandal. Jimmy Carter will be remembered for the Iran hostage situation, and his inability to resolve it, the alleged gas shortage, and his shameful pardon of the draft evaders. Facts, not opinions.

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

AN OMMISSION

One President with a military background I left off the list, in error, was Abraham Lincoln, a Captain in the Illinois Militia. Surely, no one would question the fact that he was effective in office.

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF

A few Presidents with a military background were unsuccessful in office, almost shamefully so. U.S. Grant's term of office was plagued by scandal. Stonewall Jackson will be remembered as the "Indian Killer" for the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced 60,000 native Americans off of their land to make way for white settlers.

May 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064


FACTS AND OPINIONS REVISITED

26 of our 44 Presidents had a military background prior to holding office. Some, as previously noted, had successful terms of office. The success of the other Presidents, with a military background, as previously noted, will be left to history to decide.

May 3, 2019

Name: Tom queenanmailto:Tmquee@verizon.net
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Opinions are not fact, was the heading, but you put forth an opinion that the presidents names that you put out there were effective and that the names you left off of your list, were not. That is your opinionated take, and maybe not as factual as your opinion seems to be.

May 2, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Blue Ridge

Nice picture, Dan. I can remember working to remove all the staging around the Blue Ridge and an LST in dry dock 4 prior to the commissioning of the Blue Ridge. We started to reinstall the staging after he ceremony.

May 2, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

OPINIONS ARE NOT FACTS

26 0f our 44 Presidents had a military background prior to holding office. History will decide if that military background made them effective in office.

It is without doubt, however, that Presidents like Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Teddy Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Reagan, who had a military background, were effective in office.

Only a few of the other 18 were ever asked to serve, and evaded that call.

April 29, 2019

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

The USS BLUE RIDGE ,LCC-19 was built at PNSY and launched on Jan. 1969 . She is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and is home ported in Japan . I worked on the Blue Ridge and it was the first new construction I had been on .
Go to Pictures and Graphics for the latest picture of the Blue Ridge .

April 23, 2019

Name:Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop:064

We called - you answered - Thank you

The state of Pennsylvania granted a $200 bonus to the men drafted during the Korean War. The state recognized the willingness to serve when asked.

April 23, 2019

Name:Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop:064

SERVE WHEN ASKED

It is a moot question now, with an all volunteer Army, whether a President or other official should serve in the military prior to holding office. The question remains, however, of the character of the person holding high office who evaded that call to service, when asked.

April 22, 2019

Name:Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop:26/231

Presidential service.

Our last four Presidents are Trump,Obama, Bush and Clinton. Two seemed to have evaded Vietnam, one was in during that time but never stepped foot on that soil or flew over it, and another was too young to be considered.
Politics aside, I see no way forward if our litmus test for presidential viability, is that they need to serve. IMO ,if this is our country's mindset, then we mind as well give over control of our country to DOD. Who knows, a foreman working for DOD could move up in the food chain if he or she plays their cards right.

April 13, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

TO THOSE WHO SERVE

I never met Bill Rogers, and I didn't know him. Reading Ron Miller's tribute to him - makes me wish I had. Bill answered the call to duty, while many did not. His medals and decorations attest to his valor.

It is a sad foot note to history that three of our last four Presidents , a Vice President and a Secretary of Defense all evaded service during the Viet Nam war. The previous five presidents all met a citizens obligation to answer the call to service.

It is a fact that there were more men deferred from service than the two million men who did serve during that war.

I didn't vote for President Carter's bid for reelection. His pardon of all those men who burned their draft cards, or fled to Canada was an insult to all the men who did answer the call to service, and especially to those who did not return. President Carter lost his bid for reelection in the biggest landslide in history.

April 1, 2019

Name: Ron Miller
E-mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: 31

Sad to report the death of Bill Rogers, Shop 06, on 3/27/19. I knew him as a serious and knowledgable worker, troubleshooting and maintaining machinery in 31 Shop and later in the Propeller Shop. Bill was a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran, with three Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantryman's Badge.

March 31, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

BUGLES MUTTED

I only heard bugle calls once while in the army. It was at a regimental retreat ceremony one summer night at sundown during basic training. Reveille - To The Colors- followed by Taps as the flag was lowered.

There where no bugle calls at the army installation where I was stationed in the nearby suburbs of Augsburg, Germany. It seemed the German population was sensitive about the occupying forces present, and bugle calls were reminders of a previous military presence, and the bad results of it.

March 30, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

DAMOCLES

The Chief Quarterman Rigger (General Foreman II) and I were waiting for the arrival of the Kitty Hawk at pier 6. The Docking and Berthing Officer showed up in his whites, with a ceremonial sword at his waist.

Whats with the sword, the Four Minute Miler, asked me. He has permission to stick you, I said, if don't get that brow landed fast enough. My answer was in jest, but it looked like the Docking and Berthing Officer was considering just such an action, as we dallied with landing the brow.

The brow was landed, a little late, but no one got stuck.

March 30, 2019

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

During my Army time I was in the Como Section of the Military Police, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg NC. My first job in the mornings was to put a record for Reveille. Also call to Chow and Taps at night. Fun job except getting up early, as the Duty Officer was leaving.

March 29, 2019

Name: Larry Schnepp
E-mail: lawrence.p.schnepp@boeing.com
Shop: 56/P&E

It's funny the memories we have and the simple words that jog them;
Sweepers, Sweepers, man your brooms. Give the ship a clean sweep down fore and aft. Sweep down all decks, ladders and passageways. Empty all trash in receptacles provided for on the pier. Now Sweepers

March 28, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

BROOMS - THEN "COLORS"

I can remember when working on ships in commission, the early M1-C announcements for "Sweepers man your brooms", and then at 0800, the bugle call "To The Colors" as the ship's ensign was raised at the stern.

You could also hear the National Anthem being played as the flag was raised at the Admiral's headquarters on Broad Street at 0800. You could hear the Anthem as far west as dry dock 3, or maybe further. Respect required to uncover, to remove hats or helmets, during the playing of the Anthem.

You would also, if you were in the yard at 1700, hear the bugle call of "Taps" as the flag was lowered.

March 27, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

HONORS - RETURNED

I can clearly remember when foreign registered ships going up river, dipped their ensign at the stern as they passed the Navy Yard. I believe it was a maritime tradition for ships entering a port to do so when they passed a naval presence.

I can remember one of the sailors on watch hurrying to the stern to dip the ship's ensign to answer the salute. I don't recall seeing this happen in later years. Maybe I wasn't at the right place and time to see it, or the practice like some things, lost provenance and faded away.

March 26, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ROLE REVERAL

We had a young WG-8 shipwright, married with two small children. When President Reagan fired all of the air traffic controllers for their attempted strike, the shipwrights' wife applied for a vacant position.

She was hired, trained and soon in a tower directing planes, making twice the salary of her husband. The shipwright supported his wife by resigning to be a stay at home dad.

He said he planned to return to the shipyard after his children reached school age. He never returned. He must have been satisfied with the domestic arrangement.

March 26, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

GOING UP THE DOWN LADDER

There was a former marine in 61 shop, slightly disabled due to being wounded on IWO Jima where he left part of his skull on the beach. He was a WG-5 shipwright helper.

He applied for an apprenticeship, passed the test and was accepted as an apprentice shipwright. The apprentice program required apprentices pass the academic portion of the school work. A failure would remove the apprentice from the program, without exception. The marine failed the math and science part of the school work. He was removed from the program.

A failed apprentice usually was offered a WG-5 position in the shop. The shop declined to offer the marine any position. It was an action questioned by his friends, but never officially challenged. The marine was forced to leave the shipyard. The shop and shipyard were hiring at the time.

A puzzle never solved, and perhaps a wrong that should have been righted.

March 25, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

I MEET A LIMELY AND GET A HISTORY LESSON

The demographics of 61 shop in 1951 was mostly Scottish and Irish, and the rest assorted. I was assigned to work with two men, one a Scot and the other an Englishman. They seemed to get along quite well despite their cultural backgrounds.

I had to listen carefully to their Scottish brogue and English accent to follow their instructions.

The Englishman had served in the British army during World War one. He was at the battle of Gallipoli. He told of the rigors of the eight month campaign against the Turks that started with an amphibious landing. Their force was made up English, Australian and French and New Zealand troops. He told of their defeat and of their withdrawal.

A movie (Gallipoli) was made, with a young Mel Gibson in a staring role.

Both med worked in shipyards in England and Scotland (separately), and were excellent Shipwrights, and wry humorists. I enjoyed working with them, despite being the subject of their humor at times.

March 24, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

BROWS, QUICKLY NOW!

The placement of the brow at the quarter deck seemed an important factor to the ship and it's Captain as we placed Independence in dock. The ship had just landed on the blocks when the Captain appeared at the quarter deck opening berating the Service Group Superintendent, who was dockside, for not having his brow landed. It was actually being landed at the time. The Group Superintendent, also a rigger, wisely did not engage in any dialog with the irate Captain. He found someplace else to be. I bet he heard about it later though.


We were prepared at pier 6 for the arrival of Kitty Hawk, with a lighter (barge) placed with a platform on it to receive the quarter deck brow. The lighter was in ballast (tanks flooded) to keep the platform level with the expected quarter deck level.

The lighter was ballasted to meet the expected drafts of the ship. This ship, like the other Slep carriers, seemed to have a hard time reading their own drafts. They were two feet less than they informed the docking officer earlier. We had to pump water from the lighter's tanks to bring the platform on the lighter up to the height of the quarter deck level of the hanger deck.

The docking office was getting an ear full from the ship while we had to wait for the pumps to raise the lighter. We finally got the lighter - lighter and the brow landed. It was my last day in the shipyard, a Saturday.

March 24, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE FIRST LPH - ALMOST

The escort carrier Block Island was berthed in the back channel in mothballs. We were tasked with taking measurements of the hanger deck and elevators. Of interest was the width and height of the hanger deck space. and the size of the two center line elevators.

The ship was docked in dry dock four, and work began in various spaces. The work suddenly stopped. The ship was closed up and returned to the back after it was undocked.

Our measurements were evaluated and it was found that the ship's hanger space and elevators were too small for the proposed new helicopters to be used on these new LPH's.

The ship was later scrapped ad removed from the register in 1959.
The LPH construction period began at the yard about 5 years later.

March 22, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

IRISH EYES ARE SMILING - OR NOT

Jerry: John Lowe hired me also, a year earlier on August 1, 1951. I walked from bldg. 501 out to bldg. 177. I met the Chief Quarterman there. He asked my name. Is that an Irish name, he asked. No, I said "its English.

The shop at the time was mostly Irish or Scottish. They had one thing in common - their hatred of the English. It was as though I was a direct descendant of Oliver Cromwell from the look on his face. I outlasted all of them. Most were ready for retirement.

Its 6am for me, Jerry, for coffee and the first of days pills.

March 22, 2019

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26 SHOP

Up in morning at 4AM, put the coffee on, take my drugs and memories of PNSY begin.
July 1952 being hired by John Lowe
Reporting to work 730 AM, IRO didn't start until 8 AM.
Walking to 57 bldg., Meeting the Shop Head, Ed Stone who asked other in the meeting, "what school did you go?". North Catholic, South Catholic, West Catholic, Roman. was the answer. Stone then said "I'm going to be the only A-RAB around here".

March 22, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

AN EVENT TO REMEMBER

Two things that improved the quality of the work day at the yard was the completion of I-95 and the Walt Whitman bridge. These shortened the commute to work by up to an hour each way. These reduced the work day from 12 hours to 10.

It took over 10 years to complete I-95 from Bucks County to the yard. It was noted at the time that the Great Wall Of China advanced at the rate of 31 miles per year, built by hand, and that I-95 advanced at the rate of 2.9 miles per year - built by machine.

Neighborhood resistance played a part in the slow progress. The section through Society Hill was completed, but not opened for a few years, due to the design change that required a covered roadway.

March 22, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

DISPLACEMENT

Archimedes principle that the weight of water displaced by a ship afloat exactly equals the weight of the ship. It is not easy to calculate the amount of water displaced by a ship's hull because it is not a geometric shape. The hull's volume below the water line is not easy to assess.

One method suggested to measure the volume of the water displaced is to first measure the amount of water in a filled dry dock, then to measure the amount of water in the same dock with the shop afloat in it. This can be done by metering the water as it is pumped from the dock, until it is empty.

The difference between the two is the amount of water displaced. The weight of a cubic gallon of water weighs about 61.5 pounds. This multiplied by the number of gallon displaced is the weight of the ship, its displacement.

March 21, 2019

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

My future career as a comedian is done! My attempt at humor concerning " slag hammers" and their correlation to slag removal and ships buoyancy has fallen on deaf ears. My attempt at levity has been officially misinterpreted. My bad. I apologize. We will stay serious from this point forward. No " fake news" from me.

March 21, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

MEMORIES PART 2

WOW - Tom: Its good to see you had a few good memories too.

March 20, 2019

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Memories pt 2

In awe of seeing a ship on blocks for the first time
Unlimited overtime and being threatened to be wrote up if you did not work 13/14 days(slep)
Remembering the fire that took the life of a painter on the Belknap ,which occurred during fire prevention week,Oct. 1978
Seeing a pipe fitter walking down the pier with a case of beer on his shoulder, going on his first sea trial( did not get past the guard Johnson) for the belknap.
Having my Supv.( snake silvestri) pull me off the job , walked me three piers away and told me to look out for the Russians. ( gave me the day off)
1st tdy trip on uss New Jersey in 1982
Confronting Capt. Of Uss Lexington as a new supv., about the placement of fire watches that needed to be placed in his cabin
Being a part of the boiler repair team for uss Saratoga.
Remembering the boilermakers who died in Mayport during that repair on Sara.in a car accident
Being at the meeting with sen. Spector on the sara. Remembering his asking questions about what happened but no one talked.
Xmas parties .
The blind mans.
Parking in S lot when the carriers were being painted, and having to board the cattle cars at the end of your shift.
No doors on the stalls in the .hithouse, in bldg 620
Cold water in the winter and steaming hot water in the summer in bldg620 head.
Cafeteria trying to serve 3000 workers in 30 mins.
Stella
Bubble collapse
Working on uss augusta( ssn710) at new London in Jan. on the river
Tdy to Hawaii just as the yard was closing for P/E

March 20, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Slag and Drag

Shipwrights played no part in calculating ship displacement as someone believed. We did assist Design in inclining experiments, but not in any calculation process. We provided sleepers on the deck for the placement of weights. Design did all the math involved.

The welders of 26 shop provided slag free welding using their striking instruments as appropriate, and earned awards for their diligence. I don't know if the removal of excess slag had any effect on the displacement of the ship. Its possible.

March 20, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Julio:

We used the 350 hammer head crane a dozen times to lift yard tugs from the water to place them on the pier for repair also. When I was an apprentice I remember the shop placing a locomotive on a ship for shipment to South America. I also worked with Jerry Fitzpatrick stripping a mast staging out of a tray held by the 350. It was not the best method, because the crane was slow to move. The small cranes on the pier did not have the height to do the job.

March 20, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Julio:

I was involved with the last big lift of the 350 hammer head crane.
We were shipping a yard tug boat to Subic Bay on the deck of a German freighter. We built a wooden cradle and secured to on top of a hatch cover. The crane lifted the tug from the water and placed it on the cradle. After we were done and left, I was told by a rigger that the main hook brake slipped and the hook slowly lowered down to the pier. It would have been a disaster if it had failed while we had the tug hanging over the ship. We were lucky.

March 20, 2019

Name: Julio Casiano
E-mail: Julio@Philly-Yardbird.com
Shop: 67964-026

Richard, got any Hammerhead Crane stories?

March 20, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

YARD MEMORIES

The water coolers throughout the yard that required a cake of ice every few days during the summer

The salt tablet dispensary at every water cooler, that we were encouraged to use. Not a good idea now

The sea gulls waiting riverside as dry dock 2 was pumped out, for fish chum through the pumps

The steam cloud every November in Bldg 177 when the heat was turned on.

The stingy shop stores guy we had in Bldg 177. one pieced of soap stone or yellows keel at a time.

The brief ceremony at lunch time when a man retired.

The bond drives and music played through the speaker system at lunch time.

The PTC strikes and the yard's response

When marines were stationed at the main gate and bus stops.

When being able to park in the yard was rare, and only for a few.

When Foremen were called Leadingmen.

When shipwright hard hats were blue, with the number 61 on them.

When dry dock 1 was made of wood timbers, and not used.

When the boat shop built wooden boats

When shop Superintendents were called Masters

When there were 6 subs at pier d and the railway

When pier D was still there, along with A,B and C

When escort carriers were overhauled at the yard

When the unfinished battle cruiser - Hawaii was berthed in the back channel at Broad Street.

Before welders had slag hammers

March 18, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Tom: I would like to believe that there are a thousand stories waiting to be told. I hope someone will soon start talking.

March 18, 2019

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon .net
Shop: 26/231

Mr. Beggs,

I love to read your memories. The shipyard had a thousand stories. Each one has their own nuances, based upon that individuals experiences. It's a beautiful thing, and is much appreciated

March 18, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY

I never fully understood what that biblical quote meant. One explanation was the person looking sees the darkness of everything as he himself is seen. I guess that could explain dark side of my posted memories expressed by someone.

March 18, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ITS ALL GREEK TO ME

Jerry Fitzpatrick and I were involved in a minor grievance concerning a shift change, that we proposed was improper. We were scheduled to meet with the Quarterman at the second stage of the process. When we sat down at the conference table we were faced with the Group Superintendent, two Chief Quartermen, the Quarterman, the Director of IRO, and the personnel advisor of the Group, and Dougherty the shipyard recorder.

The Group Superintendent told Jerry he didn't want to overwhelm him with numerical superiority, but it was an important issue that had to be resolved. Jerry smiled, and told him the numbers do not rise to the legend of Leonidas at the battle of Thermopylae where he and 100 Spartans faced a Persian army of one million men, women and elephants.

I don't see any elephants here, Jerry said, we can wait till you find some. Everyone had a laugh, but we were overwhelmed and failed to have the grievance resolved in our favor, but no grievance was ever resolved at the shipyard level.

The shift change process, however, now closely followed the shipyard instruction.

Jerry and I had many memories, Tom, including wayward dogs.

March 17, 2019

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Mr. Beggs,
The Cadillac is in the junk yard, the 40 ft. Pwr. Boat sunk, the plane sits idle( high cost of fuel) and the mummers parade route is short. Memories are the best, they don't cost a dime and they are always there, when called upon. At least you can look back at the " dogs" , with fine memories and realize you had a hand in something worthwhile. Keep up the good work .

March 15, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THINGS

The things we had: A shipfitter had a Cadillac, a pipefitter General Foreman had a 40 foot power boat with a teak deck, a Safety Inspector had a plane, and Jim Broomall from 17 shop had his own String Band, and he was the Captain. I had memories.

March 15, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ROOTS

Jerry Fitzpatrick and I were glad to see the AFDN-10, a self propelled floating dry dock, arrive in the yard. We had the opportunity to build a complete new docking system. New center line keel blocks, plus haul in bilge blocks.

We also had the chance to train a new apprentice in the basic elements of the trade. We tried to indoctrinate him in union philosophy, but failed. We must have done something right, however, he became our Superintendent later.

March 13, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A NEW ERA

An important factor in JKK,s executive order 10988 granting unions the right to organize and be exclusive representatives of employees in the Federal work force, was dues check off, the with holding of union dues from employees pay checks, if they authorized it. A middle man in the process, the Director of Industrial Relations, was delaying the process by holding the authorization cards, signed by the employees, that were to be delivered to the Comptroller within one pay period of receiving them.

Jerry Fitzpatrick met with the Director and told him to deliver the cards to the Comptroller as agreed in the Union Contract. The meeting failed to accomplish anything. Jerry initiated the first ever Unfair Labor Action ever attempted in a Naval shore based facility. He notified the Labor Department of the cause, and his plan to seek an injunction with the Third Circuit Court of appeals , sitting in Philadelphia, where he believed the union had standing.

Jerry was absent when the Labor Department responded. The Admiral asked to see Jerry at once. I went in his place. The Admiral must have been reamed because he was snorting, a habit from his days as a navy diver. The Director of Industrial Relations was trying to disappear in his chair, as the Admiral glared at him.

The cards will be delivered to the comptroller by 1600, today, the Admiral said. End of meeting. The dues deduction process began the next pay period. It was many years before the Council initiated another Unfair Labor complaint, but they knew it could be done.

March 12, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Jerry Fitzpatrick was the President of the Metal Trades Council, and as such, was scheduled to meet weekly with the Shipyard Commander. As the book starts - It was the best of times -it was the worst of times. Captain Stillwell was about to get promoted and get his flag, LBJ had promised frugality in government and handed the senator from New York, Bobby Kennedy, a pink slip for the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and we were losing a war in Viet Nam to skinny little guys in pajamas.

The council insisted that Jerry not meet with anyone alone to avoid the hint of collusion, a noun not often heard at the time, but times change. Jerry invited me to join him at these meetings. We waited outside the Admiral's office for thirty minutes. The Admiral said he was sorry for the delay. Jerry gave him his famous smile and said "of course you are"

We were going to the second meeting, but Jerry detoured us to the snack bar across from the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. We were 30 minutes late for the meeting. Jerry didn't apologize for our tardiness, and it appeared the Admiral was looking for one. We were on time for the next meting, and didn't have to wait outside his office again.

March 12, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

DIPPSY DOO

CHRIS: Jerry Fitzpatrick and I were working together on the LPH construction, providing reference lines for the shipfitters. During a lull in our activities, Jerry, an avid fisherman, provided a mold for sinkers, used by most fishermen. A lead ingot, that fell off of the truck, was cut up and rendered in a ladle made by the shipfitters, in the riveters hot pot.

Almost every fisherman working in dry dock 4 at the time received a full set of sinkers, including some supervisors.

March 11, 2019
Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@vrizon.net
Shop: 064

CHRIS:

The last time I talked to Jerry Fitzpatrick ,before he retired from SHIPSO, he was monitoring the construction of wooden mine sweepers somewhere out west. I think he was in some kind of dispute with his boss about traveling on the weekend. It apparently didn't affect his position. I think his boss retired before Jerry.

THIS IS NOTHING

Jerry and I were stripping a mast staging during a snow storm when he stopped the crane and crew to uncap his quart sized thermos bottle and have a cup of coffee. "Ivan Denisovich had it tough, this is like a day at the beach", he said. Jerry was citing a book we had both read about a Russian poet sentenced to hard labor at a gulag in Siberia. It was standing joke between us whenever we faced a job and foul weather. The riggers thought we were crazy.

March 11, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LETS TALK

Chris: You are right, Jerry Fitzpatrick was a fine man. One thing was missing in his obituary was the fact that he was the President of the Metal Trades Council when it negotiated the first Labor-Management Agreement under JFK's executive order 10988, giving unions the right to organize and seek recognition in the federal workforce. Jerry was the chief negotiator for the Council, and did a great job.

March 11, 2019

Name: Chris Mason
E-mail: masoncs@comcast.net
Shop: x64, C/252, NAVSHIPSO, Type Dsek

Mr Beggs; I just saw your posting from February on the passing of Jerry Fitzpatrick. He was my supervisory for a while, a fellow supervisor for some time and a fellow worker in SHIPSO; a very good man.

Also your picture of the DD Dogs brought back some memories. Whether it was a sub on the rail, a smaller ship in DD's 2 or 3 or a battleship or carrier in DD5, we never seemed to drive enough dogs!

March 10, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

WOOD BUTCHERS

It is a rare occasion that a keel block has to be removed after a ship is docked. I was involved once, and that was enough. A new pitometer (pit sword) used to gauge the speed of the ship through the water was being installed. There was a keel block directly under the location of the new pitometer.

Long steel cold chisels 4 feet long were used to chip away the soft wood caps on the keel block. The bearing on the block compressed the wood and make it extremely difficult to remove. It took the better part of the day for me my apprentice to remove the soft wood caps of the block.

That apprentice, later promoted to Foreman was being affected by a RIF action, and decided to leave the yard for a job with the Phila Fire Department. The day he left he told me he didn't know what rigors he faced as fireman, but it couldn't be as bad as that day we removed that keel block. His name was Paul Neale, and I never saw him again.

March 10, 2019

Name: Steve Pandur
E-mail: vnmn! @aol.com
Shop: 072

R.I.P. BOB SHANNON

March 10, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A TOOL OR ALL SEASONS

The practically of any tool is it's ease of use without extensive training. Shipwrights used water levels, based on Pascal's principle that water seeks its own level n a contained system, to establish level reference lines during new construction in the dry docks, or in dry dock setups.

Water levels were not used in all, or any other shipyard. Shipwrights who were hired when New York Ship closed were not familiar with our water levels. They used transits to establish level reference lines, notably on the construction of the Kitty Hawk in the dry dock the Navy built for them.

Shipwrights also used transits to establish some reference lines. Transits can't see around corners, or from compartment to compartment. Water levels could carry level reference lines any place within the length of the hose connecting the water fill glass tubes at each end.

Some of the ex-New York shipwrights adopted the use of the water levels when, for the first time, they worked on a dry dock setup.
They saw the ease and speed in establishing the base line on the hundreds of blocks in a carrier dock setup with the water level verses the transit.

Another issue in using the transit in and around dry 4 and 5 was the subtle vibration caused by the compressed air engines running in the north end of bldg. 620. A transit needed constant adjustment over any length of time to remain finely adjusted.

I can remember the day a salesman came to demonstrate a new transit with GPS capability. He set up on the west side of bldg. 620, and (I could have told him) couldn't keep the transit adjusted. The vibrations from the compressed air engines running in bldg. 620 were just too much for his delicate instrument.

March 9, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

HEEL!

I never thought our common dog would get so much attention. Perhaps I can describe other unique tools shipwrights used like Tom did with his slag hammers.

March 9, 2019

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

Thanks Dick for the info on the dogs. Now I can title my book "FIFTEEN YEARS AMONG THE DOGS".

March 9, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

CLEAR THE DECKS

The FRAM destroyer program required all the main deck houses to be removed, leaving lots of excess metal and slag behind. I was always impressed by those welders who air arced that material away to leave such a clean deck for our layout work.

March 8, 2019

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Welders were trained in , and issued slag hammers. From the bottom of the handle, to the chisel part of the striking instrument, was about 9 inches. One end was pointed, and the other end was tapered to resemble a chisel. Some innovative welders ,gathered their own metal and applied their " extrodinary" skills to fabricate their own striking instruments. Without this instrument, ships would have left the yard with a great amount of unexpected slag, hence rendering calculations of weight distribution, useless. So once again welders made the shipwrights job much less complicated. Unsung heroes.

March 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Julio:

You will notice in picture of the dogs that some were longer than others. They were made by our blacksmith shop for the slep dock setup.

March 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Julio:

40,000 tons afloat is a tremendous force to be dealt with. The ship being centered over the blocks is never completely at rest. It is still moving a little as it lands on the blocks. That is why the dogs play such an important part in preventing any shifting of the timbers of the docking blocks.

March 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Julio:

You will notice in that picture of the dogs that I sent you, that there seems to be some spaces between the layers of the timbers on the center line keel blocks. The Docking Officer was concerned about those spaces. I assured him that there would be no spaces when 40,000 tons landed on the blocks. He was doubtful until we inspected the dock after the docking. There were no spaces between layers. A DLG displacing about 6000 tons will crush (reduce the height of the block) by about 5/8". A slep carrier's crush will be about an inch.

March 8, 2019

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Richard / Julio
I hope you guys know that I was trying to inject some humor. I knew what Mr . Beggs was stating and I did not need a picture to explain " what a dog was, or is" . The technical explanation from Mr. Beggs is much appreciated.

March 8, 2019

Name: Julio Casiano
E-mail: Julio@Philly-Yardbird.com
Shop: 67964-026

It's been a long time since I've sat at my computer desk updating this page and had a good laugh while doing it.  It seems most of the updates lately are death notices.

Although the misunderstanding concerning the shipwright dogs was unintentional on Richard's part, I must say I got a good laugh out of it.

I even Googled 'Large Staple' to see what the dog looked like!

March 8, 2019

Name: Julio Casiano
E-mail: Julio@Philly-Yardbird.com
Shop: 67964-026

Richard, I remember those dogs well now that I see a pic of them.

Never reallized I was surrounded by so many dogs while working down in the dock.

March 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A CLOSE CALL

A questionable decision was made concerning the transition of the slep carrier from sitting on the blocks to being wet berthed (floating) in the dock. There was enough clearance, using the super flood capability of the dock, to leave the 350 blocks in the dock during the year long wet berth period. The removal of all the blocks from the dock would require the ship to be move to pier 4 for about 36 hours.

The block timbers (white oak) did do well submerged for long periods. These blocks were to be used on the next slep (Kitty Hawk).I found, during a routine inspection, that almost all of the blocks were at a point of failure. We were at the transition point of the ship sitting on the bocks to wet berthing. I estimated the blocks would soon fail.

The blocks would have to be removed from the dock and have the oak timbers removed and replaced if they were to used on the next slep (kitty Hawk). This time it was necessary to remove the ship from the dock and remove the blocks for repair.

The ship was moved to pier 4 or about 36 hours, after the blocks were removed, and returned for it's wet berth period. The Kitty Hawk was docked on the new set of blocks which was documented by channel 12 in an hour long film. I wonder how many yard birds ever saw that show.

March 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Julio: Sent a picture of our dogs

March 8, 2019

Name: Julio Casiano
E-mail: Julio@Philly-Yardbird.com
Shop: 67964-026

I remember working with 11 shop, they used dogs and wedges for shipfitting.  Probably a different dog than the ones 64 shop used.

March 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Julio:

There are terms used by most trades that are particular to that trade, and not recognized by others. It was ignorant of me to use a term (dog) in my Intrepid posting, without thinking how that term would be viewed by non-shipwrights.

March 8, 2019

Name: Julio Casiano
E-mail: Julio@Philly-Yardbird.com
Shop: 67964-026

Richard, ever since you posted that Intrepid story I'd been scratching my head trying to figure out how a dog could possibly wind up in a dry dock.

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

March 8, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A SHIPWRIGHT DOG

Tom:

Listed in the Navy supply system - shipwright dog- was available in the shop stores system at the yard. As a welder, you may or may not have come into contact with our canine friend, unless you had worked in a dry dock. You would have been close to about 15,000 of them in you had worked in the dock during the slep overhauls.

Installing those dogs, one at time was the most labor intensive job in setting up the dock. There was a method, like most things, in placing them and driving them up. They secured all the lumber components of the docking blocks to ensure that nothing floated or shifted when 40,000 tons of ship landed, sometimes in motion.

We take them for granted, but would be hard pressed to find a substitute. They don't bark or bite, and they are a shipwright's best friend.

March 7, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

DOG, DOGS, OH MY

Tom: There was dog in the movie too. It died.

March 7, 2019

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verzon.net
Shop: 26/231

Mr.Beggs,

You saw a dog in the dry dock, and did nothing to save it while the dock was being flooded!!!! You are lucky PETA did not have an office at the yard. Shame on you. Thank god the Intrepid survived. Wonder what a torpedo would do?

March 7, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A CLOSE SHAVE WITH OCCAM'S RAZOR

I was watching a Zombie movie (I Am Legend) the other night, with a scene showing Will Smith hitting golf balls off of a wing of a plane parked on the flight deck of the carrier Intrepid, which was berthed at a pier in new York. It reminded me of an incident 40 years ago when we docked the Intrepid for blasting and painting prior it being towed up to New York to become a Naval Air museum there.

We were flooding the dock and docking the ship on the same day which required a tightly followed schedule without room for any delay. The shipwrights and I were watching the water as it covered the blocks, to ensure nothing came loose and floated. A shipwright came to me and said he thought he saw a dog (large staple) laying on the number one port bilge block. We would have to stop the flooding, pump the dock dry, and send someone into the dock to remove the dog. This would take ore than an hour and we would slip the schedule and abort the docking, and reschedule it.

I thought the dog, if it was on the block, would be pressed into the soft wood of the block, but not penetrate the hull which was about an inch thick. The flooding continued and the ship was docked without incident.

I was anxious to see the bilge block after the ship was undocked. There wasn't any dog on the block, or any indentation, or any sign that the dog was ever there. The surface of the block was pristine. Wood can recover from a small dent, but not to a pristine surface.

The flooding current may have washed the dog off of the block. The dog may have adhered to the hull when the ship landed, and left with the ship, or the dog was never there.

The intrepid is still floating at that pier in New York 40 years later, being used as a prop for movies and a tourist attraction, having survived a close encounter with our wayward dog. Or not.

March 7, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ABSENCE OF MALICE

My postings concerning the retrieval of medical records was initiated by Julio's posting asking if anyone had success getting their medical records. I hope the ensuing posting, and detailed process submitted were a help to him, and did not cause any anxiety to anyone trying to explain the procedural process.

March 7, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

The only connection most retirees had with the yard was through this web site. It would have been a great service if someone had posted the detailed process of retrieving their health records -SOONER.

March 6, 2019

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Naval instructions were there for everyone, if you were so interested. In order to get your medical records the NI instruction number was 5720. 42b that I signed at the time.
I think the sub part b was a dollar amount for various copies of whatever you wanted or needed. When the yard was closing , they waived those fees. The buracracy was folding, and most people were concerned with finding a job, myself being one of them.
Records did not enter the equation, but I knew they might enter the equation at some later time, just like my welding qualification and testing results.
Retirees had the same opportunity to retrieve their records, prior to the yard closing.

March 6, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

It is interesting to note that the record keeping protocols of the yard dispensary were known to some. I am sorry that information never reached me.

March 5, 2019

Name: Tom Queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Prior to the yard closing, I made it a point to retrieve my medical records from the dispensary. I knew that once it was gone it was gone. I have them to this day and brought them to the Coast Guard for them to enter into their records. Copied what I had, so they had a baseline.Never gave up the originals. Hope I never need them, but when I look at them, they were pretty thorough.

March 5, 2019

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A GREAT FIRE
When I was drafted, I had about 100 hours of sick leave on the books, that I was told would be credited to me upon my return. When I did return, I was told of the great fire in that building in St Louis that destroyed all the records. I never did get the sick leave. Thirty years later I tried to get copies of my chest x-rays. I was told the same story about that fire in 1954 that destroyed all the records. I don't think they ever had any records in that building in St Louis.

March 4, 2019

Name: Julio Casiano
E-mail: Julio@Philly-Yardbird.com
Shop: 67964-026

A few years after I left the Yard, I tried to get a copy of my medical records from the Dispensary.  I was given an address in St. Louis.  I'll have to look thru me paperwork and see if I still have the address.

Anyway, when I wrote to them requesting the records, I was told they didn't have them.

I never followed up on it.  Anybody have success getting their medical records?

March 4, 2019

Name: RICHARD BEGGS
E-mail: RICH.BEGGS@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 0064

ATTN: Joe Sergi

Try OPM.com or write to them :Office of Personnel Management
1900 E street
Washington, DC. 20415-1000

March 3, 2019

Name: Joe Sergi
E-mail: dijoe2313@verizon.net
Shop: 17

Anyone have any idea where I can get my records for my time spent at the yard. Not sure if it's DOD or Navy. Any info would be helpful thanks all.

February 19, 2019

Name: Jack Balkir
E-mail: jbalkir@gmail.com
Shop: Shop 51 / Code 1200

I am deeply sadden to hear the passing of fellow foreman Bill Hopf of 67 Shop. Bill and I were very close friends and worked on several projects together. We are going to miss you Bill. RIP my friend.

February 14, 2019

Name: Jim Yunker
E-mail: yunkerjf@netzero.net
Shop: 67 Shop

It is with great sadness that I pass this information. Bill Hopf was quite a character. I had the pleasure of working for him and with him, especially on the first 2 SLEP's. I was a temp foreman at the time of Saratoga and Bill guided me through the availability. He and I worked together through the Forrestal. He will be terribly missed. If you didn't like Bill, you must have had a problem! Rest in peace my friend!

William R. Hopf, Jr.
Date of Death: February 8, 2019
William R. Hopf, Jr., of Brigantine, passed away on Feb 8, 2019 age 82. He was the beloved husband of 60 years to Alice (nee Terlingo). Loving father of Thomas (Elizabeth), James (Margaret), JoAnn Lawall (Kenneth) and Kenneth (Karla). Dearest Pop-Pop of Tara, Tracy, Jessica, Kristen, Amy, Jimmy, Trevor and Keenan. Dear great grandpop of Cora and Katelyn. Dear brother of Cindi Fooshe (Dave) and the late Rev. Richard Hopf. Relatives and friends are invited to call Wed from 8:30 to 10am at GALZERANO FUNERAL HOME, 9304 OLD Bustleton Ave. Phila PA 19115. Funeral Service will follow at 10am. Interment Our Lady of Grace Cem.

February 10, 2019

Name: tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Sorry to see the passing of Jim Henson of 17 shop. I worked with Jim on the Belknap prior to his becomingg a supervisor. Good work partner and always a gentleman. Long time ago , but certain people always stand out and he was one of those. God bless.

February 9, 2019

Name: RICHARD BEGGS
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

We are sadder today as we note the passing of Jerry Fitzpatrick, of 64 shop and the shipbuilding scheduling office. I worked with Jerry as an apprentice, journeyman shipwright, Foreman and General Foreman. He was a true gentleman, always a giver and never a taker. I never heard him say a harsh word about another man. Rest in Peace - Jerry

February 8, 2019

Hello, my name is LaTanya Henson. I am sorry to notify PNSY, the passing of my father James Henson supervisor of seventeen shop Philadelphia. Jimmy died on February 4, 2019.

Funeral will be held for James Henson on February 16, 2019 at Liberty Baptist Church 5944 Larchwood Ave Philadelphia, PA 19143. Viewing at 10 am service at 11:00 am. If anyone wants to send flowers or cards send to Liberty Baptist Church. Thank you his daughter LaTanya Henson.

February 4, 2019

Name: Lee Jones
E-mail: ljones7@rcn.com
Shop: 41Shop, NAVSHIPSO,DCMA

Passing of Jerry Fitzpatrick, 64 Shop, NAVSHIPSO

Passed away February 1, 2019, age 84, formerly of Lawncrest. Beloved husband for 62 years of Elizabeth J. (nee: Tomer) Father of Jerome J. (Yun Kyoung), Linda J. Fitzpatrick (Harvey M. Hirsch), Susan E. Felix (Edward) and Steven J. (the late Jennifer). Grandfather of David and Laura (Chris), Great-Grandfather of Aiden, Sara and Max. Brother of Peter J. Predeceased by his twin brother Paul, sister Miriam "Bunny" and brother Robert. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Wednesday, February 6 from 10 A.M. to 12P.M.
JAMES M. CAMPBELL FUNERAL HOME, 500 E. Benner Street, Phila. Funeral Service 12P.M.

Interment will be private. Please omit flowers, kindly consider donations to the Salvation Army, 5830 Rising Sun Avenue, Phila., PA 19120 in his memory.

To send condolences or for directions
www.campbellfh.com

January 26, 2019

Name: Tom Varley
E-mail: Yelrav1@yahoo.com
Shop: 38

It's with great sadness that I have to inform everyone that Chuck Kessler passed away recently. He was living in Kentucky. I'll try to send the obit if I find it.Chuck worked in the sheet metal shop at the shipyard X17 shop.

January 24, 2019

Name: Jim Schaffner
E-mail: james.schaffner.ctr@navy.mil
Shop: 56

07 Shop

Joseph Buck Walters Jr May 12 1952 December 21 2018

Obituary for Joseph "Buck" Walters Jr

Joseph R. Walters, Jr., "Buck". Peacefully passed away on December 21, 2018 at his residence with his wife by his side. He was a graduate of Our lady of Mt. Carmel Grade School and also Bishop Neumann High School.

Joseph is a United States Airforce Veteran and was a retiree of the Department of Defense and the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard in the HVAC department and later became the supervisor of the maintenance department and taught the skills of his job to many.

He will be remembered as a family man, handyman- jack of all trades who had an incredible sense of humor, that will live on in all that new him. Buck enjoyed biking whether it was to King of Prussia, the Manayunk Wall or in cancer bikeathons to the shore to help raise money for a cure. But most of all he loved the time he spent with his wife and children spending summers down the shore, taking trips to the Mountains and drives to Buffalo, New York to simply visit his wife's family. Lastly, he enjoyed New Year's Day and all the festivities as a child when he marched alongside his Dad with the Jokers NYA. His love for the parade continued throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Walters Sr, and Josephine (nee: Cervo). Beloved husband of 46 years to Kathleen (nee: Girdlestone). Loving father of Lisa Walters and Joseph III "Buck" (Jenelle) Walters and dearest Pop Pop of Amanda Walters, Juliana Castor, Victoria Johnson and Joseph Walters IV "Buck". Brother of Joanne (late Charles) Warner, Rosemary (late Joseph) Schrock, Joyce (George) Gwinn and Joan (Bill) Conn. He will be sadly missed by his in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donations in his memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street Philadelphia, PA 19103.

January 10, 2019

Name: Steve Pandur
E-mail: vnmn1@aol.com
Shop: 072

Hello to all yardbirds. I am still alive and kicking.

December 31, 2018

Name: Tom Varley
E-mail: Yelrav1@yahoo.com
Shop: 38

It's with great sadness that I have to inform everyone that Rick Mattie passed away on Friday the 28th of December. Rick worked at the shipyard and then went to work at Great Lakes Naval Training Center as a sheet metal mechanic he retired just 2 years ago. Please say a prayer for Rick and his wife Ellen. I'll put the obituary on here when it's published.

December 28, 2018

Name: Tom Varley
E-mail: Yelrav1@yahoo.com
Shop: 038

Hello everyone I just wanted to pass on some info about Rick Mattie. He's not doing good. He might not make it through this weekend please keep him in your prayers .Rick was in 17 shop at the shipyard.

December 24, 2018

Name: Tom Maiorano
E-mail: tmaiorano1@verizon.net
Shop: 38 Shop

Want to wish all my 38 Shop friends and families and to all my Shipyard brothers and sisters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

December 24, 2018

Name: Dennis Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911/NFPC

I'd Like to wish all my friends and associates From PNSY and The Prop Center, A Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year.

December 23, 2018

Name: Ron Miller
E-mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: X31

Good tidings to you, Yardbirds, wherever you are. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

December 23, 2018

Name: Ron Miller
E-mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: X31

Christmas shutdown: Julio, I remember my first Christmas at the Yard, having started in November, I had about 12 hours of annual, and we were threatened with the shoveling
shot in the drydock detail. Our GF, I think it was Charlie Raetano, encouraged us to take what he called "Y" leave, defined as non-punitive LWOP. So I took a hit of about 3 unpaid
days. After New Years, I learned form the 31 Shop guys who came in to work that they were given cupcake assignments like painting the shop floor, no hard labor in the drydocks. And, yes, like you, after that frst year, I always made sure I had enough annual to cover the shutdown, and grew to enjoy having that week off to spend the holidays with the family.

December 10, 2018

Name: Jon Swanson
E-mail: jonathan.swanson@navy.mil
Shop: Prop Shop

I work at the Foundry and am wondering if anyone used to work in Building 121 or has any knowledge of the work done inside? The building ended up being in the Foundry's footprint when the yard closed, and was used only for storage for the last 20 years. It is scheduled for demolition next year and I am segregating some of the electronics and materials for proper disposal. I have identified a few items that we would like to turn over to a Naval Museum for preservation but the museum and State Historic Preservation Office would like to have some information on the items history which none of our current employees can provide. The specific items are an antique Henry J. Green barometer (1940's), a Frequency Standards microwave Wavemeter (1950's), a Roller-Smith Yarn Balance (1930-40's), and a Tinius-Olsen Stiffness Tester (1930-40's) which is in a nice wooden case labeled "121-RMT-2". These items came from the labs and offices on the third floor. Codes 130 QA, 134 Lab Div, 136 Eng. & Anal, 137 Metrology, 138 Weld. Eng., 360 HP&A, and Tool Control were in that building. Is there anyone that can share information with me so the Navy can provide a better picture of any of this equipment?
Thank you for any help!

December 9, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Where?

I was in a movie theater when the light went on at about 3 pm and the screen had the message that Pearl Harbor was attacked. Everyone had the same question. Where is Pearl Harbor?

December 8, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26 SHOP

DEC 7 1941, I remember. Eight years old. I was laying or my Grand father's living room floor listing to Amos and Andy when Gab Heater broke in and announced the bombing, around 7PM.

December 3, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ABUSE OF POWER

The Christmas to New Years shutdown reminds me of a time in 64 shop, and maybe others, that the accrued benefits (annual leave) of employees was used to balance an alleged excess of workforce. Some men were forced to use 80 hours of annual leave, and others 40 hours. This forced leave policy lasted about 6 weeks with an average of 10 to 12 men on leave each week. The proprietary of forced leave was questionable at the time, and would probably have been challenged in later years through grievance procedures. The decision to shutdown the Shipyard for efficiency and/or savings seems false at a time of the Slep overhauls which were working seven days a week to maintain schedules. Some accepted the shutdown, but others resented the use of their accrued benefits for unproven results.

November 30, 2018

Name: James J Walker
E-mail: jw04493@gmail.com
Shop: Type desk ,41 shop

Jack that beautiful turkish robe finaly fell apart. You in the mood to make arrangements for us to go to Istanbul to get more?

November 29, 2018

Name: Jack Balkir
E-mail: jbalkir@gmail.com
Shop: 51 Shop / Code 1200

Wishing my fellow yardbirds and their families happy and healthy Christmas holiday and prosperous New Year. God bless!

November 22, 2018

Name: Kevin Philpott
E-mail: kpkevinphil@gmail.com
Shop: 38 shop

Julio, thanks for keeping the web site going. Have a good holiday.

November 21, 2018

Name: Julio Casiano
E-mail: Julio@philly-yardbird.com
Shop: 67964-026

Holidays coming up.

Best wishes to all you Yardbirds out there.

This time of the year at the Yard was really strange. Especially Christmas. I remember the Christmas parties before the shutdown. I'm wondering if the same things happened at other navy yards.

Remember if you didn't have the annual leave to use during the shutdown, you would have to come in and shovel shot in the dry docks? I'm glad I always saved my leave!

November 20, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

METAPHORIC

Someone posted a while ago about the dangers we faced in our daily assignments, of going in harms way to complete them. We completed those assignments safely because we knew the hazards inherent in the methods of operations. We had a catastrophic accident when we disregarded them. It is like J.R. Tolkien noted "It doesn't do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations if you live near one."

November 9, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

In 1972-73 the United States sold two destroyers to IRAN . At that time we were " friends " with the Shah of IRAN who was later overthrown .The ships were built in 1944 at Todd Shipyard in Seattle . They were the ' ALLEN M. SUMNER ' class and were on pretty bad shape when we got them. Both ships were docked in DD-3 for overhaul and modernization .The former USS ZELLARS , DD-777 became the INS BABR . The former USS STORMES , DD-780 became the INS PALANG . The ships had a skeleton Iranian crew on board during the overhaul . They would sometimes stand fire watch . One guy says to us , " you make fire , I watch ". When I asked this one sailor who was hacking away at one of 64 shops block of wood with a meat cleaver what he was doing he said he was making a set of ' barbells ' . Then he says " nothing to sell, go back to work please "
I often wondered how these ships made it back across the ocean .

November 2, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

Little Known fact. During WW II, three Shop Heads were in the Battle of the Bulge and in Bastogne. Shop 02, 51, 56 did not know the others were there until 02's retirement dinner. Strange World?

November 2, 2018

Name: Ron Miller
E-mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: X31

Ice on the river
I recall being on the flight deck of the Forrestall in the mid '80's near the end of the SLEP when 38 Shop was launching "dead loads" from Cat 4 to test propulsion. I don't think it
was completely frozen over, but there was definitely lots of surface ice on the Delaware, shards flying up in the air when the shuttles landed, one of them badly damaged on
impact. All of us who had worked on Cat 4 signed a hard hat that was attached to the first load. It was quite a show on a bright, sunny, freezing cold winter day.

November 1, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

OF MICE AND MEN

One of the problems in centering the Slep carriers in dock after it had been moved into dock was having a sighting platform for the bow. It would be the caisson after it was returned to the dock and seated. This usually took about an hour. It was critical to keep the ship aligned on center during this period to maintain clearances over the docking blocks as the tide ebbed and the clearances decreased.

We had used a method in other docks to provide sighting references in similar situations. A float made of polyurethane foam shaped like a giant cork with a one inch dowel through its axis. It floated perfectly plumb when secured to the dock floor on center line with a cable and winch. The dowel was exactly on center.


We tried it on Saratoga. The cable attached to the float passed through a sheave on a keel block on the center line of the dock up to a small hand winch topside. When the dock was flooded the float was held down on the keel block with tension from the winch.


The ship entered the dock and was in position. The shipwright who knew how to operate the winch was a no show. His replacement turned the crank handle of the winch the wrong way, adding tension to the cable instead of releasing it. He kept turning until he sheared the cable from the float. The float rushed to the surface, and made a quick exit from the dock, heading for Chester.


We retried this method on the next Slep carrier, but with a shipwright who knew how the winch worked, and was successful. A shipwright sat in a punt at the bow of ship and used the float as a reference and kept the ship relatively on center until the caisson was returned and seated providing a sighting platform for a shipwright with a transit.

November 1, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

Tank Level Indicators. Ballast and Negative tanks on the Subs used a float ball at the top of the tank. A new electrical system was to be installed. It was a long fiberglass tube. The vendor only had one tube ready. Shop 51 used it to put location in each tank and it's supporting brackets. The brackets were only tack welded. Shop 71 now ready to blast and vinyl the tanks. The JOPC instructed 71 to cover the foundations from blasting and painting. Being a new Supr. I brought this to the attention of a very nice GF. He assured me that the foundations would be protected. As we separated, I heard him softly say, "YEA, WE WILL ONLY PUT TWO COATS ON THEM". Submarine cooperation.

October 31, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

O'S FOR WELDERS

Jerry: you are right, they were welders and I think the writer probably had versions 5.6 and maybe a dozen ready to submit. He seemed determined to get those men their O's

October 31, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

UNRESOLVED

64 shop had an assignment during the rebuilding of Belknap in dry dock 4. We established locations for tank level indicators in all the tanks. There was a safety process for anyone entering a tank. The tank had to be cleared by 99 shop sniffers before anyone could enter the tank. We had two men who were in and out of the tanks on a daily basis. They entered a cleared tank after lunch on one occasion and someone made an issue of them not checking with 99 shop before reentering the tank.

It was decided by someone that the men were to be disciplined for failure to follow instructions. The foreman reluctantly issued verbal admonishments to the men, which he felt was the necessary corrective action. He would do no more. Someone decided that the Foreman should also be disciplined for failure to ensure that his men followed safety instructions.

The Foreman, a combat Nam vet, had applied for a position with the Shipbuilding Scheduling Office, and I was reluctant to start any disciplinary action that may be recorded in his personal jacket and have a negative effect on his career. I thought that he was a victim of circumstance. I was directed to hold, at least, an investigative discussion with the Foreman. The IRO guy set up the discussion.

The Foreman and his representative arrived, and before I could begin, they both placed battery powered cassette recorders on the table. The IRO guy stopped the discussion, which hadn't started, and said "no recorders". The representative asked for the relevant regulation or shipyard instruction that prevents employees from using recorders at hearings such as this. The IRO guy said he would have to check with the Director of Industrial Relations, and notify us of the regulation, if any, and a new date for the discussion.

Days, weeks and a month passed without any word from IRO. The foreman was promoter to the position with the Shipbuilding Scheduling Office, the Director of Industrial Relations departed the yard because of ill health, and I still do not know if recorders can be used by employees at disciplinary hearings.

October 31, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

FROZEN RIVER

Dan: The river froze over in 1973 also.

October 31, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERZON,NET
Shop: SHOP 26

Dick, I think I know the Supt you mention and the person writing the letters if the men were Welders. There was always a tug of war between the two. Version four and five may have been the waiting.

October 31, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11Shop

ICE on THE DELAWARE

Turns out that the Delaware River did in fact ice over . The ice could get so thick - often more than two feet - that horses pulled loaded ferryboats across the channel atop the ice . The first icebreaker in the world was built for Philadelphia in 1837 to keep traffic moving on the Delaware during winter months . Christened CITY ICE BOAT No. 1 , this was the first of a local fleet of such ships . City Boat 1 cost $70,000 to build and remained in service for eighty years . So pay the city wage tax and you won't have to worry about getting to The Yard by ferry boat !! Gotta' love it !!

October 30, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE WIZZARD OF O'S

I was appointed to a panel that reviewed letters of recommendation for Outstanding performance ratings. There were three General Foreman on the panel, with the superintendent Welder acting as chairman. The curtain was pulled back and I was to witness the process of approving or disapproving the letters of recommendation. We had five letters to review. They were all signed by different supervisors, but it could be argued that they were the efforts of one person. The General Foremen all thought the letters were sufficient to support the Outstanding rating. The chairman didn't agree, and sent the letters back for more data. The next day we met again and the same five letters were reviewed. These letters were a little different, but not much. The chairman sent them back too. The next day we met again. The five letters were back. These were two pages long, and included enough data to satisfy an accountant. I think these were the original letters that the writer wanted to be considered. I think, from experience, that he expected the chairman to send back the first two drafts and offered them as fodder for the chairman to chew on. The writer seemed to suspect that the third draft would be approved. The plan, if there was one, worked. The chairman approved the third draft.

October 30, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

The City of Philadelphia used to justify the Wage Tax to non-residents of the City by saying that the City maintained the roads ,provided police and fire protection , etc . One resident of New Jersey refused to pay the tax saying that he rode the ferry back and forth to the Yard which was a Federal Reservation and never set foot on any thing related to the City of Philadelphia . Sounded like he had them on that claim . But wait , there's more .The City countered with the claim that the City would use one of their fire boats to break the ice when and if the Delaware River ever froze over . He still refused to pay saying that the river was so polluted from the City that it could never freeze over . Last we heard the City took his house . Gotta' love it !!

October 29, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

O AS IN Omitted

Performance ratings, as Mr. Walker pointed out, were always a contentious issue. An Outstanding rating not only resulted in a cash award, it also placed the recipient on a separate retention register for the rating period. This may have been important during periods of imminent RIF's. I don't recall any formal appeal to a rating, but a lot of employees complained to their supervisor about their rating. An unwritten rule prevented a person from being rated outstanding in successive rating periods. It was difficult to explain to an employee doing the same level of work that he could not be considered Outstanding this rating period. The Service Group allotted each shop a number of possible Outstanding ratings. It became difficult to convince the Foremen, where the rating must originate, to do the hard work of writing the letter of recommendation for the award. It was often returned to be rewritten and rewritten until the magic words satisfied the panel considering the rating. I suggested that supervisors be considered in 64 shop for Outstanding awards this year (1986). The shop superintendent said no supervisors in the service group would be considered this year. Five supervisors from 72 were rated Outstanding that year. Their superintendent never got the memo.

October 28, 2018

Name: James J Walker
E-mail: jw04493@gmail.com
Shop: 41, type desk

Performance evaluations evolved over time. In 90's one year they added years to your service for retention purposes. In 93 they made the evaluations subject to the grievance procedure.I rated two of the 19 I did as outstanding and got the usual grief fron IRO. The other 17 all filled grievances.Considering the closure, I felt that this would happen every time,. This became one of the reasons I decided to retire at 55 instead of staying to closure

October 28, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

DING DONG

Our shop, like many, had a self appointed efficiency expert and financial advisor. His financial advice was suspect, however, when he told of driving an extra 10 miles to a service station to save two cents on gallon of gas. He boasted of increasing the number of dependents on his W-4 form to reduce his Federal Tax withholding to zero. He was fined by the IRS for not having paid 90% of his tax liability by January 15, and was reminded that false statements on a Government application was punishable by fine and imprisonment. Some advisor. He was a New Jersey resident, and like many, was delinquent in his City Wage tax. His interest and penalties exceeded his tax liability. The city offered members of unions at the yard an opportunity to eliminate the interest and penalties if they paid the current tax due. The union used this vehicle to enlist new members . Many took advantage of the plan and joined the union. Our efficiency expert, who often voiced anti-union rhetoric offered to join the union and participate in the plan. He was surprised when the union declined his offer. He discovered that you can't unring a bell.

October 27, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LISTEN UP - ACT II

The talker's marathon conversations were neutralized by his solitary assignments, or so we thought. A new performance evaluation process was introduced. Each supervisor was required to interview his employees.and discuss a dozen elements of performance standards with the employee. The talker's new supervisor was well aware of the talker's ability to interject non relevant information into a conversation, and he approached the interview with caution. It is a military axiom that the best battle plans fail at first contact with the enemy. The talker took over the interview, and informed the supervisor of the proper performance standards that should be considered, among other topics. The Foreman was rescued after two hours by his General Foreman, who ended the interview. The interview was never resumed. The talker was probably the only employee who had not completed the performance standard review. It was added to his agenda of topics to be discussed, if he ever got the chance.

October 22, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

Once heard the super carriers described as "Mobile Weapon Platforms". We should look at building, overhaul or repair in certain stages. You first have to float the hull. You then must move it around (power plants etc.) The people who must work the systems (creature comfort). You must defend the operation. Last is the "aggressive weapons". This may have been the reason for the Mini Ships on the SLEPs.

October 22, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LISTEN UP

Sometimes it is difficult to find an assignment for a unique person that results in productive work. I had a shipwright working for me who had been hired when New York Ship was down sizing. He, like the rest of the shipwrights who came from New York Ship, was an excellent journeyman. His only liability was his tendency to engage in conservation with anyone close to him. He was well read and topical in politics. He had the ability to seemingly lure anyone into a conversation, including me. He could not be assigned to any job involving one or more men. He would soon have standing, listening to his discourse on the topic of the day. I finally found the right job for him. We had just finished installing wood deck on the flight deck of the carrier Shangri La. It required surfacing with a deck planner to remove any high spots. It was a one man operation. The rest of the gang had been warned by me to stay clear of him. The isolation seemed to be working. Someone decided a time study was in order for this operation. A former shop planner who was loaned to the time study code, was given the job. Unfortunately, the man was too much of a gentleman. My talker, who could recognize a passive pair of ears at 50 paces, seized the opportunity and stopped his deck planner and began telling the time study guy about the topic of the day. I found them about an hour later. The deck planning was no further advanced, and the time study guy trying to back away from my talker who was still talking and following him across the deck. The time study code found another operation for the man to study. The deck planning continued unabated until the next unsuspecting person got to close to it.

October 21, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich,beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

STAGLAG NUMBER 5

The shipyard tried a test to determine the amount of traffic on and off of pier 5, where two ships were undergoing overhaul. There was a booth at the head of the pier with a device (reader) that required anyone leaving or entering the pier to slide their badge through. Some people seemed to comply. It did look as though someone mistakenly inserted something other than his badge into the reader. It may have impacted its ability to function. I never heard of any results from this traffic test.

October 20, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LPH RUDDER REMOVAL - ACT II

We were super cautious in preparations for the next rudder removal on an LPH, also in dry dock three. We built a timber and keel block pathway from under the rudder to a point aft of the ship. We constructed a skid of cribbed 8x8 timbers, with a three inch plank deck. We laid down a 3x12 steel channel on our pathway for our skid to travel on. A winch was secured at the aft end of the pathway. The rudder, when secured to the skid, was slowly hauled out from under the ship after the rudder pintle was removed. The riggers again installed chain falls to act as snubbers to help stabilize the rudder during its travel. The ship's captain watched the operation. He said it looked like a scene from an old Hollywood movie from the middle ages. A lot of the Shipwright practices were brought forward from the middle ages, but most faded away with the introduction of new technology.

October 20, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A TALE OF TWO RUDDERS

The rudders on the Slep carriers were unshipped using a low boy with 12x12 timbers secured to its deck. Steel 8x8 clips were bolted to the extreme ends of the timbers to act as stops for the 8x8 wooden shores that were erected under 8x8 steel clips welded to the rudder. Oak wedges were driven between the 8x8 clips on the timbers and the shores to stabilize the rudder when the rudder pintle was removed. The rudders on carriers were very large, but uniform in shape from top to the bottom. The center of gravity was mid way from the bottom. When the rudder was placed on the low boy and the shores driven tight, a tractor pulled the low boy from beneath the ship allowing the rudder to be removed from the dock.

The rudder on the LPH in dry dock three was a little different. The shape was not uniform. It was much larger at the top than at the bottom, placing the center of gravity nearer the top, and perhaps unstable using the unshipping method of the carrier's rudder. The riggers wisely secured chain falls from the top of the rudder to the deck of the low bow, fwd and aft. This probably prevented a catastrophic accident. The driver of the tractor started to move the low boy from under the ship. The rudder hung up on its bearings. The driver gave it a little more gas and the rudder slipped free and the low boy jumped a few inches. The rudder, under Newton's first law of gravity, was in motion, and tended to stay in motion. The chain falls acted as snubbers and saved the day by preventing the rudder from tilting and falling onto the cab of the tractor. The driver never knew how close he came to having that rudder visit him in the cab of his tractor. We use a different method to unship the next LPH rudder.

October 19, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

The first attempt to provide protection from the weather was at pier D on the subs. A framework of bows with canvas tarps attached were installed over the sub from the sail aft. The tarps were folded back in clear weather. Shipwrights became scarce when ever it started to rain. They disliked the job of pulling the tarps back into place while getting soaked themselves.

October 18, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE EPA

64 shop evolved into the Environmental Protection Agency when it was assigned to provide enclosures for protection from the elements. Wood and the principles of frame construction was reintroduced into the shop. Environmental enclosures were now required aboard ship where applicable. The overhaul of the missile launcher on the aft end of a DDG required a house 24 feet square and 24 feet high with a gable roof. The walls were in three 8 foot high sections that were bolted together, and capped off with the roof. The house sat on a timber frame that was secured to the deck. It had no internal structure and its rigidity was suspect. We never had any storms or extremely high winds to test its ability to withstand these elements. The rubber window installation also required an enclosure. The early attempts to provide a wooden enclosure were unsuccessful because of the configuration of the ship's bow. Canvas tarps proved more effective. The final solution to provide weather protection for work on the flight deck of the Slep carriers was a large steel framework and tensioned waterproof canvas. I don't know if it was used after Independence.

October 18, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A PRESSURE AT WORK

The first bubble we used was on the carrier Shangri La The shop was installing aluminum clad hickory plywood panels to replace the wood deck in the landing zones on the flight deck. The process required climate control to ensure that the epoxy compound pumped under the panels cured properly. The bubble was about 100 feet by 50 feet. It was inflated with a giant fan and heater to offset the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch The pressure on the bubble was hundreds of tons. It required an air lock (two doors) to enter or leave. You could noticed the higher pressure when first entering, but in gradually faded the longer you were inside. It was totally waterproof and maintained a temperature of about 65 degrees. It was portable and moved from one completed area to the next. It had to be deflated to be moved. The fan was shut off and the doors opened and down it came. The bubble was moved to our laydown area at bldg. 177 when the deck job was completed. It was later used on the flight deck of the slep carriers to install non skid by 71 shop.

October 17, 2018

Name: Richard Bggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

EAGLE EYE
Old shipwrights used their eyesight to align most things.They used sight edges to align ships being docked, to align the complex blocking required in launching operations, among other things. I was an apprentice working with an old scot and we were sent to "step a mast" on a destroyer at pier 6. All he had with him was a 2 foot square, and I carried a straight edge about 10 feet long. We went aboard and we clamped the straight edge across two life line stanchions level with the deck. He marked the center line on the sight edge and placed the square on the sight edge with the small blade vertical. He sighted along the blade and up the mast. Its plumb, he said, lets tell the shipfitters.

October 17, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

SUPER FLOOD

One of the systems available in dry docks 4 and 5 was the ability to keep the water level in the dock higher than the river level. The shop was aware of this and informed the Docking Officer when wet berthing the carriers in the dock was discussed. The docks had two sills that the caisson was forced against to keep it in place. One faced the dock, which was used when the dock was dry. The other faced the river, which could be used to super flood the dock. A hydraulic jacking system was used with the caisson in the outer sill. The jacks were between the inner sill and the caisson, as a backup in case the water level in the dock became lower than the river, with the possibility of the caisson becoming unseated. The super flooding allowed the carrier to be wet berthed in the dock allowing certain systems, such as catapult alignment to proceed. The system was used on Saratoga and Forrestal. We had left all the keel blocks submerged in the dock during these periods of wet berthing. An inspection was made prior to floating Independence and we discovered that most of the keel blocks were at the point of failure. and would have to be removed and repaired. The ship was taken out of the dock and the keel blocks removed before bringing the ship back into the dock for its wet berth period. This also allowed greater clearances for the ship. The dock set up for Kitty Hawk got all new keel blocks.

October 15, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ONE OF A KIND

I was working with the woodcraftsmen on a former Liberty ship in dry dock 3. It was an old freighter that was being converted to a radar picket ship. Tons of ballast had to be added to give it stability while on station. The former method of adding lead ingots in the inter bottoms would not be sufficient. We built forms in the former cargo holds for a special blend of concrete that included lead pellets to be poured. The concrete ready mix trucks with long extensions pumped the concrete aboard. We were in dock and concrete leveled itself in the forms. It was my first and last job with concrete in the yard.

October 15, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Congress passed the "PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT" and it had an effect on one apprenticeship selection the panel had to deal with. A deaf mute working in the propeller shop applied for an apprenticeship through the merit promotion process. He had average test scores, but required a person with sign language to assist him at the interview. He satisfied the panel of his eagerness for the job. The only problem developed when it was determined that he would need that person with him during his apprenticeship to receive proper training on the job and in school. The Production Officer declined to accept him as an apprentice because of the added cost of the signer. The man filed a law suit against the Shipyard Commander claiming it was in violation of the new PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES law. and that reasonable accommodations should be made for him. The litigation was still ongoing when I retired. The man retained his position in the propeller shop.

October 15, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

MISNOMER

A new apprentice, interviewed and hired through the new selection process, was assigned to work with one of my Foreman. He claimed he had training in electronics and had a high test score. I wondered why he wasn't accepted in 67 shop. I was told he declined the position. He later told me they offered him a fire control apprenticeship, which he didn't want because he thought it was a fire fighting position with the yard fire department. He stayed in 64 shop and was promoted to Foreman soon after he finished his apprenticeship as a woodcraftsman. He stayed in that position until that yard closed.

October 15, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

A VIRUS

When I first heard that crude joke about opinions I thought it was only shipyard humor. I later discovered it in literature (fiction) and in a Hollywood movie (Gardens of Stone). I hope it didn't originate here and spread into the world. I still believe it is insulting, and not funny.

October 14, 2018

Name: Tmquee@verizon.net
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Offensive phrases
Boy, that IRO rep must have been a real doozy. Not knowing that OLD joke about " orifices and opinions." Must have been born under a cabbage patch. Don't know how you persevered. And he was there to assist! How did you guys ever make any selection.

October 14, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

HOW HIGH IS UP?

The first ship I worked on was the Arcadia, a destroyer tender. It had a large 4 leg mast with a straight stick atop it. At the very top was the air craft warning light. The shop was required to record the locations of all the navigational lights, including their height above the water line. The straight stick had no staging on it. It did have ladder rungs welded on it. I got the job to climb the stick and measure the distance from the base of the light to the deck below. I had one hand on the stick and the other holding a measuring tape. I never felt I was following John Paul Jones into action, but I was nervous. It all ended well. We got all the required measurements.

October 14, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

OFFENSIVE PHRASES


One of the IRO representatives tasked to help the apprentice selection panel with the selection process prefaced all his comments with the phrase "IN MY OPINION". A panel member, who was tired of hearing him told him the joke about OPINIONS AND ORIFICES. He didn't get it. as well as a lot of people.

October 14, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE LAST LAUGH

I was the chairman of the last apprentice selection panel that was used to interview and select apprentices. A classification specialist assumed the full duties of the panel, and she did a great job replacing us. As the chairman, I had to justify non selections, as well, in one case, a selection to the Production Officer (the hiring authority). One man we interviewed was about 40 years old, a disabled veteran and a minority. He wanted to become an electrician apprentice in 51 shop. There were openings in 51 shop, and he was accepted. The shop Superintendent was not pleased with his new apprentice and complained to the Production Officer who asked me why the man was accepted. My only answer was "why not". The shop assigned the new apprentice as far up the mast as anyone could go. The new apprentice resigned.

October 14, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

One of the most satisfying, secondary assignments I ever had was sitting on a panel that interviewed and selected applicants for apprenticeships. The panel was made up of General Foremen from each Group, as well as a representative from the EEO office. This year we also had the newly appointed Director of Training. He had a PHD in education. We met the first day, and each General Foreman was assigned a question to ask the applicant. The Director of Training asked what he could do to help. Someone jokingly suggested he go get us coffee. He didn't hesitate. He went to the cafe outside of the gate, and brought back coffee for everyone. He became a regular member of the panel after that, and we welcomed his input.

October 13, 2018

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

the person who is looking for the exact wording or words to describe the " bubble accident" , IMO is a fruitless endevour. What ever word you think is appropriate, be it irresponsibility, over confidence,indifference etc. makes no difference to me. I witnessed that accident first hand. I saw those guys fall from above. I saw them when they were splayed in catapult #3. I witnessed everyone who was up there trying to do what they could to lend assistance. As far as my responsibility to inform as to unsafe practices, I will let that speak for itself. Working at the shipyard is inherently dangerous, as I believe you know.
Was supervision at all of those levels you noted ,responsible? In hindsite, they do bear some responsibility. So do the workers. Its the nature of the beast.
And finally, if you read, which it seems you do, accident prevention and causes are always looked at after the fact. Trying to make sense of an accident ,does not mean,as you seem to suggest, that I am trying to pin blame. We all did work assignments that put us in harms way. But pointing out our shortcomings in no way denigrates our efforts.
You are taking my statements , concerning the bubble accident , in the wrong light. Use whatever wording that you deem appropriate. Going to work should not cause you to be killed or disabled, but it happens everyday. It is up to us, those who made it through whole, to discuss it in a logical manner, instead of parsing words or vocabulary, to prove a point.

October 13, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

MEA CULPA

Those who have been described as over confident must have reached that mental state as a result of being indifferent or ignorant of the dangers they were exposing themselves and others to. The witness is right in using over confident as the apparent demeanor of those he observed without safety belts tethered to the bubble structure while trying to empty pools of water from the sagging fabric. The accident is mostly forgotten now, and it does little good to engage in acrimonious debate over the choice of words used to describe the attitudes of those involved.

October 13, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Jerry Evans:

There was one graduate apprentice who applied for another apprenticeship that we had to consider in accordance with the merit promotion guidelines. He had completed an apprenticeship in 38 shop and was now applying for one in the pattern making shop, which was a higher pay grade. We had to consider him for the apprenticeship, but the opening was already filled.

October 13, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

DEFINITIONS

The witness has asked for a word that would, other than over confidence, describe the attitude of the people involved in the bubble accident. That word is INDIFFERENCE. Everyone involved seemed indifferent to the common practice of men walking with untethered safety belts, on the bubble fabric, that was described as improperly stowed and cared for, improperly tensioned and stressed beyond its design. They seemed indifferent to the potential disaster of the fabric failing under the weight of the volume of water trapped in the depressed pools. Anyone who ordered men aloft, with or without tethered safety belts, was indifferent to the reality of an impending catastrophic accident. Could three levels of supervision in 64 shop be unaware or indifferent of the common practice of men walking on the bubble fabric without tethered safety belts. Was the Service Group Slep Superintendent also unaware or indifferent to this unsafe practice? Finally, could the Ship Supt be indifferent to this practice in order to keep his deck dry?

October 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

DEFINATIONS:

The witness to the bubble accident use of the word self confidence in describing the attitude of the victims while working aloft, is again without merit. A better word that would describe one of the causes of the accident is irresponsibility, and it wasn't that of the victims.

October 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ACCIDENT PREVENTION

Perhaps the person who described all the factors that he recognized before the accident, that would be contributory to it, had an obligation to warn someone in authority of his knowledge.

October 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Jerry Evans:

One of the benefits of applying for and getting another apprenticeship after completing one was that starting pay was not that of a first year apprentice, but the retained rate of the applicant, or journeyman rate.

October 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

OUT TO LUNCH

If the witness was mustering his gang at 1200, then the men working overhead had to be there during their lunch period. That's just my anecdotal opinion.

October 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Jerry Evans:

You could apply for another apprenticeship after completing one, if the second apprenticeship resulted in a trade with a higher pay grade. It was considered merit promotion. I was on the apprentice election panel and we had graduate apprentices who applied for apprenticeships in trades with the same pay graded. None were approved.

October 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

HIDDEN TALENTS

It must take years of training for a person to have such extraordinary ability to assess the psychological aspects of men relative to their confidence, or lack thereof, when working aloft, with or without safety belts.

October 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

INCIDENT - EMPIRICAL OR ANECDOTAL


When a witness to an incident used the phrase "as far as I remember" in a statement, the incident is no longer empirical.

October 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
Comments EYE WITNESSI

I am glad to see that there was an eye witness to the bubble accident, and that he saw that the men did not have safety belts.

October 12, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26 SHOP

It was all ways said that you could only serve one apprenticeship. A Welder Apprentice finished his time and worked a few months welding. I found out that had needed a job when he was hired on. He wanted to be an electrician or an electronic mechanic but there were no spaces. During his Welding years he went to night school out side the yard. He again applied. Shop 67 hired him on as an apprentice. He mover on to Fire Control then on to Washington DC into NAVELECT.

October 12, 2018

Name: James J Walker
E-mail: jw04493@gmail.com
Shop: 41, type desk

Okay Richard Beggs, Danny O'Kane, G. Evans, you guys have infected me with nostalgia. I'm getting even. Popular perception of boilermakers is big tough guys, but big is bad ,strong is good.

1962, 57 Bldg, 2nd shift working with Charlie Whalen- the smallest Boilermaker- building uptakes for LPH-3. Charlie made up for his lack of bulk by using bigger tools. I'm outside on the staging backing up he's inside on the division plate driving braces into place using a short maul instead of a hammer, steps into the swing,slips and hits me in the crotch,in time we realize I'm not hurt and collapse laughing for the rest of the shift. For years after, even when he left for design in the boiler lab, he greeted me with ' how's your hammer hanging'

October 11, 2018

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Someone recently took umbrage with my use of the word overconfidence, with regards to the " bubble " accident on the Independance. If sending someone aloft without a safety harness being tethered to the framing , to pump water from a placitized surface is not the definition of overconfidence, then I would like this person to provide a better word to explain the action.Having a Ship Supt. tell you to do something unsafe is one thing, but allowing it is another. It is the essence of an accident. Cause and effect. Look up accident and overconfidence or whatever word you want to label it, is right up there with causes. This was an ongoing task. It was not a one time incident. Tool room closure is ludicrous. If a job of this nature needed to be accomplished within that " half hour" lunch break, does not match with my experience. And that's empirical

October 10, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A TIGHT FIT

The Battleships California and Tennessee which were sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, refloated and repaired and saw action during WW-2, were brought to the Navy Yard and placed in dry dock 5. The dock was kept partially flooded, for some reason. I can remember the day they were undocked and towed away to be scrapped in 1959. Years later I remember the docking officer becoming overly excited to dock two small FF Frigates in dry dock 4. He should have seen those two battleships in dry dock 5.

October 10, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

The summer of 1966 ,working out in Erie Bay outside of 541 Bldg . This welder ,Ricky , comes up to me and says " hey kid,hold this bag for me I think I'm about to get some company " Up pulls this black car and two 'suits ' get out and take Ricky for a ride . Turns out they were from Naval Intelligence. Ricky comes back a couple hours later and asked for his bag .The bag was full of quarters . Ricky was a numbers writer from South Philly .
Gotta' love it !!
Another character from 26 Shop .

October 10, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

MOVING UP

One of the strangest merit promotion action I have ever seen was when a Graduate apprentice welder (WG-9) applied for and was promoted to shipwright (WG-10). He must have shown enough experience on the application to satisfy the classification specialist. He was only about 25 years old, and we wondered where he got the experience. No one question his experience, however, because he performed as a shipwright as well as any other. He worked in our gang on the first LPH construction or about a year, and then one day he disappeared. We never heard of him again.

October 9, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26 SHOP
 

Memories? Southwest side of Broad St at Snyder Ave. Outside a Bar in the pavement was a plaque, honoring PNSY workers who lost their lives. Is this right? Is it still there?

October 8, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

I would have considered that, but I couldn't spell it

October 8, 2018

Name: James J Walker
E-mail: jw04493@gmail.com
Shop: 41, type desk
 

Viz-a-viz Empirical or anecdotal, considering our age we need to consider delusional

October 8, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

I SAID - HE SAID

Comments and incidents posted here are either anecdotal or empirical. Its up to the reader to determine which.

October 8, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ATTITUDES AT ALTITUDES

Someone recently posted what he believed to be factors in the bubble accident on Independence. I personally knew one of the survivors of that accident, and talked to him after he got out of the hospital. He was a WG-8 shipwright without much experience aloft, when he worked for me. He said they were sent up, during their lunch period, by the Ship Supt, without time to draw safety belts from the tool room, which was closed. To suggest that over confidence of the men who fell was a factor is without merit. Anyone who ever worked aloft, safety belt or not, was ever over confident, but overly aware of where they were and the inherent danger present.

October 8, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Jerry Kane:

Dominic Cirillo AKA Tiger was hit in the back with a piece of 6" channel that was dropped off the staging being dismantled in dry dock 4 on I believe an LPH. He was just coming out from under the ship when the 6" channel hit him in the back. Dropping staging materials into the dock was prohibited. This was why. We called him Tigger because of his size. He attacked each job as though he was 6 foot 2 inches, instead of 5 foot 6 inches. He got a job in comptroller when he became disabled. I am glad to see he lived, married and had children. We all wished him well.

October 7, 2018

Name: Tom queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/231

Our gang of welders mustered on the flight deck, under the" bubble" every day. This was the second time that this enclosure was used on aircraft carriers undergoing overhaul. The first was on the Lexington. The span required 26 shop to weld foundations along the edge of the flight deck to support the framing ,that the bubble would be attached to. It worked great, and we were able to work unencumbered, in a dry environment. Once Lexington availability was finished, the" bubble" was disassembled and stored, awaiting SLEP on Independence. It was stored on the floor of dry dock 4 for some time, with no care,or preservation. When Independence arrived , the " bubble" was once again erected. It did not have the same tension required, to shape the dome. There were areas of slack, that was not there on the original installation. Hence ,when precipitation would occur, pools would form. Huge pools. Many methods were attempted to alleviate the pools of water. One I remember was, using a high reach with a pallet attached to the bucket, to push the " pools" up and over the side.it was a valiant attempt, but proved to not be a success. 64 shop was given that task to keep the water off of the bubble. I don't think it was a priority. Until a weekend rain over a holiday weekend. When we came back from that recess the pools of water were enormous and filled every section between the framing and the military ship supt. Assigned to the flight deck wanted that water off of that surface. The 64 shop personnel, at this point were used to going up there to pump the water off of the surface. Maybe too familiar. Working at those heights required safety harnesses ,of which they always had ,as far as I remember. But attaching a sling to your safety harness was up to the individual, especially when walking around up there. We were mustering when the accident happened. There was four or five workers up there , walking around untethered. There was at least eight pools of water that they were tasked to pump.out. They were moving suction hoses around to drain to pools of water off. The fabric was stretched beyond its design, and along with the improper storage from the previous overhaul, and the lack,of tensioning , that would allow the " bubble" to shed water, along with workers over confidence, to a task that they did on an ongoing basis, led to this accident. I was there, and I knew the riggers who erected this apparatus a second time.
A combination of a lot of factors, but I saw those guys fall from above. Not a good day, to say the least

October 7, 2018

Name: Jerry Kane
E-mail: Zuri29@cox.net
Shop: 67, 272, 235

Regarding 64 shop injuries - When I left PNSY for PERA CRUDES in 1990 I met Dominic Cirillo. He used either a wheelchair or crutches to get around. He was hunched over in such a way that he had to have been in immense pain most of the time. I eventually found out that he had been in 64 shop and was injured while building some staging in the drydock during the New Jersey availability in 1968. Dominic moved to the Norfolk area with a lot of us in 1996, based on the BRAC 93 list. His wife and daughter stayed in Jersey and Dominic would go back most weekends. He eventually retired and moved back north for good. Good man, I'm glad I got to know him.

October 7, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
Comments Linda:

Two of the shipwrights that fell that day were crippled for life. The third died from his injuries. I am sure the person who sent those men aloft without safety belts rues the day he made that terrible decision.

October 6, 2018

Name: Linda Jeffries Hunter
E-mail: linda.jeffrieshunter@nrl.navy.mil
Shop: 57
 

I remember we were working on one of the carriers while it was in dry dock. It was a huge tarp, bubble, covering an open space on the ship. It started raining heavily and the bubble was filling with water. I think it was 3 guys from 64 shop that tried to remove the water from the bubble before it burst. Something went terribly wrong and they fell to their death. I am honorably remembering the brave workers who gave their lives for PNSY!

October 4, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

Little known fact . The Saratoga was built at the Brooklyn Navy Yard .When she left for sea trials in June of '56 they had built the mast on massive hinges at the flight deck and they had to lower the mast into a cradle across the flight deck to clear the Brooklyn Bridge .
Couldn't help but notice the huge amount of weld on this hinge at the flight deck .
When she came into the Philadelphia Navy Yard she only cleared the Commodore Barry bridge by 6 feet .

October 3, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

WANTED

A newly hired man joined our gang on the construction of an LPH in dry dock 4. He had a southern accent, and said he was from Alabama. He adapted quickly to our work. We had just left the Monday morning safety meeting, about a month later, when we were met with two Federal Marshalls and FBI agents. They quickly had the new man in hand cuffs and into a waiting van. We found out later that he was wanted in Mississippi for suspicion of murder. I guess his finger prints, when taken when he was hired, must have triggered an outstanding warrant for him. Hiding in plain sight didn't work for him. We never discovered what happened to him.

October 2, 2018

Name: John Stangler
E-mail: Jcstangler@aol.com
Shop: 26

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-j-tropiano-pepe&pid=190368356&

October 2, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ROUTE STEP

64 shop has never had a staging platform collapse under a worker, except once. It was during the construction of an LPH in dry dock 4. A stage bent, with stairs, was placed midships with a brow extending from a platform at dock side level. There was a platform also at the hanger deck level, where most of the men gathered at 1600. The men would step from the ship onto the platform and climb two levels to reach the top platform and brow and get off the ship. The 6" channels supporting the plank platform, twisted and dropped the planks to the next lower level. Fortunately no one was seriously injured, although a few men fell with the planks to the lower level of staging. An investigation indicated that the repetitive motion of the men stepping onto the platform caused the 6" channels to fail. There is that Army command of "Route Step" when ever a column of troops cross a bridge, or suspended structure. It was always feared that repetitive motion can stress materials. It was proven that day on the LPH.

October 2, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

EASY AS Pi

The universal ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter always equals 3.1416 or the Greek letter PI. A circle's diameter is roughly one third of its circumference. We used band saws in most of the shop's buildings. The standard band saw blade was 18 feet in circumference and about 6 feet in diameter when off of the machine. Shipping the blades to and from the saw filer required that the blades be folded into a coil that could be safely carried. The saw filer seemed adapt at folding the blades, however it seemed a mystery to the shop man in Bldg 177. I had folded the blade for him on occasion, having done it many times in my high school carpentry class. I entered Bldg 177 one day after lunch. There had been some type of awards ceremony just ending. All the brass were there. They were watching the shop man trying to fold a band saw blade, without much success. Finally a General Foreman Shipwright stepped up to try to fold the blade, and failed. Two others tried and failed. The shop man saw me and told the group that I could fold the blade. There seemed to be a thing about circles and threes. I knew the blade could only be folded into a coil of three loops. The trick was how you held the blade and turned your wrists and let the blade fold itself into three loops. I took the blade up and folded it. It looked easy. I told the group that you have to be in tune with the universe (this was before Star Wars) and more BS before you can fold bands of steel. At least I got a laugh from some. There was one Foreman there that asked me to show him exactly how I did the folding. I remember working with him as his apprentice. He was proficient with a transit. When I asked him for some instructions, he said "if I show you then there would be two with the ability to used the transit". He didn't teach me anything. You can guess how much I showed him about folding bands of steel.

October 2, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

26 Shop Characters.

We had a foundation to rip out at the very top of the mast on the Saratoga.My welder was a guy named Jimmy . Can't remember his last name . He had run his burning line up from the flight deck where the manifold was stationed .Our job was at 212'6" above base line . Great view up there but you don't want to be climbing up and down too many times. Jimmy would hook up to the manifold then climb up and hook up his torch . He would then yell down to anyone near the manifold to turn on what ever number he was hooked up to . This worked for a few times and one day he goes thru his routine and yells down to a sailor who was near the manifold ,, " Hey sailor , turn on number 4 ." The sailor looks up at Jimmy and gives him the ' finger ' Never saw a sailor run that fast as Jimmy was rushing down from the top to catch the sailor . I thought Jimmy was going to have a heart attack ! So he turns on number 4 and went for coffee . Didn't see him until after lunch .
Oh , we finally got the job done.
Gotta' love it !!

October 1, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

CODE WHO?

The General Foremen of the Service Group were called to a meeting in Bldg 3 for information on new requirements for entering data on time cards. The man from some newly created Code told us that Foremen must now enter a percentage of completion for each job order he entered on an employee's time card. This information would allow this new Code to analyze the progress of a ship's overhaul. I thought the MIS System (Management Information System) was already doing this without any additional data entry by Foremen, except to note when a job order was complete and closed out. This new data entry requirement may have had applications with Lead shops with job orders with large man hour allowances. 64 shop typically was an assist shop with job order allowances of a few man days each. It was contrary to the Production Officer's aim to reduce time keeping duties of Foremen, and have them on the iron. I never told my Foremen about this new data entry requirement. Like a mysterious pain, we forgot it, and it went away.


ACT II
A new data entry method to input job order charges was initiated. A form with each employee's name and check number listed for each of the Foreman's gang. The job order to be charged to each man was listed. This was to be done only once, unless the job order changed each day, which is exactly what happened in almost every case. Marine General Fuller once said, when 100, 000 Chinese soldiers were on his heels as he departed the Chosin reservoir in Korea, "we are not retreating - we are advancing in another direction"

September 30, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

A VOICE FROM THE PAST

I received an email the other night from a former apprentice who had left the yard almost 50 years ago, to start his own business. He was successful, but later got a job in the home construction field. He was promoted to a supervisory position, and later a quality control position. I hope the training he received at the yard helped him in his careers. Way to go - Mike

September 30, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LEVEL WITH ME

The first LST built at the yard (Newport LST-1179) was built like any ship, with no list or trim. Its keel, however was 5 feet higher at the bow, than at the stern. This permitted the ship when operational to ground itself on the shoaling sands of a beach to off load its cargo of tanks and trucks. The question arose of how to dock the ship. Should the keel be level, and the trim of the ship, down at the bow by 5 feet, or the keel at its operational trim, 5 feet higher at the bow than at the stern. The ship on the blocks with the keel level meant the decks sloped forward at a declivity of 1 foot per 100 feet. It was decided that this small declivity would no effect on any work being done, or even noticed by the yard workers. It was a concern that the Captain may notice his coffee cup sliding slightly forward, or his pen or pencil having a tendency to roll away. The Newport was docked with the keel level, saving a lot of work in the dock set up. No one, including the Captain, seemed to notice the slight slant of the decks. If he had paid close attention, he may have noticed the coffee in his cup slightly tilted.

September 30, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LOOKS ARE DECEIVING

The lumber that is used on the keel blocks in the dry docks is white oak. It is a vert dense wood that can withstand heavy static loads such as ships. Some of the keel blocks had been in continuous use for many years. We replaced some of oak blocks when they appeared stressed beyond further use. The replacement oak was not good as that was used years ago. It seemed to fail sooner than the old oak. We set up dry dock 4 for Lexington, and felt that all the keel blocks looked solid. The ship was docked, and we went into the dock to inspect the fit of the blocks. For some reason, the Shipyard Commander decided to inspect the job also. The number one keel block, the block the ship lands on first, totally failed. The oak appeared to have collapsed. The Shipyard Commander, seeing the condition of the block, asked me "what are you going to do now?" I told him the weight of the ship was slowly moving forward to the other keel blocks, but we would erect some shores under the keel to offset the lost bearing. He seemed to accept my spur of the moment explanation, and total BS. We did put some shores under the keel but never recovered the lost bearing. The Lexington survived the docking, and later left the dock without incident.

September 29, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A BOY SCOUT MOTTO - WRIT LARGE

The Saratoga was being put into dock for the second time. The first was for emergency shaft work, while the second was for the first Slep overhaul. Each docking was uneventful. The second had a big surprise for me and 72 shop. The carrier, scheduled to be here for almost three years brought along about 400 cars belonging to ship's force. After the ship was on the blocks, the starboard deck edge elevator was lowered to the hanger deck and the fist of the cars appeared on it for off loading. OOPS, somebody didn't think about this in advance. The newly appointed Rigger Superintendent asked me "where is the ramp for off loading the cars?" The sailors were reving their engines to remind us that they were ready. There weren't timbers long enough (about 50 feet) in the yard to even think about building a ramp. I told the Rigger Superintendent that it looks like he had a big job off loading one car at a time. It would be difficult, even if 72 shop had the proper gear. The Rigger Superintendent reacted, and smartly. He found a large strong back, a steel trust used as a spreader for large crane lifts, and we installed planks on it and it looked like a ramp. The crane held one end at the elevator's edge with the other end resting on the ground. The ship's force didn't hesitate and the first car made it down the improvised ramp, followed by the rest. Steel ramps were constructed during the overhaul to provide access for fork trucks on and off of the carrier. They were used on the second carrier to off load cars too.

September 28, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE HURRICANE SCORES A TKO

The man who was nick named "Hurricane" was about five foot four and weighed about 125 pounds. His small stature didn't give him pause when he worked with bigger men and heavy things. He was usually assigned lighter jobs. On one mismatched job he was partnered with "Big Frank", a six foot, two inch, 220 pound ex marine who had left part of his skull on the beach at Okinawa. They were dismantling a hanging staging in the material stowage field outside of Bldg 177. Hurricane had a socket wrench trying to loosen the nut on a bolt, while Frank held the head of the bolt with a spud wrench. Apparently Frank was laughing at Hurricane's efforts to loosen the nut. The socket wrench slipped off of the nut and the handle of the socket wrench, with Hurricane's fist wrapped around it, caught Frank above his left eye. Frank staggered back and sat down. Hurricane got the Foreman, who had Frank sent to the yard dispensary. He came back about an hour later, with a couple of butterfly strips over his eye. The next day, however, Frank had a spectacular mouse and black eye. The much exaggerated incident wasn't helped when Frank said he was probably asking for it, when he laughed at the Hurricane's lame efforts to loosen the nut. The stuff of legends are born

September 26, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE QUEST

I was promoted to Foreman and after a brief training period, was assigned to the second shift. 64 Shop, and probably others, did not any vehicles to move material and people around the yard. The work assigned to the second shift, at times, could be at five or six different locations around the yard. It took a lot of walking for a Foreman to visit the work sites more than a few times during the shift. The General Foreman Rigger had a pick up truck that was loaned to him from 02 shop each night. It allowed him the mobility required as the senior supervisor for the group on the shift. It was clear that it would improve the efficiency of the shop if I had a vehicle also. I made that suggestion to my boss. A supervisor requesting a vehicle from 02 shop must first have a Government issued driver's license. A state trooper assigned to the yard once gave the driver's test. When he retired, a dispatcher from 02 shop inherited the job. The shop superintendent arranged for me to take the test. I was warned by others who had taken the test, and failed, what to expect. I took the test, and promptly failed also. I had parked off center in the parking space in front of the dispatcher' office. I was told, that like a convict coming up for parole, that I had to wait for a period of time before I could retake the test. The shop superintendent used a little friendly persuasion to have me retake the test. I passed. I took my brand new license to the dispatcher's office and requested a vehicle for the night. None were available, the dispatcher AKA license tester, told me. I tried for the next three nights. I felt like Oliver Twist asking for more porridge at his orphanage, and like him I got zip. I didn't request another vehicle again. I returned to the previous mode of travel around the yard, and soon began to enjoy the moon light strolls. My three month tour on the second shift ended. The shop later acquired a pick up truck and it was used effectively by the second shift supervisor, but he had to get a license first.

September 25, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

VOICES FROM THE FIELD

The Production Officer who had previously prevented my coup of the Planning and Scheduling departments, by bizarre coincidence decided to attend our Monday morning safety meeting that was being held on the fan tail of a ship in dry dock 2. The Foreman read the safety bulletin and asked for comments. This gang of shipwrights were not known for their decorum or military courtesy. They had seven or eight persistent gripes that they pursued like a dog gnawing on a bone. The gripes would be corrected in time, but their schedule for resolution was NOW. They seized on the opportunity to seek corrective action with the Micro Manager himself. The Production Officer beat a hasty retreat with the advice to take their issues to their Supervisor. He may have the ability to determine my work load, and its limits, but he didn't have the answers to real questions on hand.

September 25, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

MICRO MANAGEMENT

I innocently got stuck between two Captains in a dispute about 100 square feet of deck tile. The ship's captain wanted his compartment tiled. The Production Officer, for some reason, claimed the schedule and lack of manpower couldn't allow this to be done. The Captain of the ship took a devious route and asked the person who would do that type of work (me) if I had the men and time to do it. I assured him that I did. These two men must have been having disputes bigger than 100 square feet of deck tile. The Production Officer called me on the phone, the first of its kind for me, and took me to task for my unauthorized attempt to take over the planning and scheduling departments. He told me he knew exactly what my work force/work load ratio was, and it did not permit it to do any additional work, such as tiling the ship's Captain's compartment. I assured the Production Officer that there would be no further attempts by me to take such actions. Apparently the ship's Captain never told the Production Officer that his compartment was retiled one night on the second shift.

September 25, 2018

Name: Kevin Philpott
E-mail: kpkevinphil@gmail.com
Shop: 38 shop

Early one morning, while performing battery alignment on a ship at pier 5, it started to rain. The young mechanic on the 10 antena called down on the sound powered phone asking what to do with the transit. The lead mechanic said cover it with something. The young mechanic called down that he had nothing to cover it with. The lead mechanic called back "find something!". The young mechanic took the lead mechanics tool bag, turned it upside down, and covered the transit. Every tool in the bag could be heard across the river in Jersey traveling down the platform to the deck.

September 25, 2018

Name: Kevin Philpott
E-mail: kpkevinphil@gmail.com
Shop: 38 shop

592 building, same cleaning tank. An officer asked the forman if he could put some engine parts from a car he was repairing in the tank to be cleaned. Forman said okay, but to wire the parts together to keep from mixing with ours. The officer returned the next day to retrieve his parts. All he got was the wire with some steel inserts. Seems his parts were aluminum. Sign on tank said "NO ALUMINUM". He forgot to ask. Never came back to clean anymore parts.

September 25, 2018

Name: Kevin Philpott
E-mail: kpkevinphil@gmail.com
Shop: 38 shop

A new cleaning tank was installed in 592 building. It was a large capacity tank, probably a couple of thousand gallons. We loaded it up with air compressor parts for cleaning, added the cleaning chemical, turned on the agitator and let it work over night. Came back the next day and found it full of dead pigeons. It seems the pigeons roosted over the tank and were overcome by the vapors, or maybe too much chemicals.

September 24, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A FAILED MISSION - ALMOST

On April 14, 1977 I flew up to Groton, Connecticut to visit the New London sub base. I know the exact date because at 4pm that afternoon,the Garden State race track's wooden grand stand burned to the ground. I had spent many a Saturday afternoon there urging horses to run a little faster, usually to no avail. I went with a guy from code 385 (plant equipment) to look at a new type of mobile staging in use at the base. The rep from the staging company met us there and was prepared to show us the staging he thought was erected. The staging wasn't erected, and wouldn't be for a few days. The rep took us across the river to the Electric Boat shipyard where the staging was erected. The 385 guy and I weren't allowed in the yard since we didn't have security clearances. We returned to the motel, and from there visited some of the tourist attractions. The next day we flew back to Phila. The company rep showed up at the navy yard a week later with samples of his staging, which was superior to what we were using. We did purchase a sizeable amount of it over the next couple of years. The grand stand at Garden State race track was rebuilt, and it was luxurious. The horse racing business was in decline though, and the new track failed, and that beautiful grand stand was torn down. I think it's a housing development now, or maybe a Walmart.

September 24, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

TOUGH ANAILS

64 shop got the job of installing the Kevlar armor on the Belknap. It was a very tough material to work with, requiring a diamond edged saw to cut it. The only such saw in Bldg 1000 belonging to 51 shop. They allowed us to use the saw to size the Kevlar. We used up all their diamond edged blades quickly, but replaced them. The installation process wasn't difficult. The bulkheads had to be free of any attachments because it was almost impossible to cut the Kevlar to fit with anything but a diamond edged tool. The job got done. The first and last time we used Kevlar.

September 24, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A LIITLE TOO HOT

Some of the new superstructure deck houses on the Belknap were to be clad with Kevlar, the bullet proof material. 64 Shop got the job of installing the Kevlar. A new heavy duty aluminum stud was required to secure the Kevlar to the bulkheads. It required new stud shooting equipment. A contractor bought his proposed gear to the yard, and a demonstration was set up on a scrapped deck house. Power was supplied by the yard and the contractor adjusted his stud shooting gun, pressed it against the bulkhead and pulled the trigger. It blew a 2" diameter hole through the bulkhead. With a dead face, he said, it needs a little adjustment. He did adjust the gear and finally got it to work.

September 23, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE WAYWARD PLUMB BOB

The bow sections were installed on the Pratt and Dahlgren in dry dock 4. We checked the alignment with a transit to verify that the stems showed on center. The General Foreman Shipfitter insisted that a plumb bob be hung from the stems to the dock floor where a center line of the ships were laid out. We hung a 20 pound plumb bob, as he requested. We told him that you could not get an accurate reading with plumb bob, regardless of its weight, at this height because it would never stop moving. It had something to do with the speed of the earth's rotation. We suggested he visit the Franklin Institute and see the giant plumb bob they had hanging there. It never stopped moving. Neither did ours.

September 23, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ASBESTOS AND US

64 Shop only installed an asbestos product once that I know of. It was on the weather side of the deck house bulkheads on an Ice Breaker. I do not know what insulation values it had. Perhaps to retain heat inside the compartments, that were already insulated with fiber glass insulation. The material came in four foot square sheets and had to cut to fit around different attachments on the bulkhead. We used skill saws and drills without any protection from the dust. It was a one time job, and I don't think anyone ever included it in their asbestos litigation cases. The basis for most of the litigation was against the manufacturer of the asbestos products. I appeared as a witness for a deceased woodcraftsman whose claim was against an equipment manufacturer of turbines. The specifications for the installation of the turbine were that the turbine be insulated with asbestos. He claimed he was present when the asbestos was removed, and he was exposed to the fibers at that time. The lawyer for the turbine manufacturer foolishly asked me why I hadn't included turbines in my own litigation. I thanked him for the advice and told him I would notify my lawyer to include his company in the ongoing litigation. No further questions, he said.

September 23, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE PROCRASTINATOR

Two Foremen and myself worked for a General Foreman who was seemingly the most inefficient person I have ever met in the shipyard. Whatever paper landed on his desk, stayed there. It was like an archaeological dig to find anything. It was standard practice to take availability lists for people to work overtime shifts on the weekend. The lists had to be completed by Thursday at noon, so he could fill the openings for each shift on the weekend. He felt that only he had sufficient knowledge of the skill sets required and of that of the people available. The task seemed to overwhelm him, and he usually asked for an assist from us late on Friday to complete the lists. We soon adapted to this routine and made copies of all the availability lists and the overtime openings. We filled in the blanks and put the completed lists on his desk, for him to find. He seemed surprised how the lists were complete and ready on Friday Morning, and wondered how he had done it, or so it seemed. He had outsmarted us. He had passed off his responsibility to us, with a sly smile.

September 22, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

NOT AGAIN

The last Docking Conference I was associated with was being held in San Diego. I recommended that another General Foreman Shipwright attend, and he did. I suggested he take his wife with him. He could get lucky and have the same travel clerk I had for the Puget Sound Docking Conference, and he and wife might end up in Hawaii.

September 22, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@veizon.net
Shop: 064

BEEN THERE- DONE THAT

The next Docking Conference was to be held at the Xerox Center in Washington, DC., which according to a friend had dormitory accommodations for the attendees. That reminded me of a army barracks, which I didn't want to see again. I didn't have to worry because the Production Officer wasn't going to send me anyway, for some reason. The Production officer reconsidered late on Friday afternoon, and decided to send me to the conference. I had already signed off at 1200 for a dental appointment uptown. I couldn't be reached at home on Friday or the weekend since I was in Atlantic City donating to the future president's fortune. When I returned to work on Monday, I was told no one from 64 shop attended the conference. I asked if the conferenced was cancelled when it was discovered that I would not be attending. The Production Officer, who did have a sense of humor, smiled a little, I was told when he heard that I asked that question.

September 22, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

My Superintendent, just returning from a Superintendent's meeting in Hawaii decided that visits to other shipyards would be an enlightening experience for his General Foreman. He arranged a trip for me to a southern shipyard. I was greeted like Grant in Richmond, or Sherman in Atlanta. The trip was enlightening, and I did learn something. There is a reason for the Mason-Dixon line.

September 22, 2018

Name: Paul Sgrillo
E-mail: paulsgrillo@verizon.net
Shop: 51 Shop

Glad I found the site. Saw it on Wikipedia.

September 22, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS

I attended a Docking Conference that was held each year at a different location, and sponsored by the local shipyard. The conference this year was to be held in Seattle, Washington, sponsored by the Puget Sound Navy Yard. The travel clerk who planned my trip was either new to his job, or knew me and was repaying me for past sins. None of the reservations the clerk allegedly made for me were confirmed upon my arrival. I was directed to register for the conferenced at the University of Washington. After wandering around the University for a couple of hours I was told that no such conference was being held there. I finally called a General Foreman Shipwright that I knew at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, and he told me that the conference was being held at a hotel in downtown Seattle. I finally arrived at the conference a day late. The other people from Phila where all there and had no problems with any reservations, knew where the conference was to be held and had rooms at the hotel. No one seemed to have missed me, and the conference ran smoothly with presentations made by people from other Shipyards who explained their methods of docking operations, which didn't differ from each other, or from ours. I introduced myself to the other Shipwrights who were there and had pleasant discussions regarding the mutual aspects of our duties. One group, who probably still thought that the Civil War was called "The War Of Northern Aggression" sort of ignored me. I tried to provoke the Shipwright General Foreman when I joked that if Grant and Sherman had been Admirals instead of Generals, they would have ships named after them , and home ported at their yard. He seemed devoid of humor. Later, I would visit that yard at the insistence of me Superintendent who thought I would learn something from the experience. I did, the Mason Dixon Line is there for a reason. I returned to Philadelphia, filed my expense vouchers, and recovered. I often wondered if the travel clerk planned overseas trips, and if those travelers found themselves in a gulag in Siberia without reservations.

September 22, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

MISSION CREEP

64 shop has always used due diligence in providing staging platforms appropriate to their use, whether its under a yard arm 150 feet above the dock floor or an 18" stool on the mess deck. Sometimes unintended consequences occur due to other factors. We had provided a hanging staging at a shell access for the fire room on a DLG in dry dock 3. The platform was built for people to stand on when removing equipment from the space. Over the week end boilermakers landed a water cooled saw and a pallet of fire bricks on the platform. The temperature dropped below freezing Saturday night and the platform was covered in ice on Sunday morning, and prevented the boilermakers from working on it. It probably saved their lifes. When we saw the staging on Monday, we quickly removed it. A rule of thumb to gauge the stress upon a wooden plank is how much sag there is at the center between a twelve span. If it is more than the thickness of the plank (2") the plank is overloaded. The planks on the ice encased platform was almost 4". We stripped the planks from the platform, after the ice melted and replaced them with a double layer of thicker plank. It would become the standard for all fire room access platforms.

September 20, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

BEFORE OSHA

At one time 72 shop was in the staging business. They used painter platforms, like the kind you see window washers used on tall buildings. They were hung from the main deck by cable, and could be moved up and down with a lever crank. There were lines attached to pull the platform closer to the hull where it curved under at the bow and stern. They were only used by the painters and shipwrights when they struck in the boot topping limits. No safety belts in those days. Dare devils from other shops may have used them too. They were scary to use. They were stowed in the alley between the apprentice school and the riggers loft (bldg15)

September 20, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SAID OR DONE BEFORE

The decision to not provide staging around the ship in dock left some shell access patches that required a platform for the removal and reinstallation of equipment. There were 4 locations for the machinery spaces, and two others on the typical DLG overhaul. We didn't have stage bents any longer that were ideal for this type of platform. Hanging staging was constructed from 6" channel, pipe, and wood planks, and hung overboard from clips welded on the main deck. It was old solution to a new situation. For some reason, an engineer from the boiler lab (it had anew name now) and came to see these hanging stage platforms. He was an older gentleman and seemed really impressed with our hanging staging. He was eager to get back to his desk to report on this new development in staging platforms. They are not new I told him, they were probably used on the Monitor when it was in the yard for overhaul. He didn't seem to accept that. I wonder what reaction he got when he reported on this new type of platform.

September 20, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

GOODBYE OLD FRIENDS

The decision to no longer stage the entire ship in dock left the staging towers (bents) standing around the yard. Occasionally one would be placed in the dock for a specific reason, but this was the exception rather than the rule. The bents took up a lot of room, and were unstable when standing alone. A contract was let to dismantle the bents and scrap them. They were laid down at the head of dry dock 2 and the contractor began cutting them up. There were a lot of expensive clamps, that we were always short of, and hand rail pipe on those bents. An unauthorized secret campaign to salvage these parts began on the second and third shifts when the contractor was absent. We saved hundreds, if not a thousand clamps and hand rail pipes. The contractor probably wondered why he was so successful in making the bents disappear.

September 20, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE WAY WE WERE


At one time ships in dry dock were completely surrounded by staging. It was a labor intensive job and costly. The only trades that really needed complete access to the hull were the sandblasters and painters. There were some areas on the hull that the structural shops required access to, but most could be reached with stand alone or movable staging platforms. Some areas, however, were too high above the dock floor to safely use this type of staging platform. The introduction of high reach mobile equipment seemingly solved this problem. Safety belts were required when working from the high reach basket, but did not actually satisfy the requirement that tether of the safety bed be attached to a secure anchor above the user. Fortunately no accidents happened, although it could be a bumpy ride 50 feet up as the high reach ran across the drainage gutters in the dock, or other obstacles on the dock floor. What was once a routine job for 64 shop was striking in the boot topping limits when the entire ship was staged. It became a coordinated ballet with two high reached 20 feet apart and shipwrights using chalk lines to strike in the lines. What once took a shift, now took dozens. The economy of not staging the entire ship may have proved costly in other smaller routine jobs by other shops also. I doubt if an analyst was ever made to see if it was worth it.

September 20, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

ATTA GIRL

64 Shop reached the Navy's goal of having the work force demographics match that of the private work force in the three state area. The shop had more female employees proportionally than any other production shop in the shipyard. Four were entry level jobs as apprentices, and two were hired as marine carpenters WG-8. The Superintendent, at the time, took advantage of the hiring platforms available to him to meet the Navy's goal. The young ladies adapted well to the work, and were accepted by their male counterparts, without incident. When the Superintendent retired, he left us with the message to continue what he had started.

September 20, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

PROTOCOL OF COMMAND

I was a member of a team sent to a private shipyard in Jacksonville to observe the preparations necessary to tow a floating dock to the Navy Yard for overhaul. There were three General Foreman, two engineers from code 251, and a planner. The planner person assumed he was in charge, without identifying himself or position. The word assume, when factored , takes on a different meaning. He may have been in a position of authority superior to us, but I never identified it. We had non clocking privileges as General Foreman and our duty time was counted not by minutes tabulated by a time clock, but by the product of our efforts. We did not need someone of dubious authority herding us from place to place, which seemed to be one of his assumed duties. We understood our duties relative to learning the functions of the dock, and we did what was necessary to achieve that understanding. The planner may not have happy with our indifference to him, but it was the results of our efforts that satisfied the purpose of the trip. We returned to the Navy Yard, and later put the floating dock in dry dock 4 for blasting, painting and valve and pump overhaul. I forgot the name of the planner.

September 19, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

HELLO - GOODBYE - AND AMEN

The following dialog has been edited to remove language often heard in the Shipyard, but spoken by an officer just below flag rank, and by stint of education, must be considered a gentleman.

Dockings were now conducted on weekends to reduce the amount of lost productive time for the people working on the ship being docked. They have evolved into events with the Production Officer and others attending. It was a cold Sunday in February around 4am. I was at dock side of dry dock 2 watching a tug move the recently floated caisson to pier 5 I felt a presence behind me and turned to find the Production Officer standing there. I see you are with us early today, I said. Don't ever get the idea that I am with you, he said. I meant physically, not supportively, I said. What have you screwed up so far, he asked. We are perfect this morning, I told him. That's because the damn ship is still at pier 2, he said. Whats your plan for an emergency, he asked. We, in the finest military tradition, plan for the worst and hope for the best, I told him. Some damn plan, he said. Do you have a better one, I asked. Yeah, don't screw up, he said. The docking that day went smoothly as usual. I didn't see, or expect him to note it. The next day the Production Officer was, as usual chairing the morning status meeting on board the slep carrier, where he frequently was reported to use strong language to urge the General Foremen into action. He was still the Production Officer when I retired. It was the practice to stop in his office on the day you cleared the post on the day you retired. He was too busy to note my presence. I don't know if he ever attained flag rank, or was on the beach as a retired 4 stripper. I am sorry I missed him on my last day. I would have wished him well. He had a great sense of humor, even though he had a Jones for Shipwrights.

September 18, 2018

Name: Richard beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

IS THAT RED OR GREEN?

What was unique about the woodcraftsmen in 64 shop was the many places that they worked aboard ship. Every overhead, bulkhead and shell plating in almost every space aboard ship was covered with fiber glass insulation. It had to be installed or patched where necessary. They were mostly not noticed as they worked. I was inspecting the installation of rubber matting in the secure teletype compartment. A woodcraftsman was in the space patching the insulation on the overhead. There were 67 shop people there also attaching little colored wires to equipment. I told the woodcraftsman, who knew I was joking, that if these people need any help, feel free to help them. As a group, I found 67 shop people to be without humor. The Foreman was there too. He had a little pistol in a holster on his hip. He may have had the authority to shoot unfunny people, and I thought he may have been considering it. The little wires came in a wide range of colors, that I couldn't tell apart. I remembered sitting on a panel interviewing people applying for apprenticeships. Those interested in electronics were asked if they were color blind. If they said yes, they were not considered, regardless of their test scores. I thought, at the time, why not imprint numbers on the wires and everyone would be eligible. Maybe they did later. I left them with their little colored wires, and before the Foreman shot me with his little pistol. I never did find out what that pistol was for.

September 18, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: Rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

TRUST BUT VERIFY

Most every docking officer we dealt with showed faith and trust in our work. They were with us as we made a final check of the placement of the blocks that made up the dock setup. They watched each measurement being taken and read out. There was one Docking Officer, however, seemed a little doubtful of our accuracy and honesty when we took the measurements. We had completed a dock setup on a Friday and had checked it out, and would do the final check on Monday with the Docking Officer. It was a quiet Sunday, and I was in the yard representing 970. I passed dry dock 4 and saw a group of officers and the docking officer in the dock checking the measurements of the side blocks. It was unusual for the docking officer to do this, but had the right to do so, although it showed he lacked the faith and trust in us to be honest with him. He saw me topside, but didn't acknowledge me. Any interaction between us would be strictly business from this point on. Most Docking Officers say goodbye to the supervisors of the shops they worked with before their tour ended, and departed. He didn't, he left and we awaited his replacement.

September 18, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE GOOD - THE BAD - THE UGLY

It is sad but true that bad things happen to good people. Mike Storm was the nicest man I ever met in the Shipyard. Strange things happened during his tour as Docking Officer. Some explained, some not, but none catastrophic. He kept his composure and control of the operation during each event. He agreed with us when we reminded him that the Navy motto at the time was -"ITA NOT A JOB - ITS AN ADVENTURE" He quietly left the yard when his tour of duty ended. I hope he got to do everything he planned to do.

September 17, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

RIFS AND RIFS AND OH MY

A RIF is like that butterfly effect. What begins with one person and position being effected , ends with unexpected consequences. It started with a Planner who was a vet, with bumbing and retreat rights that cascaded down until a non vet Foreman in our shop was effected. He was demoted and displaced a shipwright who had no where to go. The original planner now began a new career as a Foreman Shipwright. He was not welcomed with open arms back into the shop. The foreman who was demoted was a old friend of most of the existing General Foremen. The new Foreman got the treatment. His gang was made up of marginal men who lacked the skills to perform some of the duties required. The General Foreman soon realized, however, that the poor performance of the new Foreman's gang also reflected on him. Adjustments were made to the gang and everyone lived happily ever after. The Foreman was promoted to General Foreman as the old guard retired, and Judy sang "over the rainbow"

September 17, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

RIFS AND RIFS, OH MY

There were always hard feelings when a Reduction In Force was necessary. Honoring a veteran when he was away serving his country was a patriotic deed. When he returned and placed your job in jeopardy, his service was questioned. I was assigned to work with a non-vet shipwright. I had just returned from military service during the Korean War. I had not served in Korea. The war was over before I got out of boot camp. I had spent almost two years in Germany. The shipwright knew my veteran status, but we got along. We worked together for almost two years. He hot a RIF notice, and asked to see the Chief Quarterman Shipwright. It gave him the opportunity, he told me later to vent his spleen. He said he told him he was a mean spirited little SOB, and that he was the most disliked man in the shop. That mean spirited little SOB reminded me upon my return from military service that I still owed $1.16 for a hard hat that went overboard one windy day. I had cleared the post before he had the chance to turn down the lost/accident report for the hard hat, he said. He would do so now, he said. The shipwright was right, this was a mean spirited little SOB. I could have told him that, but the one thing I had learned in the Army is -don't start a fight you can't win. He retired a few years later, and there wasn't a man in the shop who would wish him well.

September 17, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26 SHOP

ODD HAPPENINGS
 

RIF's started in full swing around 1967. The General Forman, 11 Shop , 541 bldg., an Irishman received a RIF notice. Since he was non- vet he would have to leave the Yard. He had no retreat rights. He needed only about 2 or 3 years until he could retire. All the non-vet shipfitters were going too. All said thing will change. The notice time nearly up and he was worrying. He asked to see the Group Head. After the meeting I ask him if he had any luck. "Not much" was the answer. Next day he filed a discrimination complaint. He charger that the IRO management discriminated against the Iris.
All of his RIF information and action notices were signed with names of people with a single ethnic sounding name.
The GF would get a good incentive if he left the Yard, but he would lose 3 years towards his retirement and no retained rate. A few days after the filling a job was offered in the supply department.

September 17, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26 SHOP

Again, back in the late 1960's. The major new construction's structural work was gearing down and RIF's were in the wind. First to get hit were the Flame Cutters. About 63 jobs were dis-established. The trade was no longer used at PNSY. The mem were offered, leave the shipyard with an incentive pay, retire, or take a test to be welder WG-8. Their rate was WG-9. Many were older men and had time from WW-2. Some came from the Brooklyn Closure, some from New York Ship. Many retired, a few became WG-8, later up greater to 10's, younger ones left the Yard. Those who stayed had to be careful because the Welders were next to be cut.

September 17, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

AMBITION TRUMPS INTEGRITY

Shadenfredue is a German noun that describes joy or elation at anther person's misfortune. The shop received about 50 discrepancy tickets near the end of a ship's overhaul that I was responsible for. I refused to react to the bogus tickets because none could identify a job order associated with the alleged incomplete routed work. I explained this to the Ship Supt at the weekly status meeting. He foolishly told me that a General Foreman from 64 shop had told him that the ship could get anything done by writing discrepancy tickets because the General Foreman (me) and the shop Superintendent couldn't take the heat of having outstanding discrepancy tickets. I told him that who ever told him that was a fool, who couldn't spell discrepancy, and he was a fool for believing him. The fools were right to a degree, however. All the discrepancy tickets were resolved by the field planner funding the unplanned work. The fool advanced.

September 17, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LOOK BUT DONT TOUCH

The shop was approaching another crisis with a shortage of staging parts. We used clamps to hold the pipes that formed the staging structure together. Many were lost or damaged over time and never replaced. A short sighted budget process didn't include for clamp replacement, even though they were considered plant equipment. One of our men, who had migrated to the supply department, stopped in my office, and said he had something I really needed. I went with him to his stock room in Bldg 669, and he took the top off of a crate which was filled with brand new clamps. They are yours, he said. Just put an overhead job order on the purchase ticket. If I used an overhead job order on the ticket, my Superintendent would have a coronary when the ticket was processed. There were no funds to support the purchase. The staging part crisis was averted when two ships had their mast staging dismantled ahead of schedule. Those clamps may still be sitting in that stack room. As far as I know the budget was never revised to purchase replacements.

September 17, 2018

Name: William Groomes
E-mail: jerseyjoe25@hotmail.com
Shop: research project on unions in federal gov.
 

Greetings

I am looking on information about a Mr. Joseph Greble, who I understand was a past president of Pipefitter's local 754.

Thank you

Bill Groomes

September 17, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26
 

Back in the mid 50's Structural had three Shop Heads, Shipfitters, Loftsman, Helpers (11 Shop); Combination Welder, Welder, Flame Cutter; (26 Shop); Structural Services, ( Used 11 and a letter); Chipper, Riveter, Driller, Flange Turner, Heater, Sheer Operator; Saw Man; all on separate Retention Register. When the Service Head retired no replacement was made at the Foreman(Supt) level. A GF Driller was put in charged and the jobs were slowly absorbed by 11 Shop or were done away with.

September 17, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

PARKING SPACES

Parking spaces were scarce when I first started at the yard. Very few journeymen got into the yard to park. Some retired CPO's with combined active Navy time and shipyard time of 20 years or more got spaces in the yard, but not near their place of work. Most people came by bus from Broad and Snyder, or the ferry for the Jersey guys. There was an east parking lot just outside of the main gate that was used too for cars to park. Some buildings had parking spaces around them, but were usually reserved for senior supervisors. Bldg 177 had about 10 spaces in front of the building. I Was working with a retired CPO with combined Navy and yard service of nearly 30 years. Car pools were encouraged. We conspired to apply for a car pool, with the CPO as the senior driver. We were approved. It really surprised us when we were given a space in front of Bldg 177, next to the Chief Quarterman Shipwright. He saw me park my car, and looked again as though he couldn't believe it. We had that space until the CPO retired. I kept my parking sticker, but had to park out in the coal field that would become area 88.

September 17, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

SMOKE IF YOU GOT THEM

Ever since the Surgeon General ordered tobacco companies in 1964 to place warning labels on their product, that the product could cause lung disease and/or cancer, sensible people have tried to kick the habit. Later studies showed that second hand smoke was just as harmful to non smokers. A total ban on smoking in public places, buildings and offices, including all government buildings and offices, soon evolved. I have never smoked, but have sat in conference rooms for 20 years where half of those attending were smoking during the meeting. This combined with inhaling asbestos fibers aboard ship resulted in a diagnosis of restricted breathing. The advice of my doctor was to avoid second hand smoke. The Shipyard caught up with the ban and posted no smoking signs in all offices and conference rooms. There was such a sign in the conference room in Bldg 994. I was attending the first ship progress meeting of a new overhaul. The meeting started, and the smokers lit up. I got up too. Not to object, for that would be a useless purpose. I got up to leave. No one noticed or objected. The ship supt later called my superintendent and complained about my absence. My superintendent suggested I attend the meetings. I declined. I never attended another of that ships meetings. My being AWOL had little or no effect on the ship's overhaul. I never determined if other meetings in other offices were conducted in accordance with the Shipyard Commander's no smoking ban. That was for the addicted to resolve.

September 15, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

READY-FIRE-AIM

A stand in docking officer was trying to do two things at the same time. He was holding a docking conference in Bldg 620 for a docking a few days away. He was also the responsible docking officer for the undocking operations taking place in Dry Dock 4. When I arrived at the dock I found that the breasting and spring lines were not made up to the power capstans as required, and the dock was being flooded. The ship being undocked had a keel mounted sonar dome, that at present sat between two keel blocks with about three feet of clearance. The dome could strike either keel block if the ship became afloat and surged fwd or aft while not being under control of the lines. I interrupted the docking conference and alerted the docking officer of the situation and the potential accident about to happen. He stopped the conference and directed the riggers to attend to the lines, and the pump well operator to stop the flooding of the dock. About 30 minutes later he appeared at the dock, and the undocking proceeded. I was called into the newly promoted Group Superintendent's office. He criticized my behavior. I embarrassed the docking officer, he said, before the Captain of the ship that was to be docked in a few days. I should go apologize to him, he directed. I saved him from explaining to a Board of Inquiry, I said, of his lack of attention to his duties if there had been an accident that morning. I didn't go apologize to the docking officer. In fact, I never saw him again. I did see, however, the Group Superintendent often. I got the feeling he was not impressed with my communication skills.

September 15, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop
 

" FAKE IT "
 

One night on third shift we had to work off a brow that was hung to a crane. We used to work without a safety belt . 72 shop Foreman told us to get safety belts or you are not going up . Went to the only tool room that was open on third shift . Checked out the only 2 belts they had . Neither one had a hook to connect to the crane . We told the attendant these were no good . He tells us to wear them and nobody will know the difference and just "fake it " .
So I'm guessing that if we fell from the brow we could yell that we were " faking it " as we fell into the dry dock .
Can't make this stuff up !!
Gotta' love it !!!
God Bless Our Troops !!!

September 15, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.nedt
Shop: 064

MALPRACTICE

Two FF Frigates were docked in dry dock 4. One north and to the east side of the dock, the other south and to the west side of the dock. Brows were landed. The north ship's brow extended from the ship to the east side o f the dock, while the south ship's brow extended from the ship to the west side of the dock. The production Officer, he with the salty tongue, felt that people going from the north ship to bldg. 620 had to walk around the head of the dock to get there, an extra 10 minutes. He wanted a brow extending from the ship to the west side of the dock, a span of about 80 feet. We didn't have a brow that long. The Production Officer ordered or Superintendent to get "that fu##ing shipwright (meaning me) to land that brow. It would take some work to arrange this. A staging tower, about 50 feet high, had to be built and supported midway between the north ship and the west side of the dock, with a platform to receive two brows. One brow from the dock side to the staging platform, and the other brow from the staging platform to the ship. I asked our Superintendent for a job order, inasmuch as the Shipyard Commander's recent instruction defining malpractice. One example was charging a job order for unauthorized, unfunded work. His the reply was "get that brow landed". We had recently received a job, and job order from the Production Officer, to build an enclosure in the back channel for the sandblasting operations. OSHA said sandblasting could no longer be done in the open. It seemed to me that a Job Order from the Production Officer, such as this one, could be viewed to cover a brow in dry dock 4. The staging platform was built, the brows landed. The Production Officer gave me a thumbs up as he drove by on day as I stood looking at the brows he invested in. I asked for a Job Order, and he gave me the finger. I gave him a smile.

September 15, 2018

Name: Rchard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

Hello Bill

Glad to see someone else is still alive from the yard. Activity on this web site doesn't prove it.

September 15, 2018

Name: billy "D"
E-mail: rigger072@comcast.net
Shop: 072
 

Mr Beggs keep the stories coming I luv reading and it brings back many memories

September 14, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

OSHA AND US

The Occupation and Safety Health Act was enacted to ensure working conditions met a standard that provided safe work conditions on the job site. The Act didn't effect many people or operations since the Navy Yard already had rigid safety instructions that covered every conceivable work situation. Shipwrights were required to work aloft erecting staging on masts, stacks and antenna towers. No shipwright ever fell while erecting or dismantling staging while aloft. The new OSHA rules required that men working at a certain height wear safety belts attached to a device above their heads. The only thing above their heads was the mast itself. No attachment device could be found on the mast that would support the combined weight of three or four men. Working out of a work tray suspended from a crane's hook with their safety belt tethers attached to same hook was the only answer. It became time consuming and costly since the tethers restricted the mobility of the shipwrights, and added the cost of a crane and crew to the once routine operation. The OSHA regulation added a new dimension to the job, but was accepted and complied with.

September 14, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

WHY - WHY NOT

Mike Malcontento, a Joiner apprentice now deceased, and myself were assigned to the boat shop in a cross training experiment. I was assigned to a 40 foot utility boat being built, and Mike to an Admiral's barge, also being newly built. The seams of the new planks on the utility boat had to be planned smooth where they butted. A jack plane about 16 inches long was used. I had noticed a mall plane in the tool room in it's original package. I had used one in my high school carpentry class. It was about the same length of a jack plane, powered by electricity with a three inch rotating cutting head with three blades that could be adjusted from zero to about 3/16" of an inch. I sked the boatbuilder that I was working with if the mall plane could be used. He smiled, and said "ask the General Foreman when you see him. That tool will never be used on a boat in this shop he said. It seemed new technology in power tolls wasn't accepted in this shop. He was right. The mall plane was never used in the boat shop. The utility boat and the Admirals barge were the last wooden boats built at the Navy Yard, or probably any where else. The navy had changed from wooden hulls to fiber glass for all their future boats. The fiber glass hulls were easier, quicker and cheaper to build than wooden hulls and did not require the skills of a boatbuilder. They were easier to repair and maintain and had a longer service life, but they also sunk faster than a wooden hull if the hull was breached. A new superintendent arrived and the cross training experiment ended. He probably fore saw the demise of the boat shop, and no need to cross train anyone to supplement the boat builder work force. He had other ideas about the shops he had come to manage.

September 14, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

WHY - WHY NOT - ACT II

I was part of a gang modifying a set of bilge blocks for a destroyer outside of our bldg. 177. Some of the blocks had to be reduced in height by cutting away some of the material. The shipwrights were using an adz, a tool shaped like a hoe, but with a razor sharp edge. A jack plane was used to smooth the surface after the adz removed most of the excess wood. It took an experienced hand to use the adz safely and there were only two shipwrights in the gang with an adz, and the ability to use it effectively. I remembered my encounter with the mall plane in the boat shop and asked the Foreman if I could get it and try it here. He said okay, and I went to the boat shop, got the mall plane and returned. It worked great. I modified three blocks while the shipwrights with their adz's were still on one. When they finished I smoothed the blocks with the mall plane, and completed the set of blocks. The Foreman seemed impressed. The General Foreman just shook his head. The job was done and I was transferred to a mast staging job. I was promoted to Foreman years later and on a carrier (Shangri-La) I found the used for the mall plane again on the wood deck installation. At last, I thought, Ill get to show what this tool can do. When I tried to check out the mall plane, I found that the tool room discontinued carrying the mall plane in its inventory because of lack of demand. Foiled again.

September 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE ICEMAN COMETH

Along with a new Superintendent came his proposal to combine the existing shops (61 shipwrights), (63 Joiners) and(68 boatbuilders) into one shop that was to be 64 shop. He also proposed to eliminate all current trade titles and change the classification to Woodcraftsman (WG-10) on one retention register. Code 160 didn't approve of most of the plan. However, the shop was now 64, the Joiners and Boatbuilders were now woodcraftsman on one retention register, and the Shipwrights retained their trade title and separate retention register. His idea of one trade classification and the ability to assign workers to any task was given a lot of consideration here and elsewhere. He was later promoted to Group Superintendent when that position was created.

September 12, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

BUT I WAS HERE FIRST

Work performed in an area or compartment is scheduled to permit the orderly flow of labor without competition for the space. However, as that Union General once said about battles "He that gets there firstest with the mostest will be the winner". The spray painters and sandblasters may not have always got there firstest, but they sure had the mostest in the way to dominate a space. Everybody got out of their way. I had some jackets sprayed white thanks to my determination to walk through.

September 11, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A COMMON NEED

The people of 64 shop required tools on hand to complete their tasks. They were a mobile work force moving from shop to ship, and ship to ship. it was impracticable to move a tool box around daily, or sometimes twice or more a day. A tool bag was the oblivious answer. People made their own tool bags from canvas, wood and leather straps. A foreman seeing a man making a tool bag had a better idea. He arranged funding and had the sail loft make tool bags that were far superior and didn't take the person from his intended duties. Everyone in the shop soon had a new tool bag, and other shops with similar needs discovered the Sail Loft and its products. The Sail Loft benefited from the new product demand and made tool bags of different styles to suit the needs of a mobile work force. Our first donated tool bag, before the other shops recognized its need, was to a welder named Casey, with the big bold letters "KC" on his bag. He was working with us on the AFD-10, a self propelled floating dry dock, welding deck sockets to hold down the new keel blocks being installed.

September 11, 2018

Name: Rihard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

A butterfly waving its wings in Africa can cause a hurricane to form in the south Atlantic ocean, or so it is theorized. I watched the man I was working with, as an apprentice, unlace the head band liner of an old style helmet. These cords make great shoe strings, he said. This will make a pair. The man just caused two men a trip to the tool room to get new helmets, when they found theirs missing. Their absence from the job may have caused others to wait for their return, the non-start of a key element of a project, a missed schedule that couldn't be recovered, expenditures that to explained, reports to be written, inefficiencies that could damage the reputation of a shop, department or shipyard. The man saved 29 cents for a pair of shoe laces. A few years later he was effected by a RIF.

September 11, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

COFFEE BREAK

An enlightened experiment was attempted to alleviate the traffic between the ship and the cafeteria outlets at coffee break time (which didn't officially exist). A ship, I think it was the Contz, was in dry dock 2. The Ship Supt had a large filled coffee urn and cream and sugar set up dock side on a table. The payment for the coffee was an honor system, with a can to make a donation for the service. The experiment ended when the Ship Supt found the donation can filled with washers and other hardware. He may have been enlightened, but also naive concerning thrift minded yardbirds.

Septembe 10, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

UNCLE SUGAR

I recently saw on a web site that the practice of transferring US navy ships to foreign navies has been going on for years, and continues. Most of the FF class frigates have been transferred. Fourteen (14) to Turkey, six (6) to Taiwan and three (3) to Greece. LST's have gone to Taiwan, Spain, Brazil and Argentina. Greece received (7) DDG's. All in 1999. The transfers are call "Hot Ship Transfers". The foreign navy takes over the ship upon it's decommissioning and while it is still operational. Many of the ships were in our shipyard at one time. The give away didn't start in 1999, nor did it end there.

September 10, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop
 
26 Shop had some real characters . On one of the ships the sailors were still eating on board on the mess decks . I don't remember this welders name but he was definitely one of the characters . He would shed his coveralls and underneath he had his Navy issue dungarees on and he would get in the chow line and have lunch with the sailors . Gotta' love it !!

September 10, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

When I was working on the USS ORTOLAN , ASR-22 in 1972 my welder was " Little Herbie " . He was the nicest guy in 26 Shop , bar none . Never heard a bad word out of his mouth about anyone . He was real proud of his hard hat that had a lot of stickers on it . I think he might have come from New York Ship in Camden , NJ . Anyhow ,we had our tool boxes on the ship and Herbie would lock his hard hat through the ears on the side of his hat on the outside of his tool box . He came to me one day and said someone had cut his hat loose and stole it . The poor guy was really upset . Couple days later I see a sailor on the ship with Herbies hat on . He had painted over the stickers and Herbies name . Grabbed the sailor and 'persuaded' him to give me the hat . I catch up with Herbie and gave him his hat . The little guy says to me , " WE got the hat back off the sailor and WE took care of him " Gotta love it !!

September 10, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

IRANIANS:
That doesn't say much for old cultures.

September 10, 2018

Name: James J Walker
E-mail: jw04493@gmail.com
Shop: 41, type desk
 

Iranians. We were told at the type desk when negotiating and authorizing the curtains that they were for religious reasons. Most of the officers and chiefs on these ships were executed when the Shah lost power.

September 10, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

James Walker:

You must have worked with Huey Curtis on the subs. He was always cutting down our targets we established for hull circularity.

September 10, 2018

Name: James J Walker
E-mail: jw04493@gmail.com
Shop: 41, type desk

Learned a lot about work site planning when I worked Snorkle pipe and ballast tank vents . Learned more about myself when I was loaned out as a chipper and found out I could be terrible at something. Even today I get a great kick telling people I was a boilermaker on Submarines to folks who ask what I did in the yard

September 10, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A CULTURAL LESSON

There was an incident at the end of the overhaul of the destroyer being transferred to the Iranian Navy that seemed minor to us, but important to the crew. It involved coverings over port holes in various compartments. Somehow 64 shop was tasked with providing the coverings, and couldn't satisfy the crew with the type, material or color of the coverings. We didn't understand the importance the crew placed in the coverings until someone pointed that the Iranian (Persian) culture goes back 10,000 years, and they probably know more about interior decorating than we do. The crew finally selected the type, color and material for their coverings, and an international incident was averted.

September 9, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

It was sad to see the end of the diesel electric submarines and their overhaul program at the yard. But to add insult to injury, they tore down pier D and the railways leaving no physical evidence of the program, only our memories Work on the boats, the most unique vessel ever designed and constructed, was repetitive at times but deserved and received the precise and careful attention of everyone on every task. Every operating system was critical and had to run perfectly, because there were few recoveries of a failure. One of the most essential systems on the boat was the batteries that propelled and powered the boat when it was submerged. Precise measurements were taken by 64 shop in the battery wells to determine the size of the wedging system components. The completed battery installation required the cells to be secured against movement while the boat was at sea. It took an experienced hand to know when the wedges installed between the cells were properly driven. A loose cell could move if the wedges were not driven tight, and possibly crack. Wedges driven too tight could crack a cell also. A cracked cell could leak its electrolyte acid creating explosive hydrogen gas, which would be disastrous. The primary weapon system of the boat was its torpedoes. Loading them into the fwd and aft torpedo rooms required loading skids and chocks that eased the torpedoes through the loading hatches with scant clearance. The shipwrights at Pier D were responsible for the alignment and installation of teak chocks on the skids and loading hatches. The shop was little noted or long remembered for the critical part it played in the overhaul of the boats.

September 9, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Albemarle-Currituck

Jerry Evans: I worked on the Albemarle on the wood deck installation, and later on the Currituck with a shipfitter nick named Cadillac Eddie
on the ramp installation. It never did seem to work properly.

September 9, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Jerry Evans

I worked around Arron Bolat, who was a good fitter but could benefit from some lessons in charisma.

September 9, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS

We had an opportunity at pier D to work with the Turkish crew of a submarine that was being overhauled and transferred to the Turkish Navy. The crew were mostly young men of high school age. They surprised me with their ability to learn some English, while we didn't seem to learn any Turkish. Their captain spoke English and didn't have any problem interacting with the yard birds. The CPO's were notorious in their efforts to get a little extra unfunded, unauthorized help from the yard birds for their part of the overhaul. There were rumors of a barter system between the crew and the yard birds for the help, but I saw no evidence of it in 64 shop, except for the fur collared leather bomber jacket worn by the other Foreman from our shop.

September 9, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

TWO OF A KIND

The USS ortolan ASR-22 arrived in the yard for overhaul. It one of two twin hulled catamarans in service at the time. It was designed as a submarine rescue vessel with a well between the hulls that allowed a deep submergence rescue vessel to be lowered through it. It was 261 feet in length and had a beam of 80 feet. Each hull had a flat keel that it landed on when placed in dock. No side blocks were necessary. It was docked in dry dock 4 for hull repairs and painting. It was undocked and berthed at pier 4 to complete its overhaul. It departed the yard. It was decommissioned in 1995 and scrapped in 2009.

September 9, 2018

Name: G EVANS
E-mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: 26

O'Kane 11 shop, mention Arron Bolot a few times. I first met Arron when I was assigned to USS Albemarle's ramp. It was assemble in 'A' Bay 541 bldg., right outside the offices. My Boss said climb up there and take care of everything. I was about a 3rd year apprentice. Along came Bolot and asked who I was. Off he went into the office, out comes my boss and Arron screaming. "I am a First Class Fitter and I deserve a First Class Welder". My boss said I was better than a Welder, I was a Combination Welder. Bolot told me to hang around the top of the unit and don't weld anything. Arron went to the Ship and back a few days. I did nothing. My boss told me to get scrap metal and make look like I was doing something now and then. Bolot saw the arc and came up on top "I told you don't weld anything". He scared the hell out of me. My time in 541 bldg. I steered clear of him. Years later when I made Foreman, he still scared me. (THE NAVY SPENT 400M AND UP TO 8 DEATHS ON THIS PROJECT, P6M, SEA MASTER, BEFORE IT STOPPED IN FAVOR OF THE MISSLES SUBS)

September 8, 2018

Hello,

My name is Tina James. My dad, David Goldstein, was a member of your Philly Yardbird website. One of the things he asked to do when he passed was to send the information so that his obituary could be posted to the Yardbird website. I am not sure exactly what you need, etc. According to my dad's first pass, he was in Shop 17 - but I am not sure if that is the shop he remained with during his time at PNSY. He worked with Jim Warner and Joe White. Here is his obituary from the funeral home:


David Goldstein of Leonardtown, MD formerly of Philadelphia, PA on September 1, 2018. Aged 78 years.

Beloved husband of Evelyn (nee Gerhart) Goldstein.

Devoted father of Gary Scott Goldstein, Ronald W. James Jr. (Shelly Chapman James), Christine M. James , Brian Matthew Goldstein (Shannon M. Goldstein), Timothy M. James (Tanya Dapkey)

Loving grandfather of Ronald W. James III (Samantha Lewanowicz) , Jack Andrew Goldstein, Logan James, Colin Gray Goldstein, Nicholas James, Alianna James, Alexander James,Virginia James and great-grandfather to Tyler William Lewanowicz-James

Dear brother of Linda Goldstein Glikas.

Survived by many nieces and nephews.

Viewing Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 from 11 AM - 1 PM in the
Galzerano Funeral Home,
3500 Bristol - Oxford Valley Road
Levittown, PA 19057

A Life Celebration Service will start at 1 PM in the funeral Home.

Interment and Full Military Honors will be held at 2:30 PM in the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA

Arrangements are under the direction of the Henry Funeral Home, Audubon, NJ
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of St. Mary's (https://www.hospiceofstmarys.org/)

September 8, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

64 shop has installed deck coverings aboard ship of different materials. The standard, for many years, was 9x9 vinyl asbestos tile. This changed due to the discovery that asbestos was a health hazard . All vinyl 12x12 tile was the replacement. It removed the health hazard and also increased the rate of installation by 25%. All vinyl matting replaced the diamond rubber matting used in the electronic spaces. The vinyl matting seams could be heat welded providing a seamless deck, and avoiding any possibility of grounding and electric shock. It also replaced the tile used in medical spaces that had to be grounded with brass strips attached to each tile to provide a field free of static electric charge, and prevent the possibility of a spark in the anesthesia gas rich space. We received a job to replace the deck tile on the mess deck of a Frigate. A new synthetic material was to be used that was touted to be stain free. It came in sheets 36" wide and 20 feet long. Fitting such large pieces of material to a deck where tables and benches existed would require an advanced skill set. The matting was to be glued to the deck with contact cement. This was a bridge too far. The base solvent of contact cement is methylene chloride whose fumes are very toxic in closed spaces. The deck and the material had to be precoated. It would be a new frontier for 99 shop to exhaust the fumes from the ship. We decided to precoat the fitted pieces top side to prevent any fumes on the mess deck. We knew, that if and when, we got the precoated material back onto the mess deck that it would take a great deal of coordination to set the material in place. We knew that surfaces precoated with contact adhere at first touch, and cannot be moved. We never got to that part of the job. When we applied the contact cement to the material, it curled up and shrunk. The prefitted material ws scrapped, along with any attempt to use the material. The crew had just moved back aboard and were ready to serve chow. They agreed to our suggestion that we use vinyl tile that was available. A day later they began serving chow and we began writing shop reports about our failed mission.

September 6, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

TRAFFIC PROBLEMS

An obstacle was created whenever a ship was docked in Dry Dock 3. The in haul line (9"hawser) was stretched across Porter Ave from a chock on the south side of the Ave to a power capstan on the north side of the Ave. It was also attached to the ship entering the dock. It made it difficult, if not impossible to drive straight through Porter Ave without getting hung up on the hawser, which when taut was about 12 inches above the road. Barricades were erected on Porter Ave to prevent drivers from attempting to drive through. I was an apprentice with about three days in the shipyard and was given the duty to stand by the barricade to alert any oblivious driver about the detour around by the old fire house and bldg. 592. Everyone drove around when they saw the barricade. One car came up to the barricade, stopped, and the driver told me to move the barricade, and that he intended to drive through. I went to the shipwright who was sighting the ship into dock and told him about the guy in the car, and his intention. The shipwright looked at the man, nodded, as though he knew him, and told me to move the barricade. The driver drove up to the hawser, bounced over it with his front wheels. The car bounced once in the air and came back down hard. It appeared the driver hit his head on the head liner of his car. The same thing happened as his rear wheels bounced over the hawser, and it sounded like he had unshipped his muffler. The driver appeared a little dazed by striking his head twice, but recovered and drove slowly away, and around the other barricade. We had many dockings in Dry Dock 3 over the years, but never had another occasion where a driver challenged the law of physics that says "for every action - there is a reaction"

September 5, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@veizon.net
Shop: 064

THE DOPE BOAT

Rarely did we ever start an operation without proper information to complete it. The Coast Guard seized a large fishing trawler loaded with drugs, and towed it to the Navy Yard for storage, until it was decided what was to be done with it. It was a large wooden hulled boat, about 100 feet in length and a beam of about 40 feet. The boat was to hauled from the water at the slip south of dry dock five. The riggers strapped slings under the hull and slowly lifted the boat from the water. Shipwrights were standing by with timbers to place under the keel, and shores to set under whatever structure that would give the shores purchase, and maintain the boat in an upright position. It was the first large wooden boat, without any plans to work with, that we had hauled from the water. We held our breadths as the crane released the slings. It is said that sometimes you must touch a stove to see if it is hot. We were in that position. The boat remained upright, although it groaned a little as it settled on the blocks and shores. The boat sat there, west of dry dock 5 for a few months before it was put back in the water, and towed away. It was probably sold at auction.

August 27, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

LESS WE FORGET

Honor roll plaques listing the names of the men who had entered the armed services during the Second World War were seen around the city, and in some places in the shipyard. We had such a plaque in Bldg 177. It was a beautiful example of hand carving, with a large eagle on top. I saw it on my first day in the shipyard and on many days thereafter. Some of the men listed on that plaque became supervisors, planners, or held important positions in other departments in the shipyard. Some had retired, some died and most never returned to the shipyard. The plaque was to honor those who served, as we honor those who serve today. It hung on that wall for many years, either noticed or not. To me, however, it was like the shipyard, a thing of permanence, hanging unmolested for generations. It was decided by someone, however, that like all things, it had had it's time and place, and ordered it taken down and scrapped. Shortly thereafter the building burned to the ground during the second shift.

August 27, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

DANNY BOY

Its good to see you live and well with a story to tell.

August 27, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

I'LL BELIEVE IT WHEN I SEE IT, OR DON'T

On October 28, 1943 the Navy allegedly conducted an experiment at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia in which a navy ship, the USS Eldridge DE-173, was made to disappear and reappear. Two eye witnesses later retracted their story. The alleged experiment was the subject of a book, and later a movie. The Navy gave no credence to the rumor that Albert Einstein, whose United Field Theory supported the basis of the experiment, was seen in the Shipyard that day.

August 27, 2018

Name: Danny O' Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

In 1966 I was a young ship fitter helper working out in Erie Bay on new construction units for the three LST'S that were being built at the Yard . Head mechanic ship fitter was Arron Bolot . Tough little guy and he new his stuff . I remember he and Harry Sankey playing cards at lunch time out on the slab .
Anyhow, one day he signals up to the crane operator for a lift . Operator yells down that he was "on break" . Next thing I knew , Arron was climbing up the ladder to the overhead crane to go after the operator . Operator starts the crane to move away from the ladder . Looks like Arron was going to crawl out after him but finally he comes back down red as all hell .
Never saw that operator again on Erie Bay .
Gotta' love it !!

August 26, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@vrizon.net
Shop: 064

WHO ARE THESE GUYS?
In the summer of 1835 shipwrights and joiners led a strike at the Philadelphia Navy yard to protest the 12 hour work day (sunup to sunset). Their request to reduce the work day to 10 hours was directed to the Secretary of the Navy via the Shipyard Commander (Commodore Barron) who supported the 10 hour work day. They finally appealed to President Jackson who directed the Secretary to reduce the work day to 10 hours at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, but no place else. It took another 5 years before the 10 hour work day was extended to all government employees engaged in manual labor.

August 26, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

On January 17, 1862 shipwrights and joiners went on strike when they were notified that their pay was cut 10% and their hours of work was increased to 10 hours a day. It took congress to get them back to work. 64 shop was always a problem.

August 25, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064
 

PROMISES-PROMISES

I think I remember the proposed tour of the shipyard in 1977 by Vice President Walter Mondale. There was a great clean up campaign to clean up the shipyard. Mondale had promised on the eve of his election in 1976 that he would prevent the proposed closing of the Frankford Arsenal. Just prior to the scheduled tour, the Army announced the closing of the Arsenal. Mondale cancelled the tour, but the yard was never so clean.

August 25, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

The Shipyard was notified that Queen Elizabeth II was to visit the city on July 6, 1976. She was to arrive at pier 2 on her Royal yacht. It was soon realized that a suitable brow would be needed. A brow was found but was lacking a suitable handrail. Len Zeserman, a General Foreman from 64 shop was tasked with having a teak handrail installed on the brow. The handrail was installed, inspected, re-inspected and inspected again by countless officials before it was approved. The Queen's yacht arrived, the brow landed, and the Queen departed. I doubt that she noticed the teak handrail. Len received a letter of commendation for his efforts in support of the Queen's splinter free departure.

August 24, 2018

Name: Richard Beggs
E-mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

On July 6, 1976 Queen Elizabeth II arrived at pier 2 on the Royal yatch Britannia. She was here to present the Bicentennial Bell, a replica of the Liberty Bell to the City. She was quickly escorted to her car and sped up Broad Street. Security was very tight and no one had gotten close to her or her party. No incident was ever reported concerning her short stay in the yard. One Irish Foreman Rigger attempted to greet her, but was moved from the area. His greeting would not have been appreciated by the Queen or the Shipyard, but would have probably been cheered by the IRA.

August 20, 2018

Name: Danny O'Kane
E-mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop
 

Gerry Evans , Glad to see your post about the history of the yard in the early days . Very interesting and a relief from all the obits on this section of the Yard bird site.
I have some history about the early days of the Delaware River and a good bit of info on League Island . Now all I have to do is find it !!
Thanks again,
Danny.
God Bless Our Troops !!

August 9, 2018

Name: Tom Queenan
E-mail: Tmquee@verizon.net
Shop: 26/c231
 

Charlie Lieb will sorely be missed by those who knew him. Since the yard closed, I lost touch with most of the guys who made the yard . The last few years , I was able to connect with Charlie and found out that he was sick. His humor and toughness, is what I remember. A true Tasker personality.I kept in touch by text, but we were never able to get together. Some lessons for everyone. Reach up and stay in touch as best as possible. You never know.
God speed my good man. Say hi to all the 'old gang. Sure to be a lot of laughs.
 

August 7, 2018

Name: Joe DeKraft
E-mail: joedek@verizon.net
Shop: 17 Shop, C/265, C/244
 

My response to Charles Swanson obituary.

I'll assume that 'Chick' was your Dad and if that was the case you had a real winner there. Chick Swanson is a name that is stuck in my mind as one of the nicest guys I ever had the pleasure to work with and for. In my last year of my apprenticeship in 74 I was assigned to the Vent gang and wrapped up my apprenticeship later that year. Chick was working for Bill Lafferty as a 'pusher' (Boss's assistant) and when he was done those chores he went back to his work bench, broke out his tools and started on the next job. Most pushers never had to do that but that was your Dad, he never slacked or took it easy. He was also one of the nicest kindest guys I worked with. I was just one of the new guys he treated me like he'd known me for years. Eventually the boss retired and Chick got to become the boss. He never really changed much and eventually moved up to other jobs. I also moved up eventually and when ever I made it back to 17 shop I'd stop to see the guys and would stop upstairs to see if he was up where the big bosses were located. Whenever I think of Chick Swanson I can not help but smile. I love what your doing with his ashes. Someday we'll all meet up at the big tin knockers reunion in the sky.

Joe DeKraft, Elbow Gang, 990 Bldg. 1975 -1979

August 6, 2018

The hidden history of Philly’s Navy Yard as League Island - submitted by Gerald Evans (x26)

August 1, 2018

Name: Tim Lieb
E-mail: tim@sageagency.com
Shop: 41
 

Obituary For Charlie Lieb X-26

Charles J. Lieb, on July 30, 2018, age 60, Lifetime resident of Grays Ferry. Loving brother of Greg (Kathy), Timothy (Bonnie), Marybeth McGuire, James and the late Joseph Lieb. Brother-in-law of Marie Lieb. Son of the late Joseph and Helen (nee Hoeke) Lieb. Also survived by many loving family and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass Friday 10:30 AM at St. Gabriel Church, 29th & Dickinson Sts., Phila., PA 19146, where friends may call from 8:00 AM to 10:15 AM Friday at the church. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers family prefers contributions to Our House Ministries, 1447 S. 29th Street, Phila., PA 19146

 

July 31, 2018

Name: Charles Arthur Swanson
E-mail: jcswanson1976@gmail.com
Shop: 17 Shop
 

Obituary for Charles Swanson

Charles Arthur Swanson age 87, of Franklinville, NJ passed away on Friday, July 20, 2018. Born in Philadelphia to the late Charles Swanson and Sarah Mae (nee Cluderay), he served in the Navy during the Korean War. Charles was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal with European Clasp, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He worked at the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard and retired as a Sheet Metal General Foreman in 17 Shop. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, reading, gardening, crossword puzzles, and lately Mahjong. Charles was one-of-a-kind, and enjoyed spending time with family and making people laugh. He will be buried at sea off of Cape May later this summer, where he loved to fish. "Fair Winds and Following Seas"

July 27, 2018

Name: Dennis Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911
 

Obituary for William F. Reil Former Metal Trades Council President and PNSY Employee. Mr. William F. Reil, Sr., a life long resident of South Philadelphia, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. He was 88 years of age.

Bill was a good man and an excellent provider for his family. He was a proud US Navy Veteran of the Korean War. Prior to retirement as President of the Machinist's Union, Bill was employed with the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for 50 years.

He is the beloved husband of the late Phillippina 'Fay' Reil (nee Curia); devoted father of Anthony Reil, John Reil and the late William F. Reil, Jr.; loving grandfather of Billy and Brittany.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation 10 AM - 12 Noon Tuesday in the Vincent Gangemi Funeral Home, Inc. 2232-40 S. Broad Street (at Wolf Street), Philadelphia, PA 19145.

Interment New Saint Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ.

July 14, 2018

Name: Jack Hofbauer
E-mail: johnhofbauer@comcast.net
Shop: 06 Toolmakers/ Code 380
 

Obituary of Michael Hofbauer, Sr.
Michael J. Hofbauer, Sr., age 79, of National Park, NJ, passed away on July 11, 2018.

Michael was born in Philadelphia and spent the majority of his life in National Park, NJ. He worked for the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for 35 years as supervisor of the propeller shop.
Michael enjoyed the outdoors, working in his yard, feeding the birds and squirrels and was an avid hunter and fisher. His love for dogs was immeasurable. Michael enjoyed watching the Eagles and Phillies. He will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved him.

Loving father to Michael (Stacy) and David (Kim); Grandfather to Serena Yousef (Michael) and Brett. Great-grandfather to Michela; also survived by 2 brothers Jack (Wanda) and Rudy ;

Funeral services private at the request of the family. 

Name: Trish Peck
E-mail: peckocean@yahoo.com
Shop: 81, Beacon, Navshipso, QAO
 

My mom, Rose Pyle, passed away May22, 2018. She worked in Supply. Burial private.

June 24, 2018

Name: Dennis Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

Eugene (Gene) H. Juergens Former 41 Shop Boilermaker Foreman,passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep Thursday June 14, 2018 in his home in Algiers, LA. He was born September 9, 1948 to Barbara and Leo Juergens in Philadelphia, PA. Gene was a member of the 1966 graduating class at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia. In 1971, Gene married Marilyn Juck, and together they had two children, Jennifer and Christopher. He completed his four-year apprenticeship to become a journeyman boilermaker in the U.S. Navy Shipyard in 1970. He thrived in this occupation for eight years, until being promoted to Ship Scheduler, two years later was again promoted to Boilermaker Foreman. In 1982 Gene moved to New Orleans, LA where he whole-heartedly enjoyed his life, and the remainder of his prestigious 40-year career as a contractor/surveyor for SUPSHIP, a branch of the Department of Defense. August 21, 1983 was a very important date for Gene; this was his initiation in to The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, West Bank Lodge 2496. He derived great pleasure serving his community as an Elk and has earned such esteemed leadership roles as Lodge Exalted Ruler three times, Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, and State President. His 35 years of service alongside his brothers from the Elks were truly some of the most meaningful in his life. In April 1990 Gene was again married, to Catherine Liz Cox, but was unfortunately widowed, after her battle with leukemia. Some of his favorite activities were hunting, deep-sea fishing, racquetball, and an occasional round of golf. Gene is survived by his fiance Deborah Gomez and his son Christopher Juergens. Eugene will be laid to rest at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Gretna, LA.

June 22, 2018

Name: Matthew P. Wojciechowski
E-mail: marine77777@comcast.net
Shop: Marine Barracks 1968-69
 

I was stationed at the yard from 1968 to Dec 1969 as a Marine. I am looking for information about the Marine Barracks and the Brig. I was a guard at the brig for about a month before I became an Escort. I took home 68 Marines.
Thanks for any info. I understand the Brig is not there now. What took it's place. I wonder if Herman the German is still on the grounds of the Brig

June 16, 2018

Name: Dennis Kaiser
E-mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

FRANK SORBARO
Former Shop 11 Tank Tester passed away on June 11, 2018. He was the Devoted husband of Kathleen (nee Martin). Loving brother of Joseph (Denise) Sorbaro. Son-in-law of George and Sandra Martin. Brother-in-law of Steven (Cheryl) Martin and Timmy (Cindy) Martin. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. viewing Saturday 9 A.M., at St. Richard Church, 19th and Pollock Sts. Funeral Mass 10 A.M. Interment New St. Mary's, Bellmawr NJ.

June 15, 2018

Name: tom maiorano
E-mail: tmaiorano1@verizon.net
Shop: 38 shop
 

A short follow up to Harry Van Horn's passing. He passed away at his home in National Park on the 8th of June. He was 75. He will have a ceremony at Gloucester County Veteran's Cemetery in Williamstown, NJ on Saturday, the 16th. at around 11 AM. I was told his obit was in the Courier Post obits yesterday but not 100% sure of that.

June 10, 2018

Name: tom maiorano
E-mail: tmaiorano1@verizon.net
Shop: 38 shop
 

I found out just today that Harry Van Horn from 38 shop and later NAVSESS passed away suddenly this past week. I will post more info as I get it. He was a resident of National Park in South Jersey.

Name: Ron Miller
E-mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: X31
 

Starbucks closing for company wide training reminds me of 1992 (?) when the Navy, in response to the Tailhook scandal, ordered a stand-down for all hands to attend sexual harrasment training. The whole Yard wallked up Broad Street to the Spectrum for, as I remember, four hours of training, from various speakers. It was quite an event.

April 17, 2018

Name: george kepner
E-mail: gek1986@yahoo.com
Shop: 051 - 62435
 

remember Lou well he had a large foot locker on pier 4 outside his shop office he would be there before and after clocking in or out , with all his goods and yes it was nice to be able to get something even to take home to your sweetheart , or during the holidays , without going to the store one the way to or from work . Lou was a great guy !
 

April 15, 2018

My name is Nick, the second son of Louis Mattia. I just wanted to thank the Yardbirds for the memories that were written on the Yardbirds website. He was a character and an inspiration in my life. He told me about so many good memories from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. I remember him buying watches, keychains, light up yo-yo's, socks, toys, and many other items to bring to the shipyard. He was a good hearted man (sometimes a little rough around the edges) but always helped someone as much as he could. He was a hard working man who provided for his family and people who he cared for. He was truly an inspiration in my life and will be missed by many family members and friends. Nicholas Mattia

April 14, 2018

Lou Mart

I heard that Lou Mattia passed away the other day. Although I feel sad at the news, I suddenly could not control the smile on my face. Lou had a series of nicknames when he worked for the shipyard. One nickname was “K-Mart Lou.” My favorites were “Lou Mart” or “Toys are Lou.” Lou worked as a ship fitter for as long as I can remember but we all knew Lou as a “hustler.” This name can suggest a number of meanings, but for me, Lou was someone who worked very hard at providing for his family. Almost everyone in the shipyard knew Lou. He sold everything from shirts to socks to long underwear. Mike Kozak, a former welding Buddy, reminded me that he purchased a Kelly green Eagles sports jacket as well as a burgundy colored Phillies jacket from Lou. So Lou’s stuff was quality merchandise.

Lou was rough around the edges. When he talked, he was South-Philly tough, but in a good way. You know the feeling you get when you watch “Goodfellas,” for example, the talk, the camaraderie, and the swagger among the guys; that was Lou. But he was your friend, your neighbor, and your co-worker all tied into one. He was really popular around the holidays. Guys knew they could pick up quick gifts for friends and family. And somehow, through all of this, he managed to get his work done too.

Because I worked mostly with pipe-fitters and boilermakers, I seldom got the opportunity to work with Lou, except for this one occasion. We were working on a small ship in dry dock #3 (USS Dahlgren). Lou was tasked to install an aluminum plate to the mast. I was pulled from the fire-room to work with Lou that day. For me, this was problematic. I had not worked with aluminum in a few years so I had to find some of my old gear. But it gets worse! I was afraid of heights and the mast of the ship is at the very top. I calmed myself down when I realized that we were not in water, but sitting very stable in the dry dock, the ship resting steadily on its keel blocks.

As I climbed the ladder to reach the mast, I also noticed the staging provided by 64 shop. It looked very safe so I wasn’t worried. At least not until I got to the top! Even though we were sitting in the dry dock, the mast was moving back and forth. I was holding on for dear life. So much so that I hardly heard Lou call my name asking me to tack weld his plate to the mast. Lou was much louder on the second attempt to get my attention. I replied very loudly, “Lou, when I finally relax, I will tack your plate. For now, put the damn plate down until I’m good and ready.” I heard Lou say, “Okay MAC.” Part of me felt bad at the time, but once I was calm, Lou and I completed the task. We laughed at that story a few times over the years to follow.

Said simply, Lou was a good egg. He was easy to work with and enjoyed what he was doing. He was well liked by everyone who met him. He was a yardbird through and through. And true yardbirds know that is a compliment to be cherished. Rest In Peace my friend.

Julio, Lou Mattia, from 11 Shop, passed away the other day. He is being laid out this Saturday at the Gardner Funeral Home in Runnemede, NJ. The viewing starts at 1:00 PM and runs to 3:00 PM. The funeral begins at 3:00. Interment is private at the request of the family.
 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:

Smile Train
41 Madison Avenue
28th Floor
New York, NY 10010
 

I wrote this story as a tribute to him. Can you add this to the site?

Mike McCullough (x26)

April 11, 2018

Name:  Julio Casiano
E-mail:  Julio@Philly-Yardbird.com
Shop:  67964-026
 

I remember Lou being very popular around Christmas time.

April 11, 2018

Name:  Dorothy Mattia Donato
E-mail:  dorothy_donato@msn.com
Shop:  Public works / 56 Shop
 

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of my brother Louis Mattia on April 8th 2018. He was in 11 Shop and once the yard closed worked for PWD Phila. Many of you may remember him as "Lou the Salesman" or "Toys are Lou".

http://www.gardnerfuneralhome.com/obituary/louis-mattia

March 27, 2018

Name: Mike Dougherty
E-mail: mikedougherty63@yahoo.com
Shop: 56 Shop
 

I'm reporting myself healthy and happy in Corpus Christi,Texas,10 minutes from the beach.I miss the yardbirds but I get by shooting pool,singing and chasing women.Anyone who wants to vacation here It can be done inexpensively.The best months are November through May.I'm not a travel agent I'm a retarded yardbird!

March 23, 2018

Name: Julio Casiano
E-mail: Julio@Philly-Yardbird.com
Shop: 67964-026
 

There's been a problem with the 'Submits Comments' section.
I'm trying a different form handler to see if it works better.
If you've recently submitted something and don't see it here, try again.

Sorry to hear about Ron "Garbage" Reeves. He's been posting here since 1998. Had a lot of great posts from him. Anybody know why he called himself "Garbage"? I noticed his obit doesn't have his nickname as "Garbage". I guess his family didn't think it was appropriate for an obituary.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

From: Tom Grande
E-Mail: TGrande@RCN.com
Shop: X17

Recently I found out a yard brother, Ron Reeves aka "Garbage" succumbed to a stroke and passed away on Feb 28. His cremated ashes are to be spread around the back channel by family members per his request. He certainly was a unique individual.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

From: Ron Miller
E-Mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: X31

Sorry to see in the Yarbird obits the passing of 31 Shop machinist Mark Eckman. One of the good guys.

Friday, February 23, 2018

From: patrick dougherty
E-Mail: patrick.dougherty1@navy.mil
Shop: 56

Sorry to report the passing of William Smith 56 shop in Jan 2018

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

From:
E-Mail: c1700antique@yahoo.com
Shop:

UNBELIEVABLE ! Dr. Harrison Miller Moseley—from Orphanage to the Manhattan project (Navy). Moseley’s story is riveting. As a Pre Sale offer that ends March 1, go to Amazon.com for a nice hardback copy for only 19.99.

Unbelievable is in PRE SALE. The book will not be delivered until it goes live on March 1.
However, if you purchase the book before March 1, the price is 19.99 for the nice hardcover. Purchased after March 1, the price will be 29.99.
 

Sunday, December 31, 2017

From: tom maiorano
E-Mail: tmaiorano1@verizon.net
Shop: 38 shop

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

From: Leon Jones
E-Mail: ljones7@rcn.com
Shop: 41 Shop, NAVSHIPSO, DCMA

Moses W. Howard 41 Shop and NSWCPD.

Millsboro, DE, formerly of Chesilhurst - departed this life on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the age of 70.

Services will be held 11am Saturday, December 30, 2017 at St.
John\'s U.M. Church, 409 Fairview Avenue, W. Berlin. Viewing: 10am
- 11am only. Burial in Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin.
Arrangements entrusted to COVINGTON FUNERAL HOME, Atco.
Condolences may be sent to www.covingtonfh.com.

Sunday, December 24, 2017

From: Ron Miller
E-Mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: X31

Good tidings to you, Yardbirds, wherever you are.
I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

From: JACK BALKIR
E-Mail: jbalkir@gmail.com
Shop: 51 SHOP / CODE 1200

Wishing my fellow yardbirds and their families Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. God bless!

Sunday, November 12, 2017

From: Pete Johnston
E-Mail: twelthj@gmail.com
Shop: X56

I'd like to wish each and every yardbird a healthy, Happy Thanksgiving holiday.I still miss that old wonderful strip of land on Delaware, so many memories. Take care... Pete

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

From: Agnes Bedard
E-Mail: agnesmbedard@gmail.com
Shop:

I am looking for someone who may have worked with my dad, Donald Lawless. He recently passed and would like to know more about his work. Here is a link to his obituary.

http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/Donald-S.-Lawless-105163945

Friday, September 29, 2017

From: Ed Worff
E-Mail: edsw051@verizon.net
Shop: 51 Test Gang & Code 365

I am pretty sure that at that time Code 272 was still on the 2nd deck of Bldg. 12. I left the yard in 1976 to move to Annapolis,but went back several times while working for NAVSEA and I visited with some of the 270 guys I spent some time in C272 working and traveling with Walt. Ed Krause was one of my apprentices in 51 Shop.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

From: RICHARD BEGGS
E-Mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Steve Katona: I think the bldg. you are seeking is number. See map

September 26, 2017

Greetings. I have a question about PNSY that I hope you can answer for me, I worked there as a Drexel University co-op in 1979 in Code 272 (Design). My supervisor was Walt Hemphill and my mentor was Ed Krause (sp?). I moved to Washington DC where I recently retired after 33 years of government service. 

I am a consultant now and was doing some business research on the Philly Shipyard and plan to visit there soon. I am trying to find out which building Code 272 was located so I can stop by there during my visit. I recall it was a large open area building with the code chief (Ed Yost) office in the front center of the building. Can you help me with the building number? I tried to email the code 272 people on the site's email list but they all bounced. 

I hope all is well with you. I appreciate any help you can give me with my request. 
Thanks,
Steve Katona

Monday, September 4, 2017

From: Chuck Kessler
E-Mail: chuckoluckjan23@gmail.com
Shop: 17Shop

I just got a phone call from my friend Eddie Moscatelli ( 64 shop ) that Jim Manzi, ( 17 shop ) passed away today. R.I.P. Jim, he was a great guy.

Saturday, August 19, 2017

From: Ron Miller
E-Mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: 31

31 Shop machinist Thomas Pleasant died on August 8, 2017. Obituary in the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Tribune.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

From: Ron Reeves 'GARBAGEMAN'
E-Mail: pnsy17shop@comcast.net
Shop: GREATEST TIN SHOP IN THE TRADE

I was informed by Rick Mattie X-17 recently retired from NTC Great Lakes that he has 4th stage colon cancer. Shipmates, should send Rick a note of encouragement at rmattie22@sbcglobal.net He and family is also in need of prayer. Rick was one of my apprentices I trained into a top notch mechanic, and a friend for over 45 years...

Sunday, June 18, 2017

From: Tom Maiorano
E-Mail: tmaiorano1@verizon.net
Shop: 38 Shop

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

On May 16, 2017 at 11:25 PM Dennis Kaiser Sr <Dennis_Kaiser@outlook.com> wrote:

Here is a link that will let you enjoy Giff’s appearance on QVC tonight.  It will be up for 1 week.  If you want to keep it then download the video to your PC. : Mike Gifford on QVC

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

From: Dennis Kaiser
E-Mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

Vince Agostino Former PNSY Rigger General Forman, passed away Saturday morning, May 13th 2017 after fighting pancreatic cancer, arrangements are below:
Our Lady of Peace Parish
32 Carroll Ave
Williamstown, NJ 08094
Viewing Friday May 19, 2017 at 11 AM, Mass at 12 PM
Church phone # 856-629-6142

Saturday, May 6, 2017

From: Brooks
E-Mail: sebrooks3@yahoo.com
Shop:

Laird 'Lad' Doctor was a Navy pilot during the Vietnam war. I believe he went through flight training around '67. I am hoping to visit with the five who trained with him on, I believe to be the T-2 Buckeye? And any pilot who worked with Lad during his Naval career.

Thank you

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

From: Wayne C. Johnson
E-Mail: friedajohnson8@gmail.com
Shop: 56

Hi, I have been on this site before and I think I asked the same question. My husband Wayne Johnson passed away on May 30, 2005. He worked as an insulator in Shop 56. I have been trying to find out if my husband had a pension plan at the old Philadelphia Naval Shipyard or not. Does anyone happen to know who I can contact. I was told to contact the OPM. They did not help me. I don't think it is fair for the state to keep his pension if he had one.

Thank you for any help you may know about.

Frieda Johnson
(Wayne's wife)

April 18, 2017

I'm looking for some help. There is a US Veterans Memorial , all privately funded of course in a little town in Ohio called Clinton, OHio. In this memorial are the names of all Ohio U.S. service men killed in Vietnam, Iraq war, Afganistan, Gulf War, etc… there are memeorial granite benches, bricks with supporters. There is an Army Patton tank that saw battle in Iraq, a U.S. Marine Apache Attack Helicopter, Army Trucks but nothing for my beloved U.S. Navy. What the facility is looking for is a U.S. Navy Ship Anchor. Would you know of anyone who could help us find one? One that someone would be willing to donate?
Thanks,
 
RM3 (SS) Keith W. Davis
USS Andrew Jackson
SSBN 619 Blue 1973- 1977
 

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

From: Bill Murray
E-Mail: ladybugjoan@comcast.net
Shop: QA, Planning & Design

Fantastic lawyer for Asbestos cases:

Mike Cancelliere and Casey Coburn at Nass, Cancelliere and Brenner.
They are located at 1515 Market Street Suite 200 Phila. Pa. 19102 215-546-8200. They are outstanding council and I highly suggest contacting them if you or anyone else has an issue.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

From: Billy Reil
E-Mail: billyreil1999@gmail.com
Shop: 160

I had google searched my grandfathers name, and saw that guys/girls had been asking about him. It's my pleasure to let you know that he is alive and well at age 87. Bill stills lives in south philadelphia, enjoying his retirement. Please feel free to send me an email if you want to say hello.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

From: G EVANS
E-Mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

Carrier Valley Forge built at PNSY with money from the citizens of Phila. and the surround area. Seventy six million in War Bonds (1 Billion today) About 8 million from School children (103 million today).
There was a large model of the ship on back of a trailer with a space around the hull. Sailors from the Navy Yard would bring the ship to parades and large social affairs. People would through money into the space around the ship to help pay for the building of the carrier.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

From: G EVANS
E-Mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

During WW2 there were mock air raids drills around the city of Phila. A plane would fly over an area of the city and drop paper shaped like bombs. If you picked up a bombs, on the back list the type of injury you might have. You were to take the bomb to the nearest Hospital, Police Station, Rec Centers for treatment. Some of those were moved to Hospitals.
I once chased a bomb for 4 blocks before it went on a roof. I then went to the Police Station and watch the Medical Staff at work.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

From: billy d
E-Mail: rigger072@yahoo.com
Shop: 072

Bill Adair X51 shop is still alive and kicking I see him often and yes he is still Rotten Ralph

Sunday, March 12, 2017

From: G EVANS
E-Mail: GEVANS1054@VERIZON.NET
Shop: SHOP 26

My father in law, Charlie, was gassed in France and again in Belgium during WW-1. He spent most of his early years in VA hospitals and clinics. WW-2 came and he volunteered as a Fire Watch at Cramp's (no pay). A few months in, the volunteers received pay. The shipyard was charging the Navy a full man days of work for these volunteers. Charlie had to quit Cramps, too much smoke. He then took up that Noble Profession, NUMBER WRITER.

Friday, March 10, 2017
 
From: Bob Daley
E-Mail: hogdale@hotmail.com
Shop: 51

What ever happened to Bill Adair AKA Rotten Ralph ? Foreman 51 Shop.

Sunday, March 5, 2017

From: Jerry Kane
E-Mail: Zuri29@Cox.net
Shop: 67, 273, 235, PERA

During WWI my grandfather, Tom Kane, worked at Cramp's as a shipfitter helper. When the war ended so did his job. Sometime in the mid 30's he got hired at PNSY as a shipfitter helper. In the late 30's, after graduating from high school, my uncle Jim Kane started as an apprentice shipfitter. When WWII started, Uncle Jim tried to enlist but failed the physical due to his eye sight. My grandfather helped build the New Jersey while Uncle Jim helped build the Wisconsin. Sometime in late 43, Uncle Jim finally passed the eye test and was able to join 3 of his brothers in the Navy. Once the war ended, my grandfather again lost his job, Uncle Jim was mustered out of the navy and rejoined PNSY. When Uncle Bob Kane got out of the navy he also started at PNSY, eventually joining the newly formed electronics shop.

Friday, March 3, 2017

From: Jim Walker
E-Mail: jw06693@gmail.com
Shop: Type Desk, 41

Prior to WW I , Cramp was the leading builder of iron hull ships in the world.When they built up for WW II, The shipyard lent them experienced workers to provide leadership McKenna a boiler forman when I was an apprentice was a quarterman at Cramp. My Father -in- law Fred Sheppard attended a school in an old hosery mill in Kensington and led a shipfitter gang that did the noses of the subs.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

From: george kepner
E-Mail: gek1986@yahoo.com
Shop: 051-62435

yes keep posting about the history of the Delaware . I look everyday for your stories and others . will never forget the family we made there . thank for sharing dan

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

From: Danny O'Kane
E-Mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

Here's a little more on the Shipbuilding on the Delaware from 1940 to 1947 . At New York Ship in Camden ,which employed 32,000 at it's peak,light cruisers were the specialty early on . Later,it was carriers. At Sun Ship in Chester, 34,000 workers turned out tankers and transport ships for the U.S.Maritime Commission. Cramps with 17,000 workers ,specialized in submarines ,turning out 22 of them .
The Dravo Corp. , at Wilmingtonyards,built destroyer-escorts and landing ships . John Trumpy , of Gloucester City, launched 30 PT boats . On and on it went ,at Penn-Jersey , Mathis ,American Car and yards with names mostly now forgotten .
It was once said that the Delaware River was the River Clyde of America.
Must have been something to have been a part of what is now gone forever !!
Let me know if anyone is interested in more history of the Delaware River .
God Bless Our Troops !!
Danny O'Kane USN.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

From: RICHARD BEGGS
E-Mail: rich.beggs@verizon.net
Shop: 064

Dan: Thanks for your informative post. I am glad to see there's someone else still alive willing to keep this web site alive.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

From: Danny O'Kane
E-Mail: dannyboydpo@rcn.com
Shop: 11 Shop

More History of Shipbuilding on The Delaware .
From 1940 to 1947,the period of war-era shipbuilding contracts,217 naval vessels were built along the Delaware River.The Philadelphia Navy Yard alone employed 50,000 people in the construction of the battleships WISCONSIN and the NEW JERSEY,the aircraft carrier ANTIETAM and the heavy cruiser CHICAGO,together with a long list of destroyers and other ships of war.
More history of shipbuilding on the Delaware to follow .
Danny O'Kane USN
11 Shop

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Julio ,  Here's a little something to get the site going again .
 
During WWII the Philadelphia area was one of the greatest shipbuilding regions in the world . The Delaware River was lined with shipyards that employed around 150,000 workers .
On July 8 , 1945 , three shipyards simultaneously launched war vessels . The Philadelphia Navy Yard splashed into the river the cruiser PRINCETON . Upriver , Cramps Shipyard in Kensington , floated the submarine TUSK . Over in Camden , New York Ship launched the carrier , SAIPAN .
 
Watch this site for more history on shipbuilding on the Delaware River .
 
Thank you ,
Danny O'Kane
11 Shop

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

From: Rick Rinderer
E-Mail: rrinderer@comcast.net
Shop: 31 shop ReUnion

Shop 31 2017 Re Union

31 shop will be having a reunion on Saturday May 13, 2017, 12 noon until ?? at Chickie's and Pete's 1526 Packer Ave in South Philadelphia. All are welcomed (including spouses) There will be no need to purchase tickets for this reunion. We will have an area at the Piano bar where food and drink can be purchased individually. Please contact as many 31 shop people you may still be in contact with and spread the word. If you think you will be attending please email Rick Rinderer at rrinderer@comcast.net so we can get an idea of how many people will be interested in attending. Hope to see as many former 31 shop people as possible. at Chickie and Pete's on May 13

Sunday, February 19, 2017

From: Ron Miller
E-Mail: ronfish2002@yahoo.com
Shop: 31

"Russian spy ship spotted 30 miles off America's coast." Reminds me of the first sea trial for the USS Independence, 1986, maybe? We were somewhere off the coast of Virginia when the captain announced that an East German "fishing trawler" had been following us for the last two days. We could see the small ship off the starboard bow. I heard later that one of our helicopters flew over to take a closer look, but I didn't see that. A front row seat for Yardbirds to see a little Cold War action.
 

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

From: Dennis Kaiser
E-Mail: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com
Shop: Code 911

New e-mail address: dennis_kaiser@outlook.com

Monday, January 9, 2017

From: Cliff Nash
E-Mail: pnsycliff@aol.com
Shop: 06

Pleae list Obituary
06 shop Toolmaker

John F. Portscheller, Sr.

AGE: 90 • Blackwood

John F. Portscheller, Sr., passed away on January 5, 2017 at the age of 90 years. Devoted husband of the late Dorothy, who predeceased him in 2009 after 64 years of marriage. Beloved father of Joan Puglia (Russell) of Washington Twp., NJ, John F. Portscheller, Jr. of FL, and David E. Portscheller
(Lois) of Gloucester Twp., NJ. John was also predeceased by his two brothers, Frank and Joseph Portscheller.

John and Dorothy met as children. They married and almost immediately, John was shipped out to serve our Nation during WWII with the U.S. Army Air Corps. Dorothy accompanied him, lived on base, and worked odd jobs so that she could be close to John. John was a long time employee of the U.S. Naval Shipyard in Phila., where he retired as a foreman in 1985. He was an avid bowler, and an active member of numerous senior citizen clubs in Gloucester Twp. over the years, serving as President of several of them. He and his late wife traveled together extensively during their marriage, and enjoyed spending time at the casinos in Atlantic City.

Viewing will be Wednesday, Jan. 11th, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at Earle Funeral Home, 122 W. Church St., Blackwood, NJ 08012, where a prayer service will follow at 8:30 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory would be appreciated to the Camden County Animal Shelter, 125 County House Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.earlefuneralhome.com

Friday, January 6, 2017

From: Jim Schaffner
E-Mail:
Shop: 56

Obituary for Kevin P. Meehan

Kevin P. Meehan 56 Shop PNSY

On January 3, 2017 of Washington Twp. Age 63. Beloved Husband of Patricia (nee O’Donnell). Devoted father of Sean P. (Michell), Timothy (Jill) and Kerry Meehan (Michelle). Loving grandfather of Gabby, Samantha, George, Liam, Cameron, Amanda, Mickey and Tommy.
Dear brother of Joseph F. Barnett, Jr., Michael B., Margaret F. and the late Martha Esher.

Kevin was a loving husband and a great dad. He battled courageously against every obstacle life threw at him. He loved "God , family and country." Kevin was the first in his family to graduate college. He was the epitome of the term lifelong learner.
When the closing of the Navy yard forced him to change careers, he went back to school to take education classes and ultimately became a teacher of his biggest love, history. He ultimately went on to earn his masters degree in educational administration.
Kevin's quest for knowledge didn't end there. He took classes in pipefitting, tuned in to any and all shows to do with history, read the newspaper cover to cover and even sat and read the encyclopedia like one might read a good novel. He traveled extensively in Europe to many counties to experience the sites where major events shaped history.
Kevin loved camping and hiking the Appalachian trail where he was famous for getting lost in the woods. He loved to tell corny jokes, provide text commentary during Eagles games and coin Kevinisms such as "going to the carnival is like buying a hot dog." He also loved God and helping others. He was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus and a volunteer to his church's food pantry.
Kevin's first love was his family. His proudest accomplishment was his three sons who are honest, productive members of society now raising families of their own. He was happiest when surrounded by not only his immediate family but also his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Through his final moments he continued to selflessly think of others. Concerned about his wife and family rather than his own condition, he passed away as he lived life - on his terms.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Friday
7:00-9:00 PM and Saturday 8:45-9:45 AM at the Egizi Funeral Home
119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM at Mary Mother of Mercy Parish/Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, Glassboro. Entombment, All Saints Cemetery, Newfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin’s memory may be made to Mary Mother of Mercy Parish, 500 Greentree Rd., Glassboro, NJ 08028.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.egizifuneral.com

“A Life Well Lived
Is Worth Remembering”

Friday, January 6, 2017

Stella Brooks <sebrooks3@yahoo.com>

As you can see below, it has been three years since I have asked any questions. Boy our time on this planet flies by....

I was talked into writing another biography. This one for a Vietnam vet who is a quadriplegic. Not from Vietnam but flying in an airshow. I am so glad that I was led to this man because he has a beautiful outlook on life.

His father, David Saul Doctor, played on a Isthmus League in Panama while in the Navy---Submarine service?. The guess is between 1935 to 1938. It was a semi professional baseball league. I am hoping to find a newspaper article as proof he was there and was that good. Because he was a left handed, first baseman, who fielded a thousand and batted over 300. The Redsox and other's wanted him. But, for some reason, he did not sign.

An old base paper or area paper, magazine??

I cannot locate a museum or newspaper....

Do you have any idea where I might find any information regarding this team?

Sincerely,

Stella

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

From: Joe DeKraft
E-Mail: joedek@verizon.net
Shop: Shop 17, C/265, C/244

50 Years ago today, 01/04/1967 I started working at the Navy Yard for 17 Shop. That first day I was assigned to work for Jim Gullifer on U.S.S. John Paul Jones DDG-32, coworkers were Petey Burns, Jim Manzi (material man) & John Ficchi.
In those days the Sheetmetal Shop was located in 25 & 3 Buildings, just off Broad St & there was a metal plating shop between the two buildings.
Bill Dougherty, Nacho Perez & myself all ended up in the Helper Trainee program together.
Later while working in Nick Rizzo’s Gang (2nd floor, back of #25 building) I remember when they pulled the USS New Jersey from mothballs and temporarily parked it behind the shop for a short period before it was dry-docked, The Jersey was getting readied for Vietnam.
It's funny how I can remember this like it was yesterday and not remember things from six months back. Yeah I know why, I'm just not saying it. :-)

Sunday, January 1, 2017

From: Mike Dougherty
E-Mail: mikedougherty63@yahoo.com
Shop: 56 shop

Congratulations Gerry,I agree about PNSY being the best.I had a couple jobs that provided a comparison.In 1971 ,facing a RIF I went to Salem nuclear power plant.The Atlantic city local 121 was corrupt.The president of the local was the superintendent and he fired men arbitralily every day.Almost all the members were bosses and when the contractor tried to audit the toolroom there was a fire,all records destroyed .In five years I was laid off three times so local men who were fired by different contractors could take my place.I was so glad when John Bergan,the 754 steward got me back in PNSY,In 1992 the Career transition center found me a pipefitter job at the Corpus Christi Army Depot and I was happy G/F pay working with my hands.It sounds like bragging but I was the best they ever saw.I trained at PNSY.I worked ten years there before my second line supervisor,who did illegal things that I exposed,promoted a foreman who would fire me for failure ti notify.I was escorted by guards off the base in front of my men.I was a work leader.After a rough couple months I prevailed with the judge and got a retirement party during working hours,a clean form 50 and a ton of money.

 

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