A View of the Fantail and Old Glory

In early May ’06, the ZUNI/TAMAROA administrative group set up a work week, rather than the regular 4-day weekend scheduled twice a month.

As the word got out, looking for talented volunteers, the week got longer and longer until the week turned into nine days, 6-14 May 2006.

Bill Button Recalling old Engine Rooms

Volunteers called in from Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. WOW!

Some came on the first day and stayed until the last day. Some came and stayed as many days as possible. How do you handle the enthusiasm of electricians, boatswain’s mates, a storekeeper, enginemen and a cook? Then came the World War II vets; a motor machinist mate, a gunners mate, a radioman and a deck ape.

Bob Fowler and George Martel painting away

What do these crewmen do on a WWII ship that is undergoing restoration and preservation? They ran a temporary shore power lighting circuit, installed illuminated Exit signs over all of the doors topside and hatches, loaded some fuel, worked on the 1M/C System, cleaned and serviced the anchor windlass drive, operated the anchor windlass capstain heads and the after deck windlass for a mooring shift, swept down, carried flushing water, groceries, supplies and trash, built a scaffold, mixed and applied paint, repaired lockers, grouted gaps in the berthing area deck, cleaned the heads, made modifications and repairs to the ship’s service generators and stood generator watches. As there were no Quartermasters or Signalmen, they had to make their own flag hoists, morning and evening colors.

Electricians John Soos and Jim O'Brien hard at work.

Who were these people and what brought them to our ship? NAFTS people: John Soos (TAKELMA), Jim O’Brien (QUAPAW & BASILONE), Vince Pipitone (ARAPAHO), Jim Burton (HITICHITI), Harry Jaeger (QUAPAW & TAKELMA), Bill Button (ARIKARA), and Fred Smith (ZUNI). TAMAROA people: Rich Cunningham, Bill Doherty, Paul Fritz, Bob Ferguson and Lenny Carbone. Other Coasties: Russ Wood, George Martel, and John Kopke. Then there was a former Army person, Otis Powell. Who do they thank for the operation of the galley, purchasing the supplies, providing linens and collecting expense money? Our favorite rose among salty thorns, supply person and mistress-at-arms, Shirley Jaeger.

Jim O'Brien, Russ Wood, Fred Smith, Harry Jaeger and John Soos taking a break.

Then came the fun part of supporting our favorite film producer, Robin Williams of Laguna Beach, CA, working on his upcoming production of MAYDAY – TUGS of WAR . This was his second visit to the ZUNI/TAMAROA, as some new opportunities surfaced and a few World War II tug sailors became available for interviews; Fred Smith of New Mexico, Bill Button of Virginia, Vince Pipitone and Bob Fowler of Maryland. The film premier will be held at the NAFTS Reunion next October in San Mateo, CA.

Robin Williams filming on the Tam

How many times can you experience the sight of an older WWII former sailor coming aboard his ship (or sister ship) moving slowly and suddenly, in awe of his surroundings, revert to a 17-18 year old kid of 62 years ago? As one crossed the brow, going ashore, the Chief hollers out, “dammit, salute the ensign before leaving this here ship”. The former sailor says “Yes, sir”, salutes and turns with tears in his eyes!

Paul Fritz and Lenny Carbone

Then there’s the sea stories and actual facts heard during the week; we heard about the Aleutians, the Gilberts, the Marshals, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, New York, San Diego, Portland, Charleston, Normandy Beach, Japan’s Inland Sea, Korea and the Philippines, Jap planes and submarines, incompetent skippers, nutty crewmen, typhoons, good buddies, unspeakable liberties, monotonous tows and patrols, sinkings, London and the Blitz, the Pacific, the Atlantic icebergs, drug seizures, fisheries patrols, Texas Towers, Guantanamo Bay, “Are we ever going to see land again.” and “Why do they send the misfits to this ship ?”

A quote from the movie, Bridges at Toko-Ri, “Where do we find such men?” Right here by God!

In the mist of all this, came visitors (about a dozen) who wanted to know “Who are you people and what in hell are you doing with this old ship?” Well folks, just come aboard, and ask questions as our experienced crew shows you what we are doing and why. And by the way, a donation would be nice.

If you have any inclinations about joining our crew or participating in our preservation and restoration efforts, please call 804-273-0247 or email snafu.manor@verizon.net.