S.S. Lane Victory and US NAvy SeaCadet Corp.
Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:48 pm
Hi Guys,
I would like to share a story with you, a story about some teenage kids and some grizzled,old men aboard a WWII cargo ship on a cruise from San Pedro to Catalina Island. It's a story that touched me deeply.
I am an adult instructor for a US Navy SeaCadet unit based at Point Mugu, Ca. where approximately 85 kids wear the uniform of the US Navy and get a taste of what it's like to be a member of the Navy.
On 17-July-09 thru 19-July, 9 teens , ages 14-18, were assigned to the S.S. Lane Victory, one of many victory ships built to carry cargo for the U.S. during the war. The ship is based at San Pedro, CA. and regularly gives cruises for paying passengers out to Catalina Island and back. The crew consists of a volunteer crew, most of which are veterans, some of whom actually manned the ship during the war.
On Friday, 17-July, we all woke up at 0400, some of us earlier, and met 7 other Seacdets and 3 instructors from two other Seacadet units in San Pedro at the berth where the Lane Victory sits as one the attractions at the harbor.
After a tour of this aged old lady, the kids got to work cleaning the ship for the passengers who would board her on Saturday. It was hot, muggy and the kids worked their tails off, loading cargo, placing hundreds of chairs around the deck, swabbing the deck and numerous other chores. The kids worked late into the night alongside some wonderful old veterans and a few grizzled crotchety types who didn't like the kids much.
The kids and instructors slept in some very cramped quarters, stacked three high on bunks with just enough room to get your body in the rack. The guys must have been smaller and shorter during the war because my feet and head exceeded the length of the bunk. And I'm only 5'11"! the quarters were hot and the portholes were open, but the sweat just kept on rolling. Most of the kids opted to sleep outdoors on the gun deck just above the quarters where it was cooler but still warm. Even though they were tired, they still found time to run around and tease and prank each other. Remarkable energy for all they had done that day! Listening to them run the deck above my head prompted me to ponder what the living conditions must have been like for the sailors during the war. The kids finally dozed around midnite, from what I'm told as I went lights out sometime prior, with some of the kids having to rise at 0400 for galley duty. The rest of us got up at 0500 and hit the galley at 0600 and then the rest of the work began.
The kids helped haul lines while the passengers boarded and we were underway at 0900. The kids continued to do work details, man overboard watch, wheel watch, bridge watch and a whole bunch of other details necessary aboard ship. It was impressive to see young people with such terrific work ethic and stamina. Their military bearing and courtesy were outstanding and many passengers were impressed by the kids. One of the crew told me this was the best group of SeaCadets he's ever seen on the boat! I was proud of these young men.
Everything was nice on the cruise. The passengers were happy listening to the band and taking the tours of the ship while underway. The most poignant moments came when the ship held a memorial for one of the victory ships sunk by a German U-boat during the war. The SeaCadets wore their dress whites and provided the color guard for the ceremony. One of our older Cadets dropped flowers over the side as the ships bell tolled for each member of the crew that died on the S.S. Gulf Oil during the war. It was very touching and the kids were magnificent. Many passengers and crew were very complimentary about the Cadets. There were a few passengers who'd had too much too drink and cussed and swore at the Cadets, but most were supportive of the kids.
We were headed back to San Pedro when we were warned by Point Mugu traffic control that German enemy planes were headed our way! Battle stations sounded and the kids headed for the aft gun deck and donned lifejackets and ear muffs. They took positions on the guns. Sure enough five enemy planes, SNJ's painted in enemy colors, attacked the Lane Victory! The kid fired their .50 cal guns, modified to fire propane blasts, at the planes as we were strafed for about 20-25 minutes. The 5" gun, under the control of an old veteran, fired off as well. Quite loud too by the way! An American plane, another SNJ, joined the fight against the enemy planes and we were victorious!! We found out that this was the longest "attack" on the Lane Victory that any of the crew could remember. It was an awesome experience for the kids. I asked one of the old crew members on the .50 cal if this was what it was like during the war. Aside from obvious differences, it was the same!
The kids got back to work as were close to docking. I had a chance to talk to a WWII pilot who flew F6F Hellcats and many other planes during the war. He was scheduled for the invasion of Japan in November 1945 and was prepared to do so. Of course, history changed in August when the atomic bombs were dropped. He told me other stories of friends lost during the training for the invasion. As he was talking, tears streamed down his face. I was at a loss for words as tears welled up in mine. We had a long chat and I thanked him for the privilege of hearing his stories and for his service to our country. He asked me to tell my kids one thing...that freedom isn't free!. It comes at a terrible cost. I shook his hand and left and before he let go, he said again freedom isn't free!!
The kids helped dock the boat and then proceeded to clean her again. Another long hot day and the kids performed magnificently!
We slept onboard again, this time more relaxed because the cruise was over. I reflected alot about the entire experience. I am in awe of the brave men and women who served in the war. I am impressed with the dedication and commitment of the kids who served on the weekend. They get no money, no ribbons, no perks. Just a long, hot, hard work weekend while their friends are enjoying the summer. They didn't complain much and were an inspiration! They gave me hope that maybe our future isn't so bleak when it comes to serving our country! It was a memorable experience on so many levels. I am overwhelmed at seeing the historic veterans of our history sail together and work side by side the with the kids of our future. There are many other stories I could share but the post is long enough. I will never forget what happened that weekend!
If you're in the San Pedro area, tour the Lane Victory. It's $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for kids on the dockside tour. $125.00 for adults and $70.00 for kids for the cruise to Catalina. The SeaCadets man the boat on the cruises. It's kinda cool to see history and the future working together aboard a relic of the past.
Dave
I would like to share a story with you, a story about some teenage kids and some grizzled,old men aboard a WWII cargo ship on a cruise from San Pedro to Catalina Island. It's a story that touched me deeply.
I am an adult instructor for a US Navy SeaCadet unit based at Point Mugu, Ca. where approximately 85 kids wear the uniform of the US Navy and get a taste of what it's like to be a member of the Navy.
On 17-July-09 thru 19-July, 9 teens , ages 14-18, were assigned to the S.S. Lane Victory, one of many victory ships built to carry cargo for the U.S. during the war. The ship is based at San Pedro, CA. and regularly gives cruises for paying passengers out to Catalina Island and back. The crew consists of a volunteer crew, most of which are veterans, some of whom actually manned the ship during the war.
On Friday, 17-July, we all woke up at 0400, some of us earlier, and met 7 other Seacdets and 3 instructors from two other Seacadet units in San Pedro at the berth where the Lane Victory sits as one the attractions at the harbor.
After a tour of this aged old lady, the kids got to work cleaning the ship for the passengers who would board her on Saturday. It was hot, muggy and the kids worked their tails off, loading cargo, placing hundreds of chairs around the deck, swabbing the deck and numerous other chores. The kids worked late into the night alongside some wonderful old veterans and a few grizzled crotchety types who didn't like the kids much.
The kids and instructors slept in some very cramped quarters, stacked three high on bunks with just enough room to get your body in the rack. The guys must have been smaller and shorter during the war because my feet and head exceeded the length of the bunk. And I'm only 5'11"! the quarters were hot and the portholes were open, but the sweat just kept on rolling. Most of the kids opted to sleep outdoors on the gun deck just above the quarters where it was cooler but still warm. Even though they were tired, they still found time to run around and tease and prank each other. Remarkable energy for all they had done that day! Listening to them run the deck above my head prompted me to ponder what the living conditions must have been like for the sailors during the war. The kids finally dozed around midnite, from what I'm told as I went lights out sometime prior, with some of the kids having to rise at 0400 for galley duty. The rest of us got up at 0500 and hit the galley at 0600 and then the rest of the work began.
The kids helped haul lines while the passengers boarded and we were underway at 0900. The kids continued to do work details, man overboard watch, wheel watch, bridge watch and a whole bunch of other details necessary aboard ship. It was impressive to see young people with such terrific work ethic and stamina. Their military bearing and courtesy were outstanding and many passengers were impressed by the kids. One of the crew told me this was the best group of SeaCadets he's ever seen on the boat! I was proud of these young men.
Everything was nice on the cruise. The passengers were happy listening to the band and taking the tours of the ship while underway. The most poignant moments came when the ship held a memorial for one of the victory ships sunk by a German U-boat during the war. The SeaCadets wore their dress whites and provided the color guard for the ceremony. One of our older Cadets dropped flowers over the side as the ships bell tolled for each member of the crew that died on the S.S. Gulf Oil during the war. It was very touching and the kids were magnificent. Many passengers and crew were very complimentary about the Cadets. There were a few passengers who'd had too much too drink and cussed and swore at the Cadets, but most were supportive of the kids.
We were headed back to San Pedro when we were warned by Point Mugu traffic control that German enemy planes were headed our way! Battle stations sounded and the kids headed for the aft gun deck and donned lifejackets and ear muffs. They took positions on the guns. Sure enough five enemy planes, SNJ's painted in enemy colors, attacked the Lane Victory! The kid fired their .50 cal guns, modified to fire propane blasts, at the planes as we were strafed for about 20-25 minutes. The 5" gun, under the control of an old veteran, fired off as well. Quite loud too by the way! An American plane, another SNJ, joined the fight against the enemy planes and we were victorious!! We found out that this was the longest "attack" on the Lane Victory that any of the crew could remember. It was an awesome experience for the kids. I asked one of the old crew members on the .50 cal if this was what it was like during the war. Aside from obvious differences, it was the same!
The kids got back to work as were close to docking. I had a chance to talk to a WWII pilot who flew F6F Hellcats and many other planes during the war. He was scheduled for the invasion of Japan in November 1945 and was prepared to do so. Of course, history changed in August when the atomic bombs were dropped. He told me other stories of friends lost during the training for the invasion. As he was talking, tears streamed down his face. I was at a loss for words as tears welled up in mine. We had a long chat and I thanked him for the privilege of hearing his stories and for his service to our country. He asked me to tell my kids one thing...that freedom isn't free!. It comes at a terrible cost. I shook his hand and left and before he let go, he said again freedom isn't free!!
The kids helped dock the boat and then proceeded to clean her again. Another long hot day and the kids performed magnificently!
We slept onboard again, this time more relaxed because the cruise was over. I reflected alot about the entire experience. I am in awe of the brave men and women who served in the war. I am impressed with the dedication and commitment of the kids who served on the weekend. They get no money, no ribbons, no perks. Just a long, hot, hard work weekend while their friends are enjoying the summer. They didn't complain much and were an inspiration! They gave me hope that maybe our future isn't so bleak when it comes to serving our country! It was a memorable experience on so many levels. I am overwhelmed at seeing the historic veterans of our history sail together and work side by side the with the kids of our future. There are many other stories I could share but the post is long enough. I will never forget what happened that weekend!
If you're in the San Pedro area, tour the Lane Victory. It's $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for kids on the dockside tour. $125.00 for adults and $70.00 for kids for the cruise to Catalina. The SeaCadets man the boat on the cruises. It's kinda cool to see history and the future working together aboard a relic of the past.
Dave
Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:57 pm
Great experience. Thanks for posting it. I have to stop by and check out the ship someday.
Tue Jul 21, 2009 2:21 pm
I would absoulutly recommend anyone who is a WWII enthusiast make an effort to take one of the cruises on the Lane Victory. There is going to be a time in the future were it just won't be possible to experience a WWII "Liberty Ship" stretching it's legs under her own power. I think there are only two left (Lane Victory & Jeremiah O'Brien).
I have been a part of the aerial attack on the Lane Victory for the last several years and will tell you it is cool. I have first hand knowledge of the trials and struggles that the Lane Victory volunteers are up against and they do an amazing job providing their guest a taste of "what is was like" and it is a realy nice day.
I have been a part of the aerial attack on the Lane Victory for the last several years and will tell you it is cool. I have first hand knowledge of the trials and struggles that the Lane Victory volunteers are up against and they do an amazing job providing their guest a taste of "what is was like" and it is a realy nice day.
Tue Jul 21, 2009 4:58 pm
Wow, what a great story!! 
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
Tue Jul 21, 2009 5:24 pm
stumac wrote:I think there are only two left (Lane Victory & Jeremiah O'Brien).
Yes and no (and yes). There are two surviving "Liberty ships" that can steam under their own power, but the Lane Victory is not one of them (the others are SS Jermiah O'Brien in San Francisco and SS John W. Brown in Baltimore).
The Lane Victory IS one of two surviving "Victory" class ships (a more advanced design that was also mass-produced during WWII) that can still get underway. The other is SS American Victory, based in Tampa Bay, FL.
Last I heard, the SS Red Oak Victory (the only surviving vessel built by the famed Kaiser shipyards) had been given to a Richmond, CA based museum -- for full restoration as a tribute to the community's remarkable contribution to the war effort.
Tue Jul 21, 2009 6:15 pm
A very moving story, thanks for sharing. I can relate a bit, I cruised on the American Victory out of Tampa Bay, FL, earlier this year. We weren't attacked, just buzzed a bit. Had a memorial service for some vets who had passed that year and delivered their ashes to the sea (Tampa Bay). Take a tour, support a ship, any ship, and the Vets that volunteer their time and sweat.
