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1964 After a well deserved holiday, SNOHOMISH COUNTY, back in San Diego after a six and one half month tour of Hawaii began 1964 by returning to a busy schedule of local operations with Landing Ship Squadron THREE. During the first part of the year the SNOHOMISH participated in two separate weeks of type training and combined maneuvers with ships of Landing Ship Flotilla ONE. The month of May was spent taking part in Operation Pine Tree along with the major portion of the amphibious Forces in the San Diego/Long Beach area. Upon completion of Pine Tree, SNOHOMISH, COUNTY began preparing for a FRAM MK II overhaul at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. From June until the last of October, SNOHOMISH COUNTY called Long Beach her home. With only two months remaining in the year, SNOHOMISH COUNTY nevertheless had quite a schedule to fulfill four weeks of Underway Training and two weeks of Amphibious Refresher Training. Completing her training requirements with an overall grade of "GOOD" on 19 December SNOHOMISH COUNTY came close to completing twenty years of continuous active commissioned service, which she will celebrate on 28 February 1965. |
| USS SNOHOMISH COUNTY - LST 1126 Working on twenty years of continuous United States Navy Service |
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| Although miles away, some shipmates were able to seewhat appeared to be the effects of the Atom Bomb tests at Christmas Island while in the area during 1962. A shipmate, Lt. Milin (1961-63) told me of him volunteering to go under the ship to check for damages while on the Christmas Island mission. He and another shipmate used SCUBA diving outfits to venture under and look.for damages. Most of us learned not to volunteer after joining the Navy !! |
| Ensign Jim Simser
Communications Officer 1962 - 1964 Gives another view of the phrase "Lock down" and that "Pardon me" sometimes isn't enough!! My primary duty was as Communications Officer, but I was also charged with being Crypto Security Officer, Registered Publication Custodian, Top Secret Materials Officer, and anything else related to security. I had eleven (11), that’s right eleven, safes in my stateroom that even the CO was not cleared to enter, only the XO and myself. I served during Operation Dominic, the nuclear testing operation at Christmas Island, and recall that we traveled to many south sea locations with a lot of time in the Christmas Island area. One Commanding Officer was Lt. A. D. Murphy, who was quite a character. Whenever we had an all ship meeting down in the tank deck he always used Framis Mate Second Class Horace Smidlapp as an example of what was wrong with us. I also, through the years, used Horace as a descriptive example many times. Once again the Snohomish County had some excitement during its homeport time in San Diego. The ship was involved in testing of new electronic equipment and carried civilian technical people on board during the day. The technicians would be brought back to port each night and the ship would head back out to sea for the night. One night during a return trip, the ship lost both engines while attempting a turn at a bend in the harbor. Unable to control the ship with engines out, it swung around and hit the pier in front of the Harbor House Restaurant. Immediately after the accident, letters of apology were sent to the Harbor House Restaurant, the Mayor of San Diego, the Governor, COMPHIBRON, Secretary of the Navy, CNO, and anyone else thought to be of importance. It was to no avail, as a week later, a message was received at 2200 that Lt. Murphy would be relieved as Commanding Officer at 0800 the next day. Audits and inventory were made all night long and at 0800 Lt. Murphy walked off and at 0830 the new skipper came on board. (See what I mean by "excuse me" may not be enough? ccb) FOOT NOTE: I received another notification of this from an engineman who was on duty in the Main Engine room when this ocurred. Even though it was not the Captain responsible for the failure, he paid the price by losing his command. I find this to be a lousy way to run the Navy, but they continue to see it their way and CO's are the final ones punished when things like this occur. He was not the first, and was not the last to have this happen to him. (ccb) |
| Many Commanding Officers relate that they were very excited to gain the privilege of Captain, but arrived with an enormous amount of anxiousness |
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| In the middle of this fracus is Storekeeper Chuck Hamsa Photo taken on the LST 1126 July 1960 Furnish by Chuck Hamas |
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| LST 393 now being restored was one of a few LST's that was equiped with a Brodie System to launch and retrieve small aircraft during WWII. Others were the LST 776, and LST 325. |
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| Of course the waters are deep, but can you imagine how deep the bull was around this group ?? |
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| The sign says No Trespassing |
| No, this is not the Tokyo Angels, it's Chuck Hamas and friends. He took off a few days and did quite a bit of traveling in Japan. |
| Shipmates at the Snohomish County Reunion 2004 |
| Shipmates 1961-1962 SK Chuck Hamas Lt. Charles Edgar |
| Rocking and rolling as usual !! |
| 1959 Snohomish COUNTY returned from WestPac on 24 March and during the summer months the ship operated out of San Diego. During this time the ship participated in Operation Twin Peaks.
On 11 August, SNOHOMISH COUNTY went into the yards at San Diego, California in order to prepare for her next trip to WestPac. On 1 October, the ship left for her eighth and perhaps her last tour of the Western Pacific. The Commander of the Amphibious Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet has issued instructions that no LST's will deploy to WestPac in the future. There is now a squadron of LST's permanently home ported in Yokusaka Japan. On 18 December 1959, while the ship was in WestPac, LT. R. A. CAMPBELL became the ninth Commanding Officer of USS SNOHOMISH COUNTY. On that date he relieved LT. LAMB and LT JG, CAMPBELL guided the ship for the remainder of the tour in WestPac. Christmas and New Year's Day were spent in Kure, Japan. Other ports visited while in WestPac are as follows: Sasebo, Japan; Iwakuni, Japan; Yokusaka, Japan; Naha, Okinawa; Numazu, Japan; Subic Bay, Philippines; Hong Kong and Chin Hai, Korea. |
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1960 In the spring of 1960, SNOHOMISH COUNTY participated in Operation Blue Star while still in WestPac and then left for home arriving in San Diego on 5 May. For the remainder of the year the ship operated around Southern California and went into the shipyards at San Diego during August and September. After the yard period, the ship went through Underway Training and Amphibious Training in San Diego. |
| 1961 During the spring of 1961, USS SNOHOMISH COUNTY operated out of San Diego and in late May participated in Operation Greenlight, one of the largest joint operations ever held on the West Coast.
On 21 August 1960 the ship left San Diego for a tour in MidPac and was under the Operation Control of COMSERVPAC. During this tour SNOHOMISH COUNTY visited the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kahoolawe in the Hawaiian Island chain. On 26 October 1961, the ship Participated in Operation Silver Sword conducted by Commander Amphibious Squadron ONE on the island of Maui. On 26 November 1961, SNOHOMISH COUNTY arrived back in San Diego for the Christmas holidays. |
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1962 On 3 January 1962, USS SNOHOMISH COUNTY (LST-1126) departed San Diego on her second MidPac tour in six months. The mission: provide logistic support for Joint Talk Force EIGHT's Operation Dominic, the 1962 nuclear test series. Operating out of Pearl Harbor, SNOHOMISH COUNTY transported men, machinery, and supplies to Christmas Island, Johnston Island, American Samoa, and Tongareva. Palmyra, Eniwetok Atoll, Washington Island, and Fanning Island. Near the end of the operation, twenty officers and enlisted men received letters of commendation for their outstanding professional performance of duty during Operation Dominic. The ship was commended by CJTF-8 upon completion of the test series. On March 26 SNOHOMISH COUNTY crossed the equator, and as traditional initiated her slimy Polly Wogs into the Realm of King Neptune. On 17 July, LT A. D. MURPHY relieved LCDR R. A. CAMPBELL and became the ship's tenth Commanding Officer. On 17 August SNOHOMISH COUNTY again passed San Diego Sea Buoy "ISD" and began a much needed leave and upkeep period. From August 1961 to August 1962 she had steamed 34,028 miles, spent 177 days underway, and was away from home port 325 days. After the initial leave and upkeep period, the ship settled down into earnest activity; preparations for an INSURV Inspection. Late September and early October were filled with minor local operations as well as various pre-overhaul inspections. During 11-24 October, SNOHOMISH COUNTY was at San Diego Marine Construction Company for the pre-overhaul tank cleaning. On 8 November SNOHOMISH COUNTY demonstrated to senior Allied Officers the amphibious capabilities of the LST. On 13 November, the day had arrived; the Pacific Fleet Board of Inspection and Survey crossed the brow. Eight terrifying hours later the evaluation was known: SATISFACTORY FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY, A veteran of nearly eighteen years' continuous service. On 27 October the bow crossed the sill of dry dock number four, Campbell Machine, Inc., San Diego, and the long awaited regular overhaul commenced. New vigor and life were pumped into the ship's veins as major hull and superstructure alterations and repairs were initiated. Thus ends a most interesting year of SNOHOMISH COUNTY history. |
1963 SNOHOMISH COUNTY saw the New Year in at Campbell Machine Inc., a San Diego shipyard, having finished approximately one-half of her regular overhaul period. February is always the occasion for a double celebration on SNOHOMISH COUNTY. This year, the ship completed eighteen years continuous active service as a unit of Pacific Fleet amphibious Force, while the Force itself rounded out twenty-one years of achievement. Fittingly enough, SNOHOMISH COUNTY returned from her yard overhaul period to operational status on 20 February. the anniversary of PHIBPAC. After successful completion of sea trials and RFS period, the ship began final preparation for her upcoming refresher training periods. The month of March was spent under the operational control of Refresher Training Group, San Diego and on 15 April SNOHOMISH COUNTY began Amphibious Training with Amphibious Operational Training Unit in San Diego. Lieutenant W. J. BARBOUR, JR., USN, relieved Lieutenant A. D. MURPHY, USN, on 13 May and became the ship’s eleventh Commanding Officer. In early June, the ship loaded cargo, destined for Pearl Harbor, at Naval Supply Center, San Diego and a 7 June sortied with USS KEMPER COUNTY (LST-854) for transit to the fiftieth state. While in MIDPAC, SN0H0MISH COUNTY worked for Commander Service Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet carrying vehicles and troops between the Islands for the First Marine Brigade and the 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army. On 25 September, the ship participated in Operation Dull Knife with ships of Amphibious Squadron SEVEN and troops of the First Marine Brigade. SNOHOMISH COUNTY returned to San Diego on 23 December, in time to spend the holidays in her home port. During her six and one-half Month deployment in Hawaii SNOHOMISH transported 24,750 tons of Marine and Army vehicles and equipment, 6600 troops and steamed 12,177 miles, all without, missing a single commitment. |
| Here's an overhead view of Subic Bay, Philipine Islands. The Snohomish County as well as many other USN ships made port here for R&R, pick up and deliveries as well as repairs during the 60's and the Vietnam war. |
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| Left (Right ??) Eniwetoc dry ramp around 1961 Photo furnishd by Whittlesey 1961-1962 |
| Right (Wrong ??) Silver Sword 1961 Not very much dry ramp here Photo furnished by Whittlesey 1961-1962 |
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| Commanding Officer R.A. Campbell Dec 1959 July 1962 Read his summary of his tour of duty as Commanding Officer of the USS Snohomish County LST 1126 |
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| Photos furnished by Dave Murray EN2 who served on the Snohomish County LST 1126 during 1961-1963 at Christmas Island and elsewhere around in the Pacific |
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| Medical Alert for those who served on ships or on the Christmas islands during the sixties.
I have often wondered about this during the building of this website, but this is the first firsthand and actual factual information I have received. I have spoken to others who questioned and wondered if they were actually exposed to any damaging stuff while there, both in the early fifties and in the sixties. Nuclear Testing has been ongoing since the forties in and around that area, not just by the United States, but by other countries. (ccbenton) Below is an excerpt from a shipmate who has experienced problems related to his service from the atomic tests there during the Operations Dominic I, and II. “I would like to give you a medical alert for those of us who spent time in support of 'Dominic I & II'. I don't know if you are aware that those of us who were 'on site' for these tests are suffering, and dying, at a much higher rate than sailors who were not there. Myself, I've had lung cancer and had to have a lung removed. The point of this is to get the word out to those sailors who were there, but unaware of this fact. Any cancers, respiratory problems, blood diseases, etc. can be caused by radiation exposure and/or can magnify these disorders. Persons that are or have been affected by something of this nature should file a claim for compensation with the Department of Justice, (DOJ). You don't need an attorney, but it takes up to 12 months for them to make a decision on your claim. Do not go thru the Veterans Administration as they won't know what you are talking about. Do Not be discouraged when your Dosimeter and Rankometer reading come back at 0% - 5%, they all usually do. Claim forms are available online at the DOJ website or by phone at 1-800-729-7327. The website for RECA is http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/torts/const/reca . RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act) will guide you thru the necessary steps. Healthy shipmates should become aware that they are at a high risk, and need to take extra precautions, with chest x-rays, scans, etc., to catch any problems early. Any Sailors' Survivors can file claims if the sailor is deceased. There are two levels of pay out - $75,000 and $100,000 - so it is not pocket change. " Although I am not totally familiar with processing these claims, I would be willing to assist anyone that I can. You may contact me at anytime through my e-mail address. Buddy@LST1126.com The website’s history is general information, but fairly accurate. Your own records in conjunction with this history could be enough I believe to get the ball rolling. It is important (as noted by the previous writer) that you need to be aware of this ongoing problem and keep an eye on your own health with complete and periodic checkups. You should inform your doctor of the radiation possibilities you were subjected to during your tour of duty so he can more completely perform the proper tests. (ccbenton) |
| Marines. Packed like Sardines, ready to head for the beaches. That had to be a ride of a lifetime, and they did it often !!! |
| ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THE SHIP AND CREW DURING 60-61 WHILE CRUISING AROUND SAN DIEGO, HAWAII, OR WESPAC. |
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| Dave Murray with the new CPO |
| Christmas Island 1960 |
| AMTRAC Arriving in tank deck |
| AMTRAC secured for sea |
| Jarheads loading up for beaching |
| AMTRAC debarking |
| AMTRAkS - Packing 'em in the tank deck. A familiar sight no matter when you served onboard the LST 1126. |
| AMTRAC positioning for coming aboard |
| AMTRAC on to the ramp heading for the tank deck |
| AMTRACS being guided into position |
| Auxilliary Engine (Generator) Room |
| Murray and Cahill in the AUX Engine Room |
| Dave Murray at the Gee Dunk (Ship's Stores) |
| Fallflat beer and recreation time |
| Duran - Calderon - Grencious (Dupree on the right as usual showing his BUTT!!) |
| Effects of Falstaff (Fallflat) Beer |
| Don Talbot chilling out in the 40 MM |
| Many photos have been sumitted by various shipmates and it really helps the website. If you have any you would like to share, please send them to me by e-mail attachment, or postal service. Contact me at Buddy@LST1126.com for the mailing address. I assure you your photos will be promptly returned should you use the US Postal Service |
| Operation Dominic I-II Read the medical alert on this page. Have yourself checked if you have been or believe you have been around any radiation or within the waters of the tests in the Marshall Islands or elsewhere |
“History is hard to know, because of all the hired bullshit, but even without being sure of ‘history’ it seems entirely reasonable to think that every now and then the energy of a whole generation comes to a head in a long fine flash, for reasons that nobody really understands at the time — and which never explain, in retrospect, what actually happened.” Henry S. Thompson |
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| Johnny Tupuola SN 64-65 Joe Kerley SN |
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| LOADED AND LEAVING |
| AND THE WINDS DID BLOW!! |
| SN Joe Kerley 1964-65 |
| Heading for a collision ?? Not really !! |
| Captain's chair -- when he's there !! |
A VIEW FROM THE SIGNAL BRIDGE |
| LST Bunk bed with Submarine Bags (What heppened to the diddy bags) |
The above photos were furnished by Joe Kerley, a shipmate of the LST 1126 during 1964 and 1965 |
| HARK IN YON DISTANCE IS THAT THE FAMOUS ROCK OF HAWAII ? LIBERTY CALL !! |
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This is an older photo of the LST 1126 furnished by Dick Seaver who served onboard during the mid 60's. (62-64) However this photo was taken a good while before he came aboard. Search over this really good photo and see if you can tell what was different when you were onboard, especially if you served during the early or mid 60's |
Dick Seaver (1962-1964) at the International Market Place in Hawaii |
| Richard Seaver EM2 1962-1964 |
On the left is the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Photo taken in March 1964, and is a must see for visitors Photo by Seaver |
| Part of the ship's crew at Waikiki with Diamond Head in the background. Those light skin sunbathers are no doubt from the LST 1126 and Snipes to boot...Photo by Seaver |
| Dick Seaver - Jimmy Paul Bill Ashe |
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| I appled for submarine duty and was approved until I stumped my toe with a missed ship AWOL of one hour and twenty minutes. At the time I applied, I felt carefree and bullet proof. However, after seeing these photos of the Russian Submarine Kurst furnished by Dick Seaver , maybe I was a bit optimistic back then. This was the sub that went down and never came up on it's own power in the cold waters off the Russian coast a few of years ago.. |
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