Scranton, Paul  SM2 1955-57  Jamestown, NY



Photo taken in Janruary, showing one of my hobbies. Now that I have the bait - I'm going after the big ones.  This is part of a program I call "catch and eat".  From about Oct to April  three types of lake trout come in from Lake Erie - brown - steelhead - and rainbow in that order for spawning.

The larger ones, I use for smoking and the smaller fish - filleted out are fried using lemon - floured and olive oil.  yum good.  The average size of the fish are from 24 to 30 inches and weigh between 5 to 10 lbs, bigger ones are released for return to the lake waters.
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     Upon finding Kawishiwi's website, My first recollection was the tug sinking, bringing back two thoughts.  Being on the bridge, I was the one that told Capt Swain - in a rather excited manner - "you better send a boat back to the tug - it's sinking".  The second thrill came when we were passing under an "up lifted" rail road bridge, when a tug line broke and we almost hit the bridge.  Quick reaction by crew members saved the day.
     I was trying to remember at what point I reported aboard Kawishiwi. All I can remember is - the ship was in dry dock at the Philly Naval Station or shipyard.  Seems like it was months before the ship was finished and the first trip down river. Several other reminders came to thought.
    Our first shake down cruise was an over night and engineers were reporting "a problem with the boilers".  It was early evening - a dark "mystery type" movie with lightning and all the effects  was being played in the mess hall, and I had my head near an open port hole. Without warning - a round was test fired from the 5" cannon, mounted over our heads on the deck above.  Needless to say "boiler explosion" was the only thought in my mind.
    How about the "cleaning sexton alcohol/orange juice party" - while underway to Panama Canal?  Every thing was cool until someone tried to throw an officer over board. Captains mast was the following day.  Free access to the 180 proof became history.
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     Remember a "bump" from another ship as we were topping off fuel to prepare for a run to sea during a typhoon - happened at Subic Bay. The bump destroyed a captains "gig" or a liberty launch.
     Remember an "man overboard drill"  when one end of the block and tackle wasn't secure and the small pickup boat was dunked in the ocean as it dangled from the front tackle only.
     Then there was the time they secured the " muster of all hands" during another overboard drill and at the same time ended the work day.  As we were trying to bring the lifeboat up - toilet paper was bouncing off us - an experience to remember.
     In my duty as a signalman - my greatest distance of sending a light message was 48 miles - it was night and using the big arc lights - forget how big it was - anyways we bounced the message off clouds being unable to actually see the other ship.    Remember shooting down three drone targets at gunnery practice and the Captain being told to go to ^%*()$#^ when he requested another be sent up for practice on.
     Do you remember LT DUDLEY?  He was the only person to ever answer a message from me via email and I'm guessing that was over eight years ago. Capt. Dudley passed away in 2004.
 
     Yes, there are many memories in the time spent aboard - most of my experiences were quality with an occasional not so quality experience mixed in - example the "tank cleaning detail" was taught once, which was enough for a lifetime. Paul, 1-12-06