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Pt. Honda Watch May 30, 2000
Volume 1, Issue 9 Inside this Issue:
Author & Publisher:
Latest News on Moving the Anchor Over seven months have passed since our last newsletter, but my promise to you was that I would wait until I had something firm to tell you. Well, I finally have some news about our efforts to move the anchor from the Pt. Honda site, including photos to back up the subject of discussion. Thanks to Commander Jim Carlton, USN, Naval Historical Center, Washington, DC, and to Colonel Earle Sweetland, USAF (Ret.), Lompoc Valley Historical Society (LVHS), I have news and photos to share with you. The Navy entered into a contract with the LVHS whereby the anchor would be "loaned" to the Society for care and custody. The environmental report prepared by the civil engineers at Vandenberg Air Force Base ruled that the present site was an unsuitable location for the monument due to numerous safety hazards. An Air Force committee of civil engineers and military personnel met with Col Sweetland (former Commanding Officer of VAFB) and decided that the best place for the anchor would be with the LVHS where folks can see it displayed amongst other memorabilia, and not have to deal with getting aboard VAFB and the hassle of looking for it while driving all over South Vandenberg. A photo showing the anchor from the USS Chauncey being readied for transport is included, complements of Col. Sweetland.
Col. Sweetland told me that the anchor was moved to the Lompoc Valley Historical Society museum and placed under cover in the sally-port between the blacksmith shop and the museum office. The new brass plaque, which contains the names of the 23 sailors who perished at Pt. Honda, was placed on the wall behind the anchor. He also told me that the anchor is badly rusted, having received no care since it was retrieved from the ocean 27 years ago. He said the LVHS would treat the anchor with rust removal and cover it with a black rust inhibitor paint. Having the anchor free from salt air should help. And a most important consideration; the anchor has free access for public viewing. So…., if you visit Lompoc, California, stop by at the museum and take a look for yourself.
The only item unresolved is the plaque that lists the names of the ships. It is still part of the cement slab at the original Pt. Honda site on VAFB. Cdr. Carlton wrote and told me that he will ask Mark Wertheimer, VAFB Project Leader, "to keep an eye on the progress" and inform him if he needs any assistance with expediting the eventual display of the anchor and plaques. It’s nice to know that Cdr. Carlton wants to stick with us and get the job done right. Time to Wrap-up Our Mission Over two years ago, the Pt. Honda Watch came into being with the following goals:
I promised to relieve the Pt. Honda Watch members of their duties when our goals were met. And all signs indicate that they have been met. I also made personal promises to the Air Force and Navy to cease all activities on behalf of the 23 sailors, and go back to my rocking chair in full retirement. And promises should be kept. I would like to encourage our members to help support the caretaker efforts of the LVHS with contributions and personal support. It will take time, money and hard work to build a suitable exhibit that displays the anchor and two plaques. You are invited to join and/or contribute to the LVHS at: Lompoc Valley Historical Society Those who want to remain in contact with me can do so by using any one
of the addresses on My wife, June, and I, have made some lasting friendships during this assignment, and we will cherish the experience for a long time to come. Some things in life just need to be done, and this one put 23 sailors to "rest in peace." Thanks! |
