Friday, September 26, 2008

Ike Damage at Seawolf Park

After eleven days without power at our home due to hurricane Ike we were finally able to return home this week. As Houston returns to normal pictures of Ike's damage are starting to gather in my inbox. This is welcome since we were basically without visual media contact after the storm hit.

Two new images surfaced on the NavSource.org pages for Cavalla (SS-244) and Tautog (SSN-639) today. Both Cavalla and the sail of Tautog are on display at Seawolf Park in Galveston. The place is near and dear to my heart since I've been visiting since the early 1970's.

The first image was taken by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Chris Hoffpauir and clearly shows the powerful of Ike's storm surge. Both Cavalla and the destroyer escort USS Stewart were lifted from their beds and partially refloated. Cavalla is now sitting much higher than usual as evidenced by the visible burial line along her saddle tanks and stern. Stewart is also much more exposed and listing.

Before the storm the sail of Tautog was mounted perpendicularly to Cavalla's bow. It has been twisted almost 90 degrees off her stand and now lies on her side.


This second shot is from chron.com and shows a bow view of the ships. You can really see the list imparted to both ships by the storm surge.


Obviously it's going to take some serious effort and funds to return the park to pre-storm conditions. If you would like to contribute to the restoration project send your pledge to:

Cavalla Historical Foundation
2504 Church St.
Galveston, TX 77550

Make your check out to Cavalla Historical Foundation. Donations are tax deductible. The Cavalla Historical Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization: EIN: 76-0617618. I am unaware of any online pledge interface.

When I was a boy I wrote a short story about the battleship USS Texas being blown from its moorings at San Jacinto State Park out to an uncharted island in Gulf of Mexico by a sudden hurricane. As an adult I've often chuckled at what I've considered the height of my youthful fantasy life. Looking at Seawolf Park now, I'm filled with awe at the power of great storms. And I have a little more respect for hurricanes as plot devices.

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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Ike and USS Cavalla (SS-244)

Got an email this morning with an update from John McMichael, the curator of the exhibits at Seawolf Park, Galveston, Texas supplied by Jeffrey S. Nilsson. Having ridden through Hurricane Ike myself last weekend I was anxious to learn of any damage to the Cavalla and Stewart on display in the park.

"The storm tide was high and the water had the main deck of the Stewart awash. Both of the ships were lifted out of their earth enclosures and moved a bit. The Cavalla was buttoned up and suffered no internal damage or leakage and is in pretty good shape. The Stewart, was also well buttoned up, however, when the tide receded, the result was that she now has about a 15 degree list to starboard. The out buildings and container that they were using for storage are gone."

More information will be made available as it comes to light. The island is without power and they are not allowing anyone in at present. Below is a link to video of the park.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6391229
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Suite 101 Articles

Have been recently writing naval history articles for the website suite101.com with a strong submarine bent. You can check them out here: http://www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/paulc238.

Also, had a wonderful chat with Jim Allen by phone a few weeks ago. He regaled me with several interesting stories about Wahoo and her crew. I'm organizing my notes and fleshing them out. Should be able to post the excerpts soon.
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About Me

The first 'grown up' book Paul Crozier ever read was "War Fish" by George Grider. Since then he has spent most of his life researching the U.S. Submarine Force in WWII and USS Wahoo (SS-238) in particular.

Dedication

This blog is dedicated to all who have served in the U.S. Submarine Force. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Admiral Chester Nimitz

"We shall never forget it was our submarines that held the line against the enemy while our fleets replaced losses and repaired wounds."

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