If your name does not appear on this list and you have paid your dues, please let Paul Mohawk know as soon as possible.  His e-mail address is pshawks@charter.net

Freeze the Balls off a Brass Monkey

It was necessary to keep a good supply of cannon balls near the cannon on old war ships. But how to prevent them from  rolling about the deck was the problem. The storage method devised  was to stack them as a square based pyramid, with one ball on top,  resting on four, resting on nine, which rested on sixteen.

Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem -- how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding/rolling from under the others.

The solution was a metal plate with 16 round  indentations, called, for reasons unknown, a Monkey. But if this  plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make them of brass - hence,  Brass Monkeys.

 Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much  more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannon balls would come right off the monkey. 

Thus, it was quite literally, cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. And all this time, folks thought that was just a vulgar expression?
                Contributed by Tom Wagner, YN3

Distinguished Sailors Series of Stamps Unveiled

On Thursday, February 4th, 2010, the US Postal Service and the US Navy Memorial introduced the latest set of stamps to honor those who served our nation.  The Distinguished Sailors stamps highlights four men (Willian S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke, John McCloy and Doris "Dorie" Miller) who, throughout their service, preformed many feats of excellence.  The event attracted both those ready to get their hands on the new stamps and others who were glad to see the accomplishements of these men given recognition by the Postal Service.
Commander of U.S. naval forces in European waters during World War I, William S. Sims (1858-1936) was an outspoken reformer and innovator who helped shape the Navy into a modern fighting force.  After serving as one of the top destroyer squadron commanders of World War II, Raleigh A. Burke (1901-1996) had an equally distinguished postwar career in which he played a major role in modernizing the Navy and guiding its response to the Cold War.  Described by a shipmate as “like a bull” who couldn’t be stopped, John McCloy (1876-1945) holds the distinction of being one of the few men in the nation’s history to earn two Medals of Honor for separate acts of heroism.  The first Black American hero of World War II, Doris Miller (1919-1943) became an inspiration to generations of Americans for his actions at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. He was later awarded the Navy Cross. (Actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., portrayed Miller in the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor.)

"No man who refuses to bear arms in defense of his nation can give a
sound reason why he should be allowed to live in a free country" 

                                              ~ T. Roosevelt

Envelope posted from the ships Post Office, October 26, 1977.  Donated by Ron Swearingen, DC3

Charleston, SC Reunion Information

Welcome to Charleston, South Carolina!   The Battery in Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most beautiful spots in America Welcome to Charleston! You are about to discover one of the most charming and romantic cities in the United States. Charleston's rich history dates back to 1670 when settlers established Charles Town Landing and more than 300 years later the city features a rich history and culture that hardly could have been imagined 3 centuries ago. Step back in time and discover a gem on the American coastline.... Charleston, South Carolina

Menu's (Welcoming Buffet and Ships Banquet)

THE POINT GRILL

WELCOMING BUFFET
September 20, 7 PM~ MENU 1
MIXED GREEN SALAD
(CHOICE OF DRESSING)
HAMBURGERS
(MAYO, MUSTARD, ONION, LETTUCE, TOMATO)
HOT DOGS
(MUSTARD, KETCHUP, RELISH, CHILI)
PULLED PORK BARBEQUE
(BBQ SAUCE, ROLLS)
BAKED BEANS
SLAW 
POTATO SALAD
POTATO CHIPS
STRAWBERRY SHORT CAKE
SWEET TEA, UNSWEETEND TEA & WATER STATION 

COST PER PERSON:  $17.78 + Gratuity

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010  Ships Banquet 

PLATED DINNER MENU
MIXED GREEN SALAD WITH MUSHROOMS AND BACON
(CHOICE OF DRESSING)
RIBEYE STEAK

SAUTEED CHICKEN BREAST MARSALA

BAKED SALMON FILET
(CHOICE OF ONE) 

TWICE BAKED POTATOES
FRESH VEGETABLE MEDLEY
ROLLS AND BUTTER 

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIE ALA MODE
OR
CARROT CAKE 

SWEET TEA, UNSWEETEND TEA & WATER STATION 

COST PER PERSON:  $19.06 + Gratuity

Activity Schedule

Directions to Our Hotel:
I-26 to Exit 220 to Highway. 17 North over Cooper River Bridge bear right on Coleman Blvd. Right at 1st light. Hotel on right.

Mail Call

I received an e-mail from Andrea Larison Masch, daughter of Cdr. Donald Eddie Larison who informed me that her father had passed away in August 27, 1981.  "He was only 43 when he passed away. Actually, he was supposed to be commissioned as a Captain after the cruise on the Plymouth Rock, but was told if he took the cruise he would come back in a casket because of a brain tumor that was found just prior to the cruise leaving. As it turned out, the cruise left in June/July 1981 and he passed away in Aug 1981."

Mike Flanagan, QM2, Thomaston, ME  (on board 2/77-11/80) writes:  Ken Johnson, my Navigator, spent a lot of time helping me put my 06 Reserve package together.  His E-mail address:  flanme3@msn.com

Hollis Stedman, OS2, Altamont, NY  (on board 76-79) writes:  I AM STILL LOOKING FOR CLIFF CLAUSEN, SMC SUGGS, OSC BILL, AND ET2 NICKEL. IVE CHANGED MY EMAIL AGAIN. MAYBE THIS ONE ILL KEEP FOR A WHILE. GIVE ME A SHOUT. JJ. MEJIA AND DAN PARTINGTON ARE ALIVE AN WELL. JUST FOUND OUT THAT BOATSWAINS MATE PHILLIPS PASSED AWAY LAST YEAR. HE WAS THE EPITOME OF A BOATWAIN, AND AN ALL AROUND GOOD GUY.  His E-mail address is:  cposted@yahoo.com

My Dad, FE Miskelly, served on the USS Plymouth Rock from 1957 to 1961. He passed away on 2/22/10 at 2000 hours. I was able to talk to a couple of his ship mates recently, and for that I am thankful.  Dad enjoyed his time in the US Navy and remembered his buddies on the Plymouth Rock. He was aboard during the recovery of the Mercury Capsule in 1961 and helped ferry President Eisenhower's vehicle and helicopter to Brazil.  He was also stationed off the coast of Cuba during the 1961 missile crisis.  He would often tell me stories of his experiences in the Navy and some of the most memorable places he went. He was excited to make the reunion a couple of years ago at Branson, Missouri. I really wish he could have gone to Charleston, SC this year. He would have loved it. I wanted to let you know so you could add his name to the memorial and to let his shipmates know. We will miss him greatly. 

Sincerely, 

Francis Todd Miskelly

214 Armstrong Drive

Belmont, NC 28012  (704) 600-5215

Jerry Brooks, QM2, Charlottesville, VA (on board 3/80-1/83) writes:  "Plymouth Rock went to South America in 1981 on Unitas Cruise. Cruise of a lifetime, of course, and enjoyed looking at the cruise book. Unfortunately, the cruise book was lost during a move and I have been wondering how I could get a copy. Was also wondering how the QM and Deck gangs are doing after all these years!"  His e-mail addess is:  gkb7j@virginia.edu

Renolds Mckenzie, SN, Fayetteville, NC (on board 2/79-3/80) writes:  "Man the memory's. I was on board during the Bermuda trip, Gitmo landings, Jamaica relief and the short trips out of the harbor for assault craft training before Christmas of 79. Left Her in dry dock march of 80. Really sad to think i could be shaving with her. There were alot of great times and I wish I have never left for that A school billet. "  His e-mail address is:  ota1rooster@jhotmail.com

Clay Corriveau, E5, US Army, Burnham, ME writes:  My uncle who served in WWII, my brother in law Tim Caldwell, who served on the Plymouth Rock in the 70s and a brother all served in the navy; my brother was a navy seal. They all spoke or speak highly of their service in the navy. I served in the army special forces in Vietnam in 62-63 and am very proud of all branches of our military. I have become a WWII buff but am always reading about other wars and all our branches of service. The American Legion had some great articles on WWII submarines lost at sea and the four that have been located. I am very impressed with your web site and wish we had a similar web site to share things and get in touch with people we served with. Great job!!!!!!!!!!

Jack Morton, SN, Ormond Beach, FL (on board 1957-60) writes:  "Looking for D. W. Chapman, SN, 1st Div."  His e-mail address is:  iambrbphl@aol.com

James David Hosea, RM3, Huntsville, TX  (on board 3/74-6/78)  "I need to find someone how was on the ship after we came out of the yards in 1977. I fell through a hatch and the VA cannot find my medical record. However, The VA person said if I can find someone or two that will write a letter to document the event, then they will reopen the claim."  His e-mail address is:  captainjd@windstream.net

Article contributed by Ron Swearingen, DC3

Work going on in the Welldeck  -  Photos contributed by Harry Andersen, BTC

Navy Trivia

Boot camp
During the Spanish-American War, Sailors wore leggings called boots, which came to mean a Navy (or Marine) recruit. These recruits trained in "boot" camps.

Mayday
The distress call for voice radio, for vessels and people in serious trouble at sea. The term was made official by an international telecommunications conference in 1948, and is an anglicizing of the French "m'aidez," (help me).

Radar
An acronym standing for "radio detecting and ranging."

Port and starboard
Port and starboard are shipboard terms for left and right, respectively. Confusing those two could cause a ship wreck. In Old England, the starboard was the steering paddle or rudder, and ships were always steered from the right side on the back of the vessel. Larboard referred to the left side, the side on which the ship was loaded. So how did larboard become port? Shouted over the noise of the wind and the waves, larboard and starboard sounded too much alike. The word port means the opening in the "left" side of the ship from which cargo was unloaded. Sailors eventually started using the term to refer to that side of the ship. Use of the term "port" was officially adopted by the U.S. Navy by General Order, 18 February 1846.

KNOCK OFF WORK: The galleys of sailing ships were once filled with men rowing to the rhythm of a mallet striking a wooden block. It was only time to quit rowing when the knocking stopped.

Side Boys
Tending the side with side boys, as we know it in modern practice, originated long time ago. It was customary in the days of sail to hold conferences on the flagships both when at sea and in open roadstead; also, officers were invited to dinner on other ships while at sea, weather permitting. Sometimes the sea was such that visitors were hoisted aboard in boatswain's chairs. Members of the crew did the hoisting, and it is from the aid they rendered in tending the side that the custom originated of having a certain number of men always in attendance. Some have reported the higher the rank, the heavier the individual; therefore, more side boys.

Scenes to Remember