USS Wahoo Memorial Getting Makeover

Landmark getting new makeover
By Kris Byars
04/24/2008

WAHOO, NB - A landmark in Wahoo will be getting a bit of a makeover.

The U.S.S. Wahoo memorial located on the east lawn of the Saunders County Courthouse is being refurbished.

The memorial was established by the Nebraska-Wahoo Chapter of the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II to honor the crew of the USS Wahoo. All hands were lost when the submarine, which sank 20 Japanese ships, was lost as a result of enemy action on Oct. 11, 1943.

According to Senior Chief Electrical Technician Sub Qualified Retired and United States Submarine Veterans Incorporated Nebraska Base member Pat Hancock, the refurbishment of this memorial has been in the works for a while now.

"They've been talking basically about fixing it up," he said.

U.S. Submarine Veterans Nebraska Base member Errol D. Vanicek said he became involved in the potential project long after discussion had started.

"When I entered into it, they had been talking about it for 10 years," he said. The long wait is just about over, however. The first step in the refurbishment process took place last week, when the plaques that adorned the front of the memorial were removed.

According to Vanicek, the plaques will be taken to a foundry in Omaha, where they will be made to look like new.

According to Hancock, some additional refurbishing work will be done on both the torpedo itself and the base that supports it. Much of this work is being done locally. Rick Woita will be doing the painting on the torpedo and Bullock Brothers will handle the masonry work for the base.

A new addition to the monument in the form of an engraved piece of granite will be added to the memorial.

Vanicek said they are hoping to have the entire project completed by late August.

All together, Hancock estimated that the refurbishment of this memorial would cost around $10,000. That bill is being picked up by U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc., an organization that is comprised of submarine veterans whose service took place after the World War II era.

The organization has taken over care of the USS Wahoo memorial, succeeding the World War II veterans who created it.

GETTING A FRESH LOOK – Errol D. Vanicek (left) and Pat Hancock remove the screws that hold the plaque to the front of the USS Wahoo Memorial located on the east lawn of the Saunders County Courthouse. The Plaque will be sent to a foundry in Omaha, where it will be cleaned up and made to look like new.

©Suburban Newspapers 2008 lavistasun.com

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New Book on USS Tang

One of the great things about running Legends of the Deep has been the opportunity to get advanced word of new submarine related books and articles. Last week Sean Maher of DaCapo Press contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing Alex Kershaw's new book about Tang for the Gazette and The SubCommittee Report. A free naval history book that I'm obligated to write about? That's three of my most favorite things. The following Monday I received an advance copy of "Escape From the Deep", set to be published this coming Memorial Day.

The book concerns Tang's fifth war patrol and provides new details of her loss, the escape attempts and subsequent horrors faced by the nine survivors of the boat. So far I've found it to be a riveting read; the prose O'Kane and Tang have long deserved. Kershaw has crafted very human history, rich in personal details -- which is the best kind in my opinion. I even found a reference to Legends as a source in the notes section. Too cool.

For more on the book go to http://www.escapefromthedeep.com/home.html. As promised, a full review will be forthcoming in the Gazette.

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Final Tour

With the official events concluded, Jeff and I still had a day to kill before our flights departed Friday evening. This was the impetus for our request to Admiral Walsh for a base tour. Originally, Admiral Walsh upped the ante and told us he would get us on a submarine. However, on Friday we were to learn this was not possible. In any event, the possibility of getting on the submarine base was an enormous thrill for me. Bryan Mackinnon and I were talking right before Jeff approached the Admiral and also heard the conversation. Naturally, he was onboard for the event as well.

On Friday morning we heard from our contact, Rowena, that we were to be at the base at 2:30. Jeff and I hooked up with Bryan after lunch at the Hale Koa Hotel following a long misadventure with the public transportation system which I will NOT recount. We said our good-byes to George & Tom Logue and Ms. Saga and piled into Bryan's van.

We got to the base in no time thanks to GPS navigation and hooked up with Rowena, a civilian employee of the public affairs office. She drove us to the submarine memorial park on the base. We soon found ourselves climbing on the same fairwater upon which Captain Red Ramage won his Medal of Honor -- that of USS Parche.

The park is lush and well maintained. Originally, it was to be the site of the memorial ceremonies but it was changed to the Bowfin due to the large turnout and inherent security complications. The wall of honor with plaques for each lost boat was very impressive. Perhaps it was the setting but this particular memorial has to be my personal favorite of all I have visited.

Two seven bladed submarine screws were on display. I asked Rowena if she knew the type of boat from which they came but she was unsure. Our best guess was a Barbel class diesel boat.

From there we went to Lockwood Hall. This imposing art deco structure predates the second world war and is the site of the bachelor officer's quarters.

The back patio is the location where Admiral Lockwood and his men would conduct "convoy college". Historians are interested in any photos which depict the floor as it was painted during the war. They wish to recreate it.

Today the building is used for conferences as well as relaxation. Rowena had made a presentation there earlier in the day. All the suites are named for famous boats. Access and use is arranged by pay grade. Rowena took us down a hall with brass plates naming all submarine force recipients of the Navy Cross. We ended up in a small room entitled "Skippers Lounge". A long wooden table was faced by a wall of photos of Navy Cross winners.

Surprisingly, the image of Mush Morton was one I had not seen published before. Based on the other decorations he is wearing, my best guess is it was taken upon the presentation of his first award.

Behind the small wet bar hung a copy of the Petreshok print "Wahoo is Expendable" depicting Wahoo's final resting place. This artwork was featured in the Wahoo Gazette several years ago and I believe prints can still be obtained via the Wisconsin Maritime Museum (866-724-2356).

Rowena lead us through the opposite doors into the Clean Sweep lounge. This is a much larger room featuring a corner bar, big screen TV and another treasure trove of memorabilia on the wall. To my great pleasure we discovered a framed copy of an article I had written about Admiral Lockwood hanging with the other artifacts. Entitled "Charles Lockwood: Architect of Attack" the piece was commisioned by American Submariner magazine. What a privilege to have it hung in these hallowed halls!

From there Rowena drove us towards the submarine escape tower. Along the way we stopped to view the base chapel and original base swimming pool. Both were built from funds raised by sub base personnel in the 1930's as government funding was not forthcoming.

The chapel is a quaint white structure, simple in construction, with stained glass windows down each side. I loved the brass plaque beside the front door which boldly proclaimed above a cross that the building was dedicated "For the worship of God". Nothing ambiguous about that.

The pool was a thrill for me because it figured prominently in the book that originally got me interested in Wahoo: "War Fish". Following Wahoo's first disappointing patrol, George Grider spent a lot of time swimming in the pool lcoated in front of the large, u-shaped enlisted barracks. There he met another officer who was an even better swimmer than himself. The man turned out to be Mush Morton.

After snagging a few drinks from a vending machine we pulled up around the corner at the Submarine Escape Tower. This famous structure, constructed in the 1930's, is no longer used for training. Its upper level was converted into a meeting room in the 1980's and affords an incredible view of the base and surrounding harbor.


We enlisted Bryan's kids in a quick round of the quiet game as we wouldn't know if it was in use until the elevator doors opened. If it was we were out of luck and would have to return to the ground floor. We held our breath and were rewarded with an empty room.

The view was spectacular. We could see the several Los Angeles class submarines moored at the piers, and a grand view of the base. Once again, historic memorabilia on the walls detailed the training history of the strucure. Rowena made sure we didn't take photos of any restricted areas or objects and we dutifully complied.

Back on ground level, we viewed the USS Greeneville tied up next to the parking lot, then moved across to the SubPac Administration Building behind the tower. This building also predates the war and housed the offices from which the Pacific submarine campaign was fought. Though it was closed, we could see several pictures taken aboard Wahoo on display in the lobby.

An interesting note about the building was the second floor corner office we could see from the parking lot. Rowena identified it as the vantage point from which Admiral Husband Kimmel observed the destruction of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

From there we wound our way back to the parking lot, passing the old storage buildings and machine shops, as well as the oldest remaining building on base. It dates back to the 1920's when Chester Nimitz originally established the base. Part of our route back took us down Morton Drive.

After thanking Rowena for her time and wonderful tour (her first as guide), Bryan dropped us off at Honolulu International Airport. From there Jeff and I made our way home that evening. As I winged my way back to Houston I ran through the events of the past week and tried to recall something I had longed to do or see which I hadn't been able to cross off my list. I couldn't come up with a single one.

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October 11, 2007

Because events on Thursday didn't start until 2:00, we were at our leisure all morning. Well, at least until Charles came over to get the photo display which we had been storing in our room since Tuesday night. This wasn't until 9:30 so we got cleaned up, had breakfast and posted to the blog. After loading up the display we went with him to the museum.

After unloading, Charles took us down to the Bowfin. We entered through the gun access trunk in the forward part of the conning tower fairwater. This was a thrill as I'd never done this before. The trunk has a hatch in the top which opens onto the forward 20mm gun deck, a large door in the side that opens onto the main deck (which we used) and a ladder that leads down into the control room. The landing is a nook just in front of the steering station.

From the control room Charles unlocked the ladder leading to the conning tower. Jeff and I climbed up into this usually forbidden area and had the place to ourselves for over an hour. Its condition is immaculate. All the proper WWII gear is in place: sonar control panels; radar screens; torpedo data computer; rubber pickles for raising the scopes; torpedo firing panel; a complete steering station; telephone talkers; even a set of headphones.

The No. 1 periscope was raised but the optics appeared fogged. No.2 scope's handles were just above the deck but one could see through it clearly. In low power the aiming reticle was centered on the stern of the boat. In high power the American flag filled the optics. It was a blast calling angles and taking photos. All too quickly it was time to rejoin Charles and head back to the hotel. Here's Jeff at the scope:

After a quick change of clothes for the more formal ceremonies to follow, we assisted with bus boarding and rode back to the museum with our group. Once there everyone was free to tour the boat and museum.

In the museum we stood by with the families as the facilities director Captain Jerry Hofwolt, unveiled a model of Wahoo commissioned for the occasion. Master modeler Brad Sekigawa created a beautiful representation of Wahoo in her patrol 7 configuration using the Revell Gato kit in 1/72 scale. It was complete down to battle flags and cremen on the bridge.

His friend Warren contributed the mahogony base and case in which the model rested. Both men live on the island and Brad's incredible work was on display at the Arizona Memorial museum among other locations. By the end of the afternoon, Jeff and I had given Brad and Warren the hard sell to join the submarine modeling group to which we belong, the SubCommittee. Here's me, Brad and Jeff behind Brad's beautiful model:

Immediately after the unveiling, a former crew member of USS Wahoo (SS-565) presented the group with two framed prints representing both boats. This unexpected gesture was the first time several of our group were made aware that a second boat named Wahoo had served in the submarine force.

We then had the opportunity to talk further with Edwina and Doug Morton, Mush's daughter and son. They were very gracious to everyone and patiently stood by as we had our picture taken with one of Wahoo's original battle flags on display.

Jeff remembered to ask Charles if he had been able to polish the smudges out of Wahoo's bell prior to the ceremony. He had not so we voluteered. Back in the storage area we polished and buffed, Jeff taking the front and me the back. It was an honor to be preparing the bell which was the original item from the boat. Thought to be lost for years, it was discovered in a scrap heap and delivered to the museum in the 1990's.


By now the Navy contingent had arrived. Everyone assembled under the blue and gold tent rigged on the lawn in front of the museum's ring of honor. The ring contains plaques for each of the 52 boats lost during WWII. There was a beautiful wreath beside the podium and Wahoo's bell was placed to the side for the tolling ceremony. A navy band played as the crowd gathered.



Following the invocation, Rear Admiral Joseph Walsh, Commander Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet, gave the keynote address. It was a touching speech invoking the courage and sacrifice, as well as the long lasting legacy, of the men of Wahoo. You can see the complete text of the address in the post entitled "Touchdown".

Following the address, the tolling of the bell ceremony commenced. A roll call was made of each man lost on Wahoo. As the name was spoken, a family member came forward and rang Wahoo's bell a single time with a white gloved hand. Those men who did not have a relative present were recognized by the Command Master Chief from the submarine base. The silence of the crowd, the gentle lapping of the waves at the water's edge, punctuated by the sharp, steady ring of the bell made for a moving experience.

The Navy Chaplain lead the group in a closing prayer and all eyes turned toward Bowfin. Assembled on her after deck was an honor guard of seven sailors who delivered a 21 gun salute. A lone sailor on the conning tower completed the ceremony by playing "Taps" as the sun sank behind the hills.

The museum then treated us to a dinner. Afterwards Jeff and I introduced ourselves to Admiral Walsh. I wanted to ask him how he enjoyed serving with Captain Don Henley and Petty Officer Glenn Frey but didn't. Instead, we complimented him on his address and requested a copy of the text which he immediately agreed to supply. Later, Jeff asked him about the possibility of touring the submarine base. He readily agreed to this as well.

After the sun went down everyone reassembled under the tent to hear from the men whose hard work and dedication brought the search for Wahoo to fruition. George Logue related how he learned of the loss of his brother Bob and how he vowed to find his final resting place. With the aid of sub vet Marty Schaeffer, George made the initial inquiries, established lasting bonds of friendship with the Japanese, and helped create the Wahoo Peace Memorial in Wakkanai, Hokkaido Japan in 1995. He also recognized the prinicipal Japanese supporter of the memorial, Satoru Saga, Wakkanai Businessman and Chairman of the Peace Committee. Though he was unable to attend the events this week his daughter represented him in fine fashion.

Next, Bryan Mackinnon gave a power point presentation on Project Wahoo and the men and women in Japan who combed the records to pinpoint her most likely location. These included Kazuo Ueda, Satoru Saga, Yasuhiro "Tommy" Tamagawa, Noritaka Kitazawa,
Keiko Takada, and Kayoko Itoh. He detailed the process by which side scan sonar images made by Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. were supplied by Ian Bullpitt and how those images were taken at a point within a mile of the probable location site identified by Kazuo Ueda. He then introduced the video taken by the Iskra Team, lead by former Russian submariner Vladimir Kartashev, which detailed their three dives on Wahoo. The subsequent viewing of the video was the first time many had seen the complete footage taken of Wahoo resting on the floor of La Perouse Strait.

Tom Logue, nephew of George, concluded with a talk and video presentation of the joint Russian-American memorial ceremony which was held at sea in July 2007. Tom and his cousin Rear Admiral John Christenson represented all Wahoo families at the active duty personnel only ceremony. Upon meeting John, I learned that he is the CO of the command in Corpus Christi to which a good church friend of mine is attached.

By this time it was the end of a long and emotional day. Everyone headed to the buses. Along the way, Jeff and I passed out DVDs of the wreck footage and a copy of a certificate commemorating the reading into the Michigan Congressional record of a proclamation recognizing the Wahoo remembrance ceremony. Unfortunately, we ran out of DVDs half way through. A little later we discovered the second box and distributed the remainder onboard the buses. Hopefully every family received a copy. If not, they can contact Charles at the museum to receive one.

Back at the hotel we said our good-byes to Charles and the many others we had met. All in all, I can't think of a better series of events to honor the courage and sacrifice of the men of Wahoo and those they left behind.

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