12/98-1

U.S.S. LOWNDES APA-154

December 1998 Newsletter

DRY DOCK

HONOLULU, HAWAII

U.S.S. LOWNDES (APA-154) 10th REUNION

September 23 to 26,1998

SHIPMATES, MATES & GUESTS in attendance.

Betty Baxendell --- (Kears)
Lavada Boyer ------ (King)
Margaret & Georgia Campbell
Ray & Sadie Chamberlain (Long)
Jim Chilcote
E. Max Cole
Jim Davenport
Frank & Joyce DuBois
Stan & Mona Dunn
Joe & Loreta Freitas
Mary Gebhart ------ (Robertson)
Alonzo & Oneice Hodgson
Bud & Jean Kautz
Herb Kears
Ed. King
David & Joanne Long.

Don & Shirley Lorenzi
Don & Joan Macpherson
Clark Martin
Margaret McGrody
Ed. McKellar
Eileen Murray
Leo & Margaret O'Brien
Betty Poag ---------- (Kears)
Art & Marjorie Rauseo
Earl & Frances Robertson
Mitch & Marion Sawicka-(Lorenzi)
Cliff & Mary Schaffer
Bill & Amelia Taylor
Janice Trober -------- (Robertson)
Glenda Tuppan
Randy Vavrek --------- (Tuppan)

Even though Mike & Jerry Michalski did not attend the reunion in
Hawaii their presence was there in spirit, they had sent to Stan
Dunn Key rings with a medallion attached that read "We remember."

These were available in the hospitality room to Mike's shipmates.

Thank you Mike.

BUD & JEAN KAUTZ - McHenry, IL - Boarding the plane at O'Hare for
our non-stop flight to Hawaii on September 22 we were put on hold
for 1 1/2 hours because of a break down in the communications system.
Finally underway for the 8 hour 20 minutes to our destination we
were ready for the hospitality room that Stan Dunn had stocked for
the reunion. We were early arrivals as well as several other shipmates
and their first mates and guests. After the usual greetings and hugs
we all were able to relax and wait for the events to follow. Early
Thursday morning we boarded the vans for visits to the Dole pineapple
plantation (Gift shops for the distaff side). Then on to Schofield
Army Base and Naval Ammunition Depot. Proceeded to the highlight
of the day - lunch at Pokai Bay provided by Ed. McKellar and his
very able cohorts - Georgia and Margaret Campbell. Great lunch!
Several of our hardy members brought their bathing suits and took
a dip in the ocean. By the way - this sandy beach brought back
memories of years gone by. The Lowndes had brought troops here for
practice landings, the Beach Party was involved and dug fox holes
to spend the night there, not very comfortable because it rained
throughout the evening and night. We had our ponchos but, guess what?
We returned to the hotel and once again rehashed past experiences,
as Leo O'Brien once said after hearing all the different versions,
"I wonder if we were on the same ship?" But it is very exhilarating
to hear of the feelings of 50 plus years ago. and the ones unable
to attend have missed an important part of their stint in the Navy
however long it may have been. Watched tree trimmers trim palm trees
next to our hotel. Some time in the past a coconut fell and hit a
guy on the head, he sued the city and won a judgment of approximately
$250,00.00. Now the trees are trimmed every three months to avoid
a repetition of another law suit. On to Bowfin Park where Group photos
were taken of the Lowndes Uglies and Lovelies. Outdoor banquet where
the main courses were large beef roasts and cornish hen stuffed
with wild rice. Stan was a real busy individual, he did all the
preparation of the meal including cooking of the entrees. Before
the meal there was an open bar. After the banquet the raffle was
held with the winners noted on page 11-98-C. A four piece band
furnished the music for dancing. Believe it or not, but there WAS
a goodly number performing. Mitch Sawicka (Guest of the Lorenzis)
entertained us with a solo. Back to the hotel. The next day we loaded
onto the vans for trip to Pearl Harbor, where a movie depicting
7th December, 1941 was shown. Boarded a Navy launch for a one hour
tour of Pearl Harbor before visiting the Arizona Memorial, (a very
touching scene viewing the remains of a once proud Battleship. Also
seeing the wall listing all the names of all who went down with the
ship. On to the Bowfin Park Museum. During our tour of the harbor
we were treated to close up views of the U.S.S. Missouri - BB63,
which had been towed from the United States to it's permanent resting
place where it will be made ready for the public in the near future.
(Have just learned that Joel Rodriquez served aboard her during the
Korean war). Passed by Ford Island and the location of the U.S.S.
West Virginia - BB48 and the U.S.S. California - BB44 during the
Pearl Harbor attack. Return to the hotel to prepare for the trip
home and last good byes. From Wakiki beach we had an excellent view
of Diamond Head. The following day Jean and I along with Alonzo and
Oniece Hodgson flew to Maui and a bus tour of that island. That's
another story.

A final note: Special thanks to Ed. McKellar, the Campbells and Stan
& Mona Dunn for their efforts in making this reunion one to be
remembered for a long time. They all footed the bill for these events.

U.S.S LOWNDES LOVELIES RAFFLE WINNERS:

Howard Chappell - Afghan
Harold Brunner - $150.00
Eileen Murray - $75.00
Frances Robertson - *0riginal hand painted color rendering of the U.S.S. Missouri - BB63
Jim Davenport - Flag - Flown over the Capital in Washington, DC, on Feb. 19,1998, the Arizona Memorial and the flagstaff of the U.S.S. Bowfin (SS287) Moored at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In special honor of U.S.S. Lowndes (APA-154).
Max Cole - *Arizona Memorial Plate
Ed. King - *Bowfin Plate

*These items donated by Stan Dunn

Another successful Lovelies raffle due to Sally Gary's Effort. Thanks,

Ed. Note: The flag won by Jim Davenport has certificates
authenticating the flag flown over the above locations. It was very
appropriate that Frances Robertson won the color rendering of the
U.S.S. Missouri. She is a native of The state of Missouri.

After the banquet in Bowfin Park a business meeting was held. There
is no volunteer available to host the 1999 reunion at this time.
A motion was made and passed to attempt to locate an outside source
to make arrangements for a reunion in the Washington, DC area.
Information will be coming to my (Bud) attention and forwarded
in a future news letter as details unfold. We are certainly open
to any suggestions and comments that crew members of the Lowndes
can offer for '99. There are many interesting sights to visit in
the Capital city - Navy Memorial where there is a log that can
bring up facts of Navy personnel and ships, possibly a tour of
the Capital, Navy Museum in the Navy yard. Holocaust, Iwo Jima,
Unknown Soldier Memorials, tour of the FBI. Will have to contact
some politicians and promise them a vote. This can't take place
until definite dates are set. Leo O'Brien has sent me several
reunion planners addresses and I have contacted them to see what
kind of package they can offer us. The time frame is the middle
of September.

Several contributions have been made to support the Bowfin Memorial
Park and Museum. Stan Dunn has refused to accept any financial
help from his shipmates for his efforts and expenses in setting
up our reunion. These contributions have been made in appreciation
for all the fine work Stan performed to make our 1998 reunion in
Hawaii a success. THANKS!

12/98-6

JOEL RODRIQUEZ - Hildalqo, TX - Received the August 1998 News Letter,
it was very interesting as always. I especially liked the heading
on the front page where it stated: "Hawaii welcomes Battleship to
final port." This picture brought back a lot of memories for me,
this was the last ship I was on. I was aboard the "Mighty Mo" for
several months when it was in Korea. I recall the ship bombarded
the island with her 16" guns. I also recall helping evacuating our
troops with LST's on the beach. Hundreds of Chinese troops tried
to come after our troops, our guns fired all day and night. I hope
that Stan Dunn made arrangements to go visit this beautiful ship
the U.S.S. Missouri - BB63 but it's not as pretty as the USS Lowndes.
I hope you all enjoyed yourselves at the reunion in Hawaii. Wish
we could have joined you, but maybe next time. God bless you all.

Editor's note: Joel signed his letter "Your youngest shipmate."

The U.S.S Missouri was not available at this time
for the public. Stan did get David Long aboard.

In 1775 the Continental Congress ordered construction of a naval
fleet.

REUBEN E. JOHNSON - Dodgeville, WI - Much time has passed since I
intended to write. The News Letter arrived so I can comment on that.
Really something to have the Tenth annual reunion coming up. Very
fitting that it will be in Honolulu also. And not least, with thanks
to Stan and Mona Dunn

CLIFF & MARY SCHAFFER- Had a great time in Hawaii. We sure enjoyed
everything. Stan did a good job. We stayed until Thursday evening.
Went on a few tours, cocktail shows and had some great dinners. Good
to see everybody.

LEO & MARGARET 0"BRIEN - Maiden, MA - Thank you Ed. Mckellar for
a wonderful luncheon and especially on the beach where we practiced
landings with the 98th Division, U.S. Army. Thanks also to your lady
friend and her daughter for preparing the lunch and so cheerfully
serving it. After watching you dance I think you could get rid of
your cane.

ARTHUR & MARJORIE RAUSEO - Georgetown, MA - Ed. When it comes to
pleasing people, you have the perfect touch. The luncheon served
to the Lowndes group at the beach by Georgia and Margaret was
sensational. Thank you

BETTY POAG - Cardiff, CA - Betty is Herb Kears sister. Thank you
Ed. so very much for arranging the lovely lunch at Pokai Bay Army
Rest Camp during the Lowndes reunion Sept. 1998. All of the activities
were well planned by Stan Dunn and executed. A truly memorable
Experience.

ROBERT WARNBERG - Minneapolis, MN - Wish I could come to the reunion,
but haven't the strength anymore. Had valve and 5 by-passes last
December 1997.

12/98-7

Trivia regarding the flying of the flag over the various locations
mentioned on page 12/98-5.

The United States Flag was flown over the United States Capital
on 19 February 19, 1998 for the U.S.S. Lowndes - APA 154 on the
occasion of the anniversary of the Iwo Jima Campaign.

Also raised and lowered from the flagpole of the U.S.S. Arizona
Memorial on 24 August 1998. The battleship, resting in 38 feet
of water at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, is no longer in commission.
It was stricken from the active list in 1942.

Last but not least, flown from the flagstaff of the U.S.S. Bowfin

SS286. The Bowfin saw service on nine patrols in the Pacific
during World War II and is credited with sinking 44 enemy vessels
and is a memorial to the 52 submarines and 3,505 submariners during
that conflict. The Bowfin Memorial Park and Museum is maintained
by the Pacific Fleet Submarine Association.

EDWIN McKELLAR - Waianae, HI - This is a story about the dog who never went through
quarantine. Lt. Hinton's wife was part of the Hollywood bunch, and gave us a prize
winning Beagle Hound when we stopped in Long Beach on the way to Pearl Harbor.
A wonderful dog under the care of Chief Bos'n Mate Loving. It was discovered on
the way to Pearl he had one bad habit. As he wandered about the ship at night
he would select one of a pair of shoes parked under a sailor's bunk and depart
with it for places unknown. It was very comical to some guys as long as it didn't
happen to them. And it came to pass one evening that Captain Perdue placed his
shoes outside the cabin for the steward to shine. In the morning it seems only
one shined shoe was left. So the s—— hit the fan. Bos'n Loving was called and
as we were nearing Pearl the next day, Captain Perdue said "The minute we arrive
you and the dog take a walk in the Navy yard and I only want one of you to return
and it better not be the dog." The point being that the state of Hawaii has always
had a 4 month quarantine on animals entering the territory with one exception
one Beagle.

EDWARD BEMSON - Rolling Hills, CA - Enclosed is a check for my Lowndes Reunion
Group dues. I have had a heart attack, lost all my addresses, etc. That explains
my delay. Appreciate the news letters.

We wish him a speedy recovery.

Had a phone call from Stan Dunn and he informed me that his son Dallas was
involved in an automobile accident, not his fault. Was driving Stan's truck and
was broadsided by a cab and rolled over a couple of times but suffered no serious
injuries. Stan also found a pair of prescription sun glasses, doesn't know who
they belong to. Anyone missing them? Said he received a call from Charles Perdue
who was in Honolulu during our reunion, but was unable to attend because of a
prior commitment.

JOEL RODRIQUEZ - Hildalgo, TX - I received the Honolulu news papers sent to me
with all the stories about the "Mighty MO". It really brings back a lot of
memories. I would like to thank Ed. McKellar for taking time in gathering all
these news papers. I hope the news letter will be out soon because I have not
heard from any of the guys that went to the reunion. Hope all had a good time.

12/98-8

JOHN VERNALE - Farminqton, CT - Hawaii went well, I hope. Guess it
brought back a lot of memories. Sally feels great but she's being
prepped for a possible surgery in December or January. As for my
great nephew Carl Pavano is doing great. He's 6'5" 225 Ibs. He did
pitch the 70th homer to McGwire. His father told me that McGwire
hit his 70 home runs off of 66 different pitchers. They have his
bat, ball and my nephew's baseball glove in the Hall of Fame, "How
about that?" My nephew will be recorded in history.

CLARK 0. MARTIN - Richmond, VA - Stan - you and Ed. McKellar did
a fine job for the Lowndes. You wouldn't let us help financially
but you can't stop us from supporting the Bowfin Park. Best regards
to you, Mona and Dallas. ALOHA!

EARL ROBERTSON - St. Louis, MO - Just a few lines to let you know
we arrived home on Monday morning, the 28th. Enjoyed the trip and
time in Hawaii tremendously. I must say that Stan and McKellar did
an outstanding job. The Pearl Harbor boat trip was superb. The
McKellar trip and meal was also of the utmost enjoyment. The banquet
and band most adequate. Our gang felt it was all quite outstanding.

MIKE & JERRY MICHALSKI - Austin, TX - We received the great card
from Eileen Murray signed by attendees of the Lowndes 10th reunion
in Honolulu, Hawaii hosted by our friends Stan and Mona Dunn. What
a thoughtful surprise it was and really appreciated by Jerry and
I. We missed joining the gang on this occasion in such a beautiful
and historical place. But we are looking forward to be able to
participate in the next one. Jerry's a little better. I had cataracts
removed in both eyes just three weeks apart, what a difference!

FRANK & JOYCE DuBOIS - Tampa, FL - We did enjoy ourselves in Hawaii
at the reunion. If all goes well we'll see you in Washington, DC
(No info yet.)

BILL TAYLOR - Elizabethtown, PA - It was good to see everyone in
Hawaii at our Lowndes reunion. The activities that Stan Dunn planned
for us were very meaningful to me. The meal that Stan and his friends
prepared for us at the Bowfin Museum and park, plus the band music,
the entire evening was very enjoyable. If I had to choose one activity
over the other during our reunion, it would have to be our visit
to the Arizona Memorial and the tour of Pearl Harbor. What a great
way to have a reunion of the U.S.S. Lowndes crew. Amelia and I are
looking forward to next year's reunion. Hopefully in the Washington,
DC area.

CLIFF SCHAFFER - Limeport, PA - Had a great time in Hawaii. We sure
enjoyed everything. Stan did a good job. We stayed until Thursday
evening. Went on a few tours, cocktail shows and had some great
dinners. Good to see everybody.

Have you ever sat in your front yard pointing a hair
dryer at passing cars to see it they slow down?