The Years 1952 - 1955


 

San Diego, CA, Home Base for the LST 1138

The ship was at sea upon my arrival, the delay allowing me to search San Diego. Captain Mike Stapleton was on board when I arrived and I soon found that he had achieved an enviable record of seamanship but was scheduled for transfer. Lt. McClean, with Merchant Marine experience, soon took command and set us on task preparing for our duty in Japan and Korea.

San Diego CA. Skyline 1953

One of our first duties was to pickup unstable ammunition in Oakland CA. and transfer it to a place of disposal. Part of the routine for this operation was to provide wood protection between the steel deck and the ammo.

Picking up lumber protection for old ammo en route to the dump

Taking on old Ammo to be destroyed Insuring Ammo rides easy

Captain's Inspection

Engine man Greenlee

Getting underway

Looking down ramp to tank deck and open bow doors.

Testing a fire pump- Sheets and Olslouski.

One of the trinkets we purchased for a relative.

Close encounter of the best kind when we arrive for provisions after an extended time at sea with USS Mispillion

Harbor duty

Pictures by Capt. RA Mcclean

Sailors waiting for Liberty boat to shore