They're Sinking My Ship

[chris]

The General Harry S Taylor renamed the Vandenberg is going down this Wednesday, May 27th. I was originally scheduled to be sunk last year but due to hurricane weather it got postponed.

I came over with my mom to the US on this boat. It has a lot of history behind it including being used for the movie "Virus" starring Jamie Leigh Curtis.

I can't swim either so no diving for me to check her out. She will be a coral reef soon off Key West.

www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=96081503736&h=CY2k8&u=hD_Fs&ref=nf

[Swimmy]

That was an interesting article.

How did you get to be transported to the states on the USS Vandenberg?

[chris]

Swimmy it was used to transport refugees. I was born in a Polish DP camp, Wildflecken Germany. That also has some interesting history. (to me anyways...Elvis trained there when in the army) So when it was time to leave after the war this was the ship that brought me and my mom over. The manifest said we were going to Clinton, NY. Since I was only 3 at the time I have to rely on facts rather than memory. (I had front row center tickets to see Elvis when he was supposed to have performed in concert at the auditorium when he passed away just days before)

I just recently purchased a video (documnetary) that was recently made of Wildflecken and to my surprise my name was in the credits.

[Clipper]

It is an interesting story Chris, and it is an honorable end for a gallant old ship. When I was in the Navy, I was stationed for a short time in Long Beach California while awaiting an opening for my training school. At that time, (the mid sixties) they were taking many of those old troop carriers and modifying them to be tankers. They would take the bow and the rear section with the engine rooms and such, and scrap the middle. Then they would fabricate a huger tanker hull and place the old bow and stern sections on it. They also made some of the first container ships that way. It was done at Todd Shipyards in San Pedro, Calif.

You have lived an interesting life Chris. I would love to hear some of your stories. You should put some of them in print and post them on Dave's site "More Stories". I loved sitting for hours with my dad, hearing about his war time experiences, and about his childhood. I bet you have some stories that your mom has related to you, that would make for some wonderful reading.

In my usual workaholic manner, I worked in my off duty time, both as an airport bus driver, and as a truck driver for a ship chandler that was located near the harbor in San Pedro. Hey, had to have that beer money, haha.

[Disgusted-Daily]

Another great story with more history than we will ever know. I am sure the sinking of this great ship will be emotional for many and stories will be told again, to be passed down through generations to come.

I have seen the sinking of other ships on TV, but would love to see one first hand. I would also love to take a dive to see one at it's final resting place.

May we never forget the Men and Women who have served our country and God bless all of our Military.

[bobbbiez]

Todd, I second that with a full and grateful heart.

Hope to see y'all at Utica's Memorial Day Parade on Monday. I'll be in the parade with my 10 yr old grandson, Nikolas, riding in a convertible (because of my healing foot.)

Give us a shout and we'll acknowledge ya with a big smile and a wave. ;D

[Disgusted-Daily]

Yeah bobbbiez, remember to hang your bad foot out of the car so we will know it's you lol.

[bobbbiez]

What ya laughing about?

I probably will. ;D

Hey, just look for a very extremely handsome 10 yr old boy sitting in a convertible waving his American flag sitting next to a very tired, worn out old broad waving her flag.

[bobbbiez]

Don't be afraid to come up to us and say hello. Would love to see ya.

[Disgusted-Daily]

I have to work but hope the weather and turn out will be excellent.

[bobbbiez]

Todd, sorry to hear that but I hope your weekend goes well for you.

It's a bummer when one has to work weekends and holidays but it's all part of the job we choose to do. I know when I worked at Faxton Hospital that was the only down-side of wanting to be a nurse. Loved my job but felt bad for my family when I was absent on weekends and holidays.

I'll be thinking of you and all that have to be at work.

[bobbbiez]

Please allow me this opportunity to wish everyone a very enjoyable and safe Memorial Day weekend.

I will be at camp for most of the weekend and the summer so won't be posting much since I don't have a computer set up there or do I want one.

I will try to catch up once in a while when I do have to come back into the city for any business, but can't make any promises.

Will miss y'all and will keep y'all in my daily thoughts and prayers.

ps: Do have a message for certain people............."BEHAVE YOURSELVES!" Don't make me come back until I'm ready to close camp up again. ;D

[dgriffin]

Bye, bye, Bobbbiez. Have a safe and restful summer. See you August 2.

[bobbbiez]

Thanks Dave. Will do.

Well Kiddo, I'm off n running to start the weekend. You have a great weekend and try to keep the "others" in line in my absence. ;D

The best to you and yours always.

[chris]

Who ever wants to watch along with me the sinking of the Vandenbrg can do so live at 10a next Wednesday morning at
www.sinkthevandenberg.com/

Bobbbiez...enjoy your summer and camp. See ya when we see ya (hang a flag from your big toe for the Memorial Day parade. ;D

About my stories...well not sure mine are any different than yours. My mom probably has more to tell but it has been very hard getting anything out of her. This is very typical of people like her that went through WWII. I only wish I had started to ask long long ago as now her age stands in the way. Every once in a while she answers some of my questions. Usually I get a response of I don't remember. I just have to catch the right moment I guess.