IMPORTANT LETTERS AND INFORMATION ABOUT LANSHIPRON NINE

LATEST NEWS FROM GEORGE O'CONNELL E-mail message From: groconnell@verizon.net(George O'Connell) Date: Mon, Jan 15, 2007, 5:25pm (PST+3) To: lst1161@webtv.net (G G Ricks) Subject: Fw: LANSHIPRON 9   BTW Vernon and Washoe were in the movie "Away All Boats" -- 1954 ----- Original Message ----- From: George O'Connell To: G G Ricks Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 9:08 PM Subject: LANSHIPRON 9 GG The 2 ships that went to Yokosuka independent were Washoe, arriving 3SEP and Westchester arriving 6SEP.   The Westchester and Windham took troops from Malaysia to the Belgian Congo 1960.   The Vernon became MSS 1 and went to Diego Garcia   The Vernon, Washtenaw, Westchester, Whitfield & Windham were decommissioned in Yokosuka The Terrell and Washoe were decom in Bremerton and the Tom Green in San Diego.   Terrell went to Greece, Tom Green to Spain, Vernon to Venezuela, Westchester and Windham to Turkey,   This data is 'close' as you well know the 'fact' that all 6 ships went together was off the Vernon History....   Will almost have to get the ships logs to verify ALL the dates etc....   George O'Connell   BTW----I will have some CLSR9 data for you shortly G

Captain Edmond G. Caviness II Retires (Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Story) and the MRFA's Last River Rat

Captain Caviness was commissioned in 1978 an Ensign in the United States Navy under the Limited Duty Officer Program and transferred to the USS MIDWAY (CV-41) where he served as ship's Bos'n. In 1980 he was assigned as Operations/Port Services/Harbor Movements Officer with Commander, Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, Japan. In September 1982, Capt Caviness was assigned as First Lieutenant onboard USS WHITE PLAINS 9AFS-4) As a student he then earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from San Diego State University in 1987 in Business Management under the College Degree Completion Program. In 1988, Capt Caviness was assigned as First Lieutenant onboard USSJUNEAU (LPD-10). In April 1991, Capt Caviness took command of the Naval Brig/Correctional Custody Unit, Philadelphia, Pa. During this tour, he studied Business Administration earning a Master in Science Degree from Central Michigan University In January 1993. Capt Caviness's next was on the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Group, Pacific Northwest as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Training and Readiness. In 1996, Captain Caviness wasassigned as the Waterfront Operations Officer for Naval Station , San Diego, followed by Regional Port Operations Officer for Commander, Navy Region Southwest. From October 1999 to May 2002, he was assigned to Fleet Training Center, San Diego as Executive Officer Assuming command in May 2002, Captain Caviness was serving as Commanding Officer Fleet Training Center, San Diego until his retirement Sept. 13th, 2003. Captain Caviness Served onboard the USS VERNON COUNTY (LST-1161) as SN through QM2 in support of the MRF-TF of CTF-116/117 from November 1965 to August 1969. Advanced in rank to QM1 in 1969. Captain is indeed one of the last of the River Rats in Vietnam. It's not often you see or hear of an enlisted man making Captain in the Navy. We all wish the Captain nothing but the best and smooth sailing during his retirement years. He has made all us River Rats of the Army and Navy Proud. Text Taken From the MRFA publication "River Currents" written by: Albert Moore, President, Mobile Riverine Force Association

LanShip Ron Nine History by George O'Connell (LST-1157) Tue, Oct 28, 2003, 1:53am (PST+3) From:    "George R. O'Connell" A little LanShipRon 9 early history.which occured while I was on the Terrell County 1960-62. Am sure others can contribute.....       Landing Ship Squadron 9 was formed on 1JUL60 while on board the Terrell County (LST-1157) enroute from San Diego Cal to the new squadron homeport of Yokosuka, Japan.     The first Commodore was CDR Benjamin J. Van Blake who had been COMLANSHIPRON 1. He hoisted his new pennant on board the Terrell County and the flag shifted throughout the squadron but the Terrell County was considered the flagship. In its first year of existence, the ships of LanShipRon 9 steamed over 440.000 miles while in service to the Seventh Fleet. That is the  a little over 5 times as far as John Glenn traveled  in Friendship\Seven or the equivalant of the 8 ships steaming to Europe and back 9 times each.   SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS     In the fall of 1960,the Windham-1170 and Whitfield-1169 transported Malayan troops in support of the United Nations from Singapore to the Congo.    In May 1961 the Squadron participated in "Operation Pony Express'' an exercise in Borneo in which 5 of the 8 SEATO members participated. .    In OCT 61 during Exercise "Warm UP" the squadron joined with PHIBRON 3 to transport 5500 Marines of the Third Marine Division and First MAW.     In NOV 61 the Terrell Coutny visited Bangkok Thailand after transporting troops for a joint Thai/US exercise in the Sattahip area.     In JAN 62 the Terrell County participated in "Temple Bell" a Cold Weather Amphibious Operation under Cold Weather conditions.     In MAR 62 the squadron participated in "Operation Tulungan" held in Mindoro Philippines. Among the 37,000 troops, 78 ships and 400 planes Participating units were USS Princeton, LANSHIPRON  9,  PHIBRON 1,  PHIBRON  7,  NINTH MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE and the Philippine Combat Team.      In addition to the above, the Squadron maintained the rugged schedule that the Marines required for their many Cold Weather Exercises at the base of Mt Fuji, keeping the ships busy transporting them back and forth between Okinawa and Japan. A typical year is such as the Ambassador Terrell County (The Goodwill Landing Ship) had in 1962-After the Cold Weather Ops in Jan, Operation Tulungan in Feb, Mar & Apr, the Terrell socialized with British Navy Men while in Buckner Bay Okinawa, hosted the Keelung Taiwan mayor and other dignitaries, again having the opportunity to study Thai culture in Bangkok, hosting Vietnames LST'ers in volleyball, a dependents cruise while at home in Yokosuka and holding a Christmas party for Japanese orphans. Of course there was alway the constant training and readiness drills but one cannot do such a report without mentioning all the fine work the Squadron did in the "People-to-People" program and the many fine Liberty excursions that members of the Squadron enjoyed, both in a historical and recreational function.       All of this training etc was put to good use when the hostilities in Vietnam kicked into high gear in 1965 where the ships of Landing Ship Squadron 9 performed admirably while in support of the troops in country and its job of helping maintain control of the inland waterways in conjunction with the Mobile Riverine Forces and also in the Market Time Operations.while steadily transporting men, equipment and supplies from bases in Japan and the Philippines.        The entire squadron performed its many jobs  professionaly while earning many medals, commendations and awards from both the United States and RVN governments.        Will take this opportunity to remember the members of the Westchester County who made the ultimate sacrifice while operating in Vietnam and also HONOR all who served. George R. O'Connell RM2 USN USS Terrell County (LST-1157)       The squadron truly lived up to it Motto "ON THE LINE WITH SQUADRON NINE"

LANSHIPRON NINE FIRST ANNIVERSARY E-mail message Date:    Sun, May 25, 2003, 12:59am (PDT+3) From:    "George R. O'Connell" Subject:   LSR9 Following is what I tried to send you earlier. I think it is from the base newspaper , Yokosuka - -------------------------------------------------------------- LANSHIPRON NINE CELBRATED FIRST ANNIVERSARY HERE       Landing Ship Squadron Nine celebrated the First Anniversary of its commissioning July 1 (1961)     "God bless you and keep you, may each succeeding year bring more successes. I consider it a privilege to have been your shipmate during this last year," said its Commander, Cmdr. Benjamin J. Van Blake, in a birthday greeting.      Landing Ship Squadron Nine was commissioned at sea between Hawaii and Japan on July 1, 1960. As part of the commissioning ceremony, the new squadron insignia was displayed by the ships of the new command.      The insignia features a light blue and white compass rose which is affixed to a dark blue shield. Superimposed upon the compass rose is a gold torii arch over which is centered a red numerical nine. In explaining the significance of the insignia, Commander Blake said "The squadron is represented by the red numeral nine."        Within two months of commissioning the squadron, the prophecy of the Squadron Commander was fulfilled by two of the shps of the squadron who transported United Nations sponsored Malayan troops from Singapore to the Congo.(Windham 1170 & Whitfield 1169 fall of 1960)     ......etc...etc...(the bold slanted, is my insertion)   I have a good friend that owns a print shop and I will see what he can do about the coloring of the crest..   George O'Connell

LANSHIPRON NINE MOTTO E-mail message Date:    Sun, May 25, 2003, 12:29am (PDT+3) From:    "George R. O'Connell" Subject:    LANSHIPRON 9 To:    "G. G. Ricks" Chief,  Just see what the squadron motto was:   "On the line with Squadron Nine" ------------------------------------------------------------------ On the 2nd Anniversary (Jul 1962) it was reported that the squadron had steamed 440,000 miles or 5 times the length of John Glenn's trip or break down to the equivalent of about 18 trips from NY to Europe for each ship... You did know that the original squadron was only 6 ships strong, with the other two joining about the time the 1st Commodore was relieved... I don't know if it was the two ships that went to Africa or not that weren't 'present'...   Guess you are aware that the Vernon got an Amphibious Assault Award in 1961-62

LST DIVISION 92 PATCH MUCH APPRECIATED

Here is a photo of the Div 92 patch.  Do You have or have you ever seen one of these.  I'm trying to get one for my collection.  I knew that the Tom Green was a part of this div.  We served as Flag Ship and had a commodore aboard.  His call sign was Broom Xray.  I used it a lot underway.   As you can see in the photo the old TOM and the Vernon were a part of this Div.

SPANISH SAILOR PROVIDES WHEREABOUTS OF THREE SHIPS From: "Pazos, Jose B CIV To: Cc:    1-25-06 Good morning, I am one of the original Spanish crew that took over the ship on January 5, 1972. We renamed Conde de Venadito and designated L-13.  She was decommissioned 1990. I am now living in the USA and I am a veteran, I would like to get more information about the organization. A few of my old mates are interested in the history of the Tom Green County. V/R Jose The following are the 3 LST that were decommissioned and transferred to Spain. The 3 LSTs were decommissioned in 1990, 1994 and 1995.  L-11 (ex-LST 1156) Velasco (ex-Terrebonne Parish) Bath Iron Works - Bath (Maine) 1952-1971                  Under Spanish flag :1971-1994 L-12 (ex-LST 1168) Martín Álvarez (ex-Wexford County) Charity Co. - Sturgeon Bay  1954-1971                           Under Spanish flag: 1971-1995  L-13 (ex-LST 1159) Conde de Venadito (ex-Tom Green County) Bath Iron Works - Bath (Maine) 1953-1972                Under Spanish Flag1972-1990