TESTIMONIAL’S
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Joseph Laiachino. I served on the Storis in 1943 as a coxswain. I have many fond memories that go back to my time on the STORIS. There is no way that I would feel comfortable seeing this ship scrapped or terminated in some other manner .
The idea of turning the STORIS into a museum would serve a number of purposes:
* it has served this nation well and warrants preservation.
* the story of the STORIS in a textbook is no replacement for having the actual opportunity to visit and study the ship in person.
* we are known as a disposable nation, one that destroys or discards that which is no longer considered useful. This
would show that we do cherish certain aspects of our culture that we believe illustrate why we have been and
continue to be one of the great nations of the world.
Therefore, I urge those who will be designated with the responsibility of deciding the fate of the Storis to strongly consider transforming the STORIS into a learning museum, once she has been decommissioned in 2007.
Sincerely yours,
Joe Laiachino
Monday, June 05, 2006
To Whom It May Concern;
I was fortunate to have served on board the STORIS in 1965 and 66. This Old Lady is the best example of a USCG Cutter in the full spirit of the service that I can think of. She was not a vessel of war, but stood her ground. She was a hard working boat, which everybody who saw her remembered. Her versatility and dedication brought life and help to so many people that they that can hardly be counted. Not in a big way, but a thousand little ones. S.A.R. life saving, Logistics supplies, Buoy tending, light and day marker maintenance, coastal and fishery protection, medical services, storm reporting weather station, ice breaker, Law enforcement, harbor clearing, National defense, tug and towing serves, and on and on. Thousands of people all over the Northwest knew her as a helping hand ready do what ever the job was. "A sight for sore eyes," as I remember one lucky fisherman saying.
Surely the United States Government can find a place for her to retire in dignity and grace. We spend millions saving an old light house as we should, but we don't seem to look at our vessels with same reverence.
Please try to find a way to save the USCG Cutter STORIS from the scrap yard. Thank you for your attention
Respectfully; Timothy T. Powell
Sunday, June 04, 2006
I served on the Storis from Feb. '63 until Aug. "63. We were almost constantly underway during that time as we were the only non-Buoy Tender in Alaska at that time. We got most of the SAR calls as well as all the Bering Sea Patrols. I would like to assist you in any way I can to save her as an Historic landmark. I currently work on a Liberty Ship in S.F. that is an Historical landmark. I am reasonably free to travel if I can assist you in any way.
Thank You for your efforts.
Bob Arakel
9 June 2006
As a former crewmember of the USCGC STORIS I am very interested in whatever can be done to preserve this historic vessel.
I understand that there is interest in asking the U. S. Coast Guard to turn STORIS over to the Coast Guard Museum NW in Seattle and, in my opinion this would be a fitting location to preserve and display her.
But, no matter where the preservation takes place, I think it is important to preserve this vessel. Not only is she historic from the standpoint of the famous NW passage voyage, she is also historic as a result of her missions of LORAN station supply, fisheries patrol and very difficult search and rescue efforts in the Gulf of Alaska, along the Aleutian Island chain and in the Bering Sea. STORIS did a lot of good and unique work for the people of Alaska and the United States for a great many years.
I still remember when the STORIS seized two Soviet SRTM trawlers in the mid '60's for violating U. S. coastal waters. This was an historic event at the time, right in the middle of the cold war. I can not confirm it, but believe these were the first foreign vessels seized by a US ship since the war of 1812 (not counting WW2 of course). At least that was the legend being propagated at the time.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help support this effort to preserve the STORIS as an historic vessel.
Very sincerely yours,
W. William Rudolph
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
To whom it my concern:
I as a former STORIS crew member wish to make my voice heard that our beloved historic vessel should be saved and maybe placed somewhere as a monument because of the 1957 Northwest Passage cruise which I was proud to be a part of.
Thanks,
AI Medvez
Friday, June 09, 2006
I agree with you that it would be feasible to save the STORIS from the scrap heap or by other means. She has quite a history of sea duty and fond memories of serving aboard her during WWII. It would be nice to save her and used for exhibition purposes. Thank you and your committee for your efforts in this matter. Sincerely, Robert F. Landis who served aboard this grand cutter from 10-1942 to 12-1944.
Bob Landis
4 April 2006
Issue No.3 of the reunion news letter caught up to me just as we were moving from our Edmonds address to the one listed above. I am very pleased to have received it. Please keep me on the mailing list for future issues. I would certainly like to make any reunion and, most assuredly, if possible the actual de-commissioning ceremony for the Storis, when and wherever it takes place.
In the near future I expect to be reviewing a quantity of 35mm. colored slides and photos taken in 1968-70 when I commanded Storis. I will be happy to make them available for your work in connection with any reunion and ceremonies etc.
Also I have quite a family history connected to Storis. My stepfather Como. Beckwith Jordan was on her trial acceptance board and she served in the WWII convoy escort group commanded by my father, Capt. John H. Byrd, Sr.
The idea of bringing STORIS to the Coast Guard Museum NW would be wonderful if it could be brought about, I am, however, apprehensive. It is my impression that the Museum is suffering from a great lack of support from the District, the Area, and HQ. Because of so-called security after 9/11 it has been very difficult to impossible for civilians of the public to visit it. This could appear to be easily corrected but hasn’t been done. Also I have heard some rumors that HQ wants to concentrate all CG history exhibits etc. on the east coast. What a terrible idea!
In any event, please keep me posted on your progress as I am very interested.
John H. Byrd, CAPT USCG(RET)
26 August 2006
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
I am writing this letter as a retired Coast Guard officer who served in Alaska aboard the Coast Guard Cutter CITRUS, on the DEWLINE, with the Coast Guard Cutter STORlS.
The STORIS is, significantly, a unique vessel. She exceeds, by about 60 feet, the length of the very famous "180 foot buoy tenders" and shares many common characteristics. After my own service aboard both the WOODRUSH (as an enlisted man) and the CITRUS (as Executive Officer), both 180 footers, I was privileged to command the BRAMBLE, another 180 footer. After her decommissioning, the BRAMBLE was converted to a museum in Port Huron, Michigan. Another Coast Guard cutter I served aboard, the Icebreaker MACKINAW, is even now being converted to a museum, again on the Great Lakes.
Thusly, it is fitting and appropriate that the STORlS also become a museum. When I served in Alaska, STORlS was homeported in the capitol of Alaska: Juneau. It would seem to me to be fitting that that city be selected as the museum location for the STORlS With the large number of visitors that are brought to that city by the cruise ships, the STORlS would provide an outstanding opportunity to tell the story of the Coast Guard's operations in Alaska.
Louis Henry Mense
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Retired
26 June 2006
To Whom it may concern,
I have recently learned that the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter STORIS (WMEC-38) will be decommissioned and retired from Coast Guard service in 2007.
I was privileged to serve on the STORIS from 1963 to 1965 when she was WAG-38, a Miscellaneous Auxiliary. During my time aboard we did everything from Search and rescue to breaking ice in Cook Inlet to allow emergency supplies to reach Anchorage and environs after the earthquake in 1964, and once were called on to evacuate personnel from the vicinity on an active volcano. This was all in addition to Bering Sea Patrol and enforcing laws applying to Russian and Japanese fishing and whaling ships “poaching” inside our continental limits and taking protected whales.
In 1957, she led two other cutters in the historic circumnavigation of the North American Continent.
Prior to that history-making voyage she served our country well in completing whatever mission or duties she was assigned.
Perhaps I have a "soft spot" in my heart for the "STO", since we both were "commissioned" in 1942, but I really think that this unique ship -a rescue vessel that was part ice breaker and part "buoy snatcher", with a touch of aircraft carrier (helicopter) -should be preserved for all to see and appreciate her history and accomplishments.
I respectfully suggest and request that those who are appointed to determine the fate of the "Queen of the Fleet" will seriously consider preserving her as a museum so that both those who served aboard and those who never knew of her will have the opportunity to visit and re-visit, learn, and remember this unique, one-of-a-kind ship.
Respectfully submitted this twenty-sixth day of June, 2006
Robert G. Robertson II (former ET3, USCG)
July 18, 2006
To whom it may concern:
I write this letter in response to hearing that the United States Coast Guard Cutter “STORIS" (WMEC-38) is scheduled to be decommissioned and retired from Coast Guard service in 2007, after almost 65 years of continuous service to our country.
My name is Robert Anthony Ruggerio (# 319947) and I proudly served on the .'STORIS" from 1957- December 1958 when I was discharged due to severe back injuries requiring surgery. I was storekeeper (keeping pay records, ordering food and clothing) for the DEW Line Operations based in Juneau Alaska. I have wonderful memories of serving with a great outfit of men as well as of taking our great trip through unchartered waters as we led the Coast Guard in the historic transit of the Northwest Passage and became the first American ship to circumnavigate the North American Continent.
Our "Great White Ship" is a unique, one-of-a-kind vessel. She was the “Queen of the Fleet" and today, as the oldest cutter in service, we have no other vessels like her and undoubtedly never will. As such, I feel it would be a shame to get rid of her. I believe the “STORIS” has served our country well and has earned a place in history. Aside from the aforementioned contributions, the STORIS saw action in World War II in the North Atlantic where she helped prevent the Nazis from establishing weather stations in Greenland. As her homeports were changed to Juneau and Kodiak, Alaska, she continued serving by supplying medical treatment to native villages as well as surveying unchartered waters. Thus, I strongly believe and encourage that our heritage be saved if she is decommissioned from active duty next year by converting the “STORIS" to a museum.
Again, with over 60 years of service to our country, the " STORIS" has indeed earned the honor of being preserved as a part of our history. Anything other than preserving her as a museum upon her decommissioning would be a great dishonor to her and all of us who proudly served our great country aboard her. Therefore, for these and numerous other reasons, I respectfully urge all involved to do the right thing by making this happen.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Ruggerio
June 29, 2006
To whom it may concern,
It is by now fairly common knowledge that the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter STORIS with her a long and proud history of service to our country and to the Guard.
When the Storis was commissioned in 1942 we were a nation engulfed in war .During WWII she served in the North Atlantic proving herself as a faithful and diligent warrior. When peace returned to America she showed her humanitarian side by supplying medical treatment and supplies to the peoples of the Alaska Territory. She showed leadership and exploration skills when she became the first American vessel to circumnavigate the North American continent. I have seen first hand her service in search & rescue missions, the good times when men were saved and the sad times when lives were lost and in law enforcement with the fishery patrols during the late 1960's.
I believe that it would be difficult to find a better example to represent the United States Coast Guard, its values and the pride of its men and women than the "Grand Old Lady". I respectfully suggest that you give thoughtful consideration to preserving the Storis as a museum for all to enjoy and to learn about the Coast Guard and its role in protecting and serving the American people.
Respectfully submitted this 29th day of June, 2006.
Gene Dvorak
29 June 2006
To Whom It May Concern
I understand that the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter STORIS is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2007 and retired from Coast Guard service.
I had the honor and privilege of being stationed aboard the STORIS for a year and a half and look back on that period with great fondness and pride.. As you know, the STORIS is a unique vessel with the ability to perform many duties. During my time on the STORIS, we acted as an ice breaker, search and rescue as well as law enforcement and we received several commendations during my time aboard which was a testament to her abilities. Although it has been 35 years, I still keep in touch with a number of the crew.
I have thought enough of my time aboard the STORIS to have a model of her sitting in my family room (see enclosed).. I hope those who are to make a determination of her fate give the same consideration to maintaining the vessel so that others can appreciate this remarkable vessel. I would suggest that she be retained as a museum, perhaps in the Seattle area, so that everyone can appreciate the "Queen". I was recently in Seattle on vacation and had the opportunity to take the harbor cruise. As we passed by Todd Shipyards, the tour guide pointed out the POLAR STAR and POLAR SEA as being the only two icebreakers in the Coast Guard. As I left the ship, I proudly told the tour guide that she was incorrect and the STORIS was very much alive and had performed ice breaking duties. Another tour guide overheard the conversation, and confirmed what I had told them and said that in March when the STORIS was in the same shipyard, they repeatedly pointed out the STORIS to their passengers.
What better opportunity to preserve a piece of Coast Guard history than to have the STORIS converted into a museum.
Respectfully submitter,
Harry D. Meyer
To Whom I'm Hoping is Concerned:
My name is Dave Sprague AD-1 USCG-RET. I was on the STORIS (1957- 1958) as an FNEN-EN3 right out of boot camp and school. Being 18 years old with an entirely new life was both exciting and scary. My first choice for duty station was the 17th, being I guess a little greedy, hoping for isolated duty and the 30 days extra leave that came with it. I didn't want a ship. I used to get very seasick. Bingo, got the Storis, I hope all my classmates in EN school that thought I was crazy asking for the 17th were and are jealous. If I were them I would be. I was so lucky to have made the Northwest Passage patrol and a DEW line run the next year.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that every person that was or is now stationed aboard her has memories of their time. She has a great history and to destroy her would destroy her accomplishments and the accomplishments of the men she served. Let her now rest in a safe place so she can brag of her and the people that served on her to the people that will visit her. A part of every one of us is still aboard her.
David L. Sprague
1 July 2006
I hate to not be able to attend this reunion but, health conditions etc. does not allow it.
By the way I am a Plank Owner on the BRAMBLE, but I do agree the Coast Guard should save the great part of history.
Hope all enjoy the reunion with my blessings.
Artie Neal
25 June 2006
I am happy to endorse the request for the “STORIS” to be maintained as a museum. I would like to suggest the 8th District maybe Mobile, AL which is about the middle of the deep south. There has been a maritime memorial park there for many years containing the Battleship Alabama. A WWII sub and various military aircraft. This location is only a 2 hr. drive from N.O. on interstate 10 and Mobile has a long history with the sea and the Coast Guard.
Best of luck in your efforts and if I can be of any help, please advise.
Sincerely,
Arthur J. Bennett, Jr.
26 June 2006
The official letter on the reverse side says it all, but I feel that I want to add a personal note.
Although the “STORIS” was neither my first cutter assignment nor my last; it was by far , my most memorable.
I know it goes contrary to conventional sensibilities but I have retained a certain fondness and pride to have served aboard the “STORIS” during my Coast Guard experience. In fact, to me the “STORIS” is the Coast Guard and most certainly, deserves to be appropriately memorialized not simply discarded after her decommissioning ceremonies.
It would be ,truly, heartbreaking for all of us former crew members to see something demeaning happen to our ship ol “Gizmo Mike”, the flagship of the “Northwest Passage” expedition.
Very Sincerely,
Duane Klippel
25 June 2006
I served on the STORIS during World War Two including VE Day. They were among the most exciting times of my life. Please save this great ship. I am 82 years old and speak for many who are no longer here.
Thank you,
Ira Schneider
2/ 8 /07 CHANGING COURSE:A True Sea Story
February 8, 2007 was a special day and the end of an era in some ways. This day the oldest operating vessel in the Coast Guard, the cutter STORIS (WMEC 38), known as the "Queen of the Fleet," was decommissioned in Kodiak, Alaska after over sixty-four years of service to our country. It is not the kind of thing I normally write about. I imagine the ladies won't be that interested. But it is a true sea story about changing course.
The STORIS has some historical significance. She was commissioned in 1942 and was constructed with a reinforced ice breaking hull and bow and was 230 feet long. She was stationed first in the North Atlantic during World War II where she patrolled the east coast of Greenland to prevent the establishment of German weather stations. Later she was the first ship to circumnavigate the North American continent in 1957 when she became the first of three Coast Guard vessels to find her way through the Northwest Passage and thus ending a 450 year search.
Later she was reassigned to the Alaskan sea frontier and her primary functions shifted to enforcing laws and treaties of domestic and foreign fisheries in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska as well as many other military and search and rescue functions. The STORIS also happens to have a small part in the end of the 2006 movie THE GUARDIAN about Coast Guard rescue swimmers in Kodiak.
I had the privilege of serving aboard the STORIS in the early 1970's for two years. I probably didn't view it as much of a privilege at the time. Some crewmen referred to her unaffectionately as the “Prison Ship of the North." However, it has had a positive effect on me and our church with our nautical theme, name and logo. But it is actually deeper than that.
As a young junior officer the STORIS was a training platform for me in many ways. Our primary mission for those years was to do Bering Sea Patrols as we followed the Russian and Japanese fleets. Often the weather was cold and rough and at times we struggled with icing up in the Bering Sea winters.
I was assigned the job of communications officer which I knew very little about. I had a small crew of radiomen who operated a variety of radios, teletypes, classified communications gear, code machines and the old fashioned Morse Code key system. I also stood bridge watches and was qualified to con the ship as Officer of the Deck. Here is where I learned the meaning of the words "pressure" and "stress" for the first time. Less demanding collateral duties included overseeing the small ship's exchange and holding a small worship service on Sundays when we were underway.
I felt like this was where God wanted me and I even enjoyed it at times. As a kid I wanted to be a pirate like Captain Hook in Peter Pan. But as a Christian God changed that and put me in the Coast Guard instead which was more culturally acceptable.
It was here where I learned lessons for later in life. I learned about the leadership of men as I worked with my small department and the whole crew in a disciplined environment in many different situations. I learned about lines of authority, about how to keep records, about cleanliness, responsibility and order and so on.
Eventually there was a change of course. The Lord began to impress on me the desire to go into the ministry. So I changed course. I resigned my commission after seven years of service and headed back to college and seminary to prepare for new kind of service.
God used the time on the STORIS as a time of training for me. Those years and the other assignments I had in the Coast Guard were preparation years for Kingdom service. I would not be able to function as well now without them.
In a similar way Paul was trained as a Pharisee in the Law and was taught at the feet of well known Gamaliel. He also learned the tent-maker trade which he used later. After he came to Christ (Acts 9) he was in Damascus for several years before he really began his ministry as an Apostle. That appears to be a training time also. If you read the New Testament closely you will quickly see how the Lord used those previous periods of his life to prepare him for his eventual assignment as an Apostle. There were many changes of course leading to this.
How about you? Is God molding you now for something later. You may not like the current assignment. But, don't resist His work in your life that may be preparation for something later. God's providence works that way.
Maybe you picked up some skills in the past that you ought to be using today after life changed course? Maybe you know tent making. You have set them aside with no thought. But don't forget, it was no accident you acquired them. Ask God how you may use them or how you can be used in the present. God does use these periods in our lives to change us and we often reflect that the rest of our lives for better or for worse. Let it be for the better.
What will happen to the STORIS? Right now it is slated to be sold for scrap or become a floating museum. This is just another change of course for the old "Galloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast."
In His Service,
Pastor Mark Suko
Discovery Baptist Church
