Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant [Charleston], SC was the site for the Second Annual USS Laffey Field Day and it was an unequivocal success.  Much of the activities were similar to last year except this year we had more men step up and accept the challenge of helping to maintain this floating museum. It's a privilege to help our brother destroyermen care for a great ship whose crew demonstrated skill and courage in the Atlantic and Pacific in World War II. Because of them and others like them, we are speaking English rather than German or Japanese.

Rich shipmate E. R. "Hoot" Gibson, a Patriots Point permanent volunteer, once again meated out the work assignments. Everyone had tasks consistent with their talent and capability. It's clear  that  Hoot  has  a  passion  to  make  the

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Laffey the best looking ship in the [floating museum] fleet.  His mission provides little time for lollygagging and the results show exceptional pride and quality by the men and the work they turned out.  While not everyone shares that passion, each man arrived onboard with the knowledge there was work to be done. Each man readily 'turned to' on their job and the sight and sounds of paint chipping, cutting torches, welding, paint rollers and brushes filled the air. Many of the visitors touring the ship were surprised to learn our crew were not paid professionals but rather volunteers doing a professional job.
 

Those who did volunteer did so at their own time and expense. Consider the gasoline expense alone as the group traveled near 22,000 miles roundtrip to attend the Field Day.  Eleven states were represented with shipmate Skip Lohse driving 1550 miles one-way from Fergus Falls, MN. Second was Don Hogg driving 1015 miles one-way from DeQueen, AR. Now that's commitment.  In addition to travel expense, each volunteer was charged $9.00 per diem for food and beverage.  These guys put away some chow:  28 pounds of fruit, 63 pounds of vegetables, 43 pounds of meat; 120 cans of Pepsi and 248 pints of bottled water.  You can view the full food list here.
 

The USS Laffey Association's annual reunion was being held at the Mount Pleasant Quality Inn at Patriots Point concurrently with our Work Party. During the week, shipmates from the Laffey were touring the ship with family, friends and guests.  It seemed at every opportunity, a Laffey sailor was thanking us for our help on their ship. A very gracious bunch of guys.  On Tuesday afternoon we were guests at the Laffey Association's Memorial Service on the fantail. It was a very moving service.  Following remarks by President Sonny Walker (which included two acknowledgments of the USS Rich Work Party), the survivors of the Pacific battle of 16 Apr 1945 were brought forward and the name of those killed in the battle were read followed by a wreath of flowers dropped from the fantail. The role call of other deceased members was read and the service concluded with all singing the Navy Hymn.
 

We were invited and attended a evening social hour with the Laffey Association in their Hospitality Room.  The relationship of the Rich and the Laffey only serves to prove that the brotherhood of destroyermen is alive, well and living in the hearts of tincan sailors across the nation.

As the week ended, each of our crew headed for home knowing their efforts made a difference.  We all knew it.  We could feel it in our bones and muscles.  (Wink, wink.)

Marshall DuBois' Collection