Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2004 19:58:43 -0700 (PDT)
From: Francis J Elliott , YN2
Subject: Plank owner stories
To: traceragr15@yahoo.com
I just had a ride down memory lane and it was great. My time on the Interrupter/Tracer was an important time in my life. I still have my Plank Owners certificate and some stationary with a picture of GR-15 on it. When I get back home I will send you some pictures and whatever else I have from the commissioning year 1958. We had some fun times that year going thru the Panama Canal to the west coast. I have a great story which I believe is true but I need some verification from someone else that was there. I can't remember if we were on picket duty or just underway but while I was on the deck amidships I saw a Gooney bird get zapped from the radar antenna beam and drop to the deck and I thought it was dead. Some other guys picked up the bird and took off with it. Later I was told they threw the bird in the pilot house and it came to when it hit the deck and spread it's six foot wings and drove the pilot out one hatch and the duty officer out the other. No one got blamed for this as no one knows who did it. Can anyone fess up to this prank or verify the truth of it. I've wondered about this for many years. I have another story which I do know from first hand if you are interested I'll send it next time I visit. As for me I'm Francis J. Elliott,YN3 postal clerk and Log Room Yeoman and I was on board the day of the fire when we lost Floyd Dudley in port at TI. God Bless him and his family. That was the only sad day I remember during my tour of duty. I've been long winded enough so I'll say bye yall for now. May the Lord Bless You, Pops Elliott |
