USS The Sullivans (DD-537)
Historic Maritime Rings of the Finest Quality
courtesy becnp
by Mike Carroll
visible on both sides of its bow. The forward two-thirds of the Johnston are intact, including the bow, bridge, and midsection; two 5-inch gun turrets, twin torpedo racks, and multiple gun mounts are still in place. The team will hand over its sonar data, imagery, and field notes to the US Navy. “We have a strict ‘look, don’t touch’ policy, but we collect a lot of material that is very useful to historians and naval archivists. I believe it is important work, which is why I fund it privately and we deliver the material to the Navy pro-bono,” said Vescovo. The Johnston was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation—the highest award that can be given to a ship. Commander Ernest Evans was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor, the first Native American in the US Navy and only one of two destroyer skippers in World War II to be so honored. (Caladan Oceanic, LLC, 6715 Orchid Lane Dallas, TX; https://caladanoceanic.com) … Another Fletcher-class destroyer, USS The Sullivans (DD-537), received an outpouring of support after the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park (BECNP) announced in late February that the ship was in need of emergency repairs to stay afloat. BECNP had been fundraising for significant restoration work on The Sullivans this spring and summer, but the need became more urgent over the winter. BECNP’s president and CEO, Paul
Free Brochure, Solid Sterling Silver, 10k, 14k or 18k Gold Marzello, stated in a public appeal: “The harsh Buffalo winter weather has severely www.EagleRings.com damaged the hull of USS The Sullivans The Carroll Collection of US Eagle Rings below the waterline, so there is significant 888-512-1333 water coming into the ship. She is currently listing to port quite noticeably. If we cannot repair the hull and stop the water, REAL WAR PHOTOS she will sink.” The response was remarkable; just one week later the naval park reported that donations totaled $230,000 and they were still coming in. The momentum inspired Douglas Jemal of Douglas Development to lead the park’s $1,000,000 fundraising campaign for the long-term work needed on the hull. The funds will pay for 50,000+ ships, battles & military photos a full underwater team of divers to coat the Request a FREE catalog. 50% Veterans Discount! entire exterior hull with an epoxy to P.O. Box 414, Somerset Ctr, MI 49282 strengthen and protect the thin steel of the 734-327-9696 www.realwarphotos.com hull from further deterioration, a process expected to take 3–4 months. Named for the five brothers—Joseph, Francis, Albert, Beaufort NavalArmorers Armorers Real War Photos Ad.indd 1 Naval 4/10/2018 Beaufort Madison, and George—who were lost when their ship, USS Juneau, was sunk at the Battle of Guadalcanal, USS The Sullivans was built by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in San Francisco. The ship took part in combat in the Marshall Islands, the CANNONS CANNONS Caroline Islands, the Mariana Islands, and Finely Crafted Marine Grade FinelyWorking CraftedReplicas Marine Grade the Philippines, earning nine combat stars Working Replicas in World War II. It served in the Korean Morehead City, NC USA 252-726-5470 War and the Cuban Blockade, and parMorehead City, NC USA 252-726-5470 www.bircherinc.com ticipated in efforts to rescue the nuclear www.bircherinc.com submarine USS Thresher. It was decommis-
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