The Move & Restoration of the LV 112 / WAL 534 (Nantucket) [USCG LSA]

The Move & Restoration of the LV 112 / WAL 534 (Nantucket)

NEXT STEP: Rebuilding the ship... coming

Current Updates From the Ship ARE posted below...

There are News Stories and Blogs at the bottom of this Page

Please Support the Restoration of the Nantucket

Pictures from the "Friday night Reception"

A View from the Tug!

Views from the Water's Edge!

Independence Day, 2010 aboard the LV 112 / WAL 534

Views of some of the Original Radio Equipment

US Coast Guard Information Page on the "112"

Thursday, September 02, 2010 7:28 PM

Hello Gentlemen, Just wanted to mention, due to the "pending" hurricane heading up the New England coast, (EARL) the 112 was moved a short distance alongside a more stable berth. Actually tied to an old Pier, concrete/pilings etc. She had been docked to two steel barges tied together to protect all the marina fingers. If just a 40 footer went by, and made waves, those barges would do some rockin and rollin. The 112 would move some, but not like those barges. The Pier she is at now is solid, so She has a better chance if this storm does hit Beantown. Most of you may not do "Facebook", but there are photo's of the move and her temporary berthing.

Ron Janard, LSA Historian

Monday, August 23, 2010 2:17 PM (CTZ)

Greetings to all,

I just want to thank everyone who participated and helped with the ILLW event this past weekend. Our primary objective was to reactivate and start the restoration process on LV-112's Radio Room, establish a new audience (HAMs) that will help create additional awareness about the USLM & LV-112, gain new long term participants/volunteers (Cassin Young group) and garner publicity through the media. All things considered, I thought that the event was a great success.

We had many visitors who came by and toured the ship on Sunday, despite the rain. The Boston Globe sent a reporter and photographer on Saturday which resulted in a nice article (see attachment) in the Sunday Metro section. Moreover, they all expressed a lot of interest in LV-112 and her history. One Grandmother and her two grandchildren stated that, "Being on Nantucket Lightship today made our day!" Also, some tourists from Canada and France that boarded the ship also expressed their delight. One visitor was a National Public Radio (NPR) reporter and stated that she would like to do a story about LV-112. In addition, a Board member from the historic Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH made a special trip for a tour of Nantucket / LV-112. As always, our primary goal right now is to become involved with as many venues that will inspire and motivate donors, so we can continue to support LV-112's restoration and open her to the general public. Next weekend, we will be participating in the Antique Classic Boat Festival in Salem, MA (http://www.boatfestival.org/) with an exhibit booth representing LV-112.

Once again, thank you all! The restoration and preservation of LV-112 would not be possible without the interest and participation of volunteers and donors such as yourselves. Your efforts are resulting in the rescue and preservation of a unique and valuable National Historic Landmark.

Sincerely,

Bob Mannino rmmjr2@comcast.net

USLM

Sunday, August 22, 2010 9:15 AM (CTZ)

The Globe sent a reporter and photographer to the ship (LV 112) yesterday. Here is the resulting piece from the Sunday METRO section of the Globe. (Webmaster note: Here is the on-line version of the Globe story)

McPherson looks great! Steely-eyed and intent - good picture!

We'll be at it again today, drop by if you can.

73, Mike N1N

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 10:57 AM (CTZ)

MEDIA ALERT:

Talk and listen to the world from Nantucket Lightship/LV-112

LV-112's Radio Control Room has been reactivated and will be participating in the International Lighthouse / Lightship Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2010

Contacts: Robert Mannino Jr., 617.797.0135, rmmjr2@comcast.net

Christine Paul, 617.797.5548, cpaul2@comcast.net

When: On August 21-22 (Saturday, 9am - 5pm; Sunday, 9am - 4pm) (Times are EDST)

What: Nantucket Lightship / LV-112, a National Historic Landmark, the most famous lightship in the world and largest U.S. Lightship ever built, has reactivated its Radio Control Room and will be participating in the International Lighthouse / Lightship Weekend. Over 400 lighthouses, including lightships will be broadcasting and receiving messages utilizing voice broadcasting as well as Morse Code to and from over 45 countries all over the world (i.e., South Africa, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Chile, Russia, Cuba, Europe, etc.) via HAM Radio from Nantucket Lightship's Radio Room. The United States Lightship Museum, stewards of LV-112, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is inviting the public to participate, especially children. Participants will be able to personally listen and talk with people from other countries on the radio. Although Nantucket / LV-112 is currently undergoing restoration, we are still scheduling events and limited tours on the ship.

LV-112's involvement in this historic event, is being made possible by the Volunteers from the USS Cassin Young (Charlestown Navy Yard / National Park Service) HAM Radio Group. The Cassin Young Radio folks are also volunteering their time and effort to restore and operate LV-112's original Radio Room.

Purpose: The basic objective of the event is to promote public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and their need for preservation and restoration, to promote amateur radio foster International goodwill, and to create awarness of Nantucket Lightship / LV-112's historic contributions to the international community.

Where: Nantucket Lightship / LV-112, berthed at the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina, 256 Marginal St., East Boston (Along the Harborwalk at the end of the pier). Closest MBTA subway stop is Maverick Square Station (Blue Line).

For more information, please log onto the links below:

http://illw.net/

http://www.nantucketlightshiplv-112.org/

Friday, July 30, 2010 7:29 PM (CTZ)

Hi Rick,

Don’t forget that not all the hams on the ship will be Extra class. I think the frequencies should be changed to allow General class and up to use the station if I’m not there.

How about:

7.025 – 7.040 CW

7.175 – 7.225 SSB

14.025 – 14.050 CW

14.225 – 14.275 SSB

21.025 – 21.050 CW

21.275 – 21.325 SSB

And what is it with the Europeans that make the Nantucket so popular?

BTW, I’ll be transmitting from the ship on Sunday morning. Probably be ready to go by 0930 local. Wanna try for a Q?

I want to keep the operation short as I’d like to use the N1N call and then later the ship’s club call rather than my own. W1USN from a Coast Guard shjp? I don’t think so!

73, Mike

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:11 AM (CTZ)

Greetings,

I am going to be at the ship on Friday at 9am and on Sunday at approx. 9:45am. Jim Hewitt will be at the ship on Sunday. On Friday, I am meeting Mark Starin from the USS Cassin Young radio group on LV-112 to review the logistics for the upcoming International Lighthouse / Lightship Weekend event (8/21-22). Mark is a retired US Navy radio man. The Cassin Young folks are registering LV-112 as a HAM broadcast station with our own call sign (we'll be using a tempory sign, N1N for this event).

This upcoming event offers a lot of potential news media coverage. Also, I beleive that this would be a unique event to open to the general public for viewing and could be utilized as a fundraiser. All ideas to possibly enhance this event would be welcomed.

On behalf of everyone working on the Nantucket / LV-112 HAM Radio Project, I want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Rick Gryder of the USCG Lightship Sailors Association (LSA) and the Cassin Young folks. I especilly want to thank Rick for all his time and effort in helping to initiate our involvement in the International Lighthouse / Lightship Weekend. If it wasn't for Rick, I would not have known about this exciting upcoming event. In addition, Rick has also been very helpful by posting LV-112 updates on the LSA website. He is the LSA Webmaster. Moreover, we regret that Rick cannot be an active on site participant since he lives 1,000 miles away.

In general, a Big Special Thanks to all the LV-112 volunteers and contributers for all their time and effort so far. This historic rescue and restoration project could not be possible without the generousity and committment of its committed donors and volunteers.

Regards,

Bob Mannino rmmjr2@comcast.net

USLM

Sunday, June 27, 2010 11:08 AM (CTZ)

During the week, Capt. Dinsmore and Jim Hewitt (Engineer for the 612, owned by Bill Golden) got the A/C power operating. Jim is rebuilding all the florescent lights on board. With A/C power, this means most of the electrical switches can turn the interior lights on and off. There are a lot less strings of Drop lights on board now. Yesterday I finished removing the wood paneling from the Capt’s Cabin. Bob wants to keep the vessel original as possible. At one time , the sheet metal walls were removed, and the wood paneling installed. Two walls would be steel anyway, with the outer walls, being insulated with cork like substance. Those two walls will have to have a thin skin of sheet metal fabricated to cover the insulation. Jim Hewitt was on board, repairing more lights. Capt. Dinsmore was straightening out the Radio room, weeding through notebooks and other paper, to get rid of unrelated paper goods. Got rid of a 20 ? year old / outdated computer that was on board. Bob needed to make two more “bumpers” out of old tractor tires and chain. We hung them in appropriate spots between the 112 and the docking barge.

The 112 is looking a lot cleaner and more organized every week. Looking forward to relaxing on deck next Sunday for the 4th.

By the way, while on board, noticed quite a few Coasties swarming the harbor, and heard a lot of buzzing. The buzzing was the Massachusetts State Police Chopper hovering everywhere, and I mean everywhere up and down Boston Harbor. An LNG Tanker was coming in… Lots of security, Blue lights flashing everywhere, boaters steered to our side of the Harbor to make way. If any small boat was trying to cross the Harbor, Blues light were on their ass very quickly. Impressive sight. That State Police Chopper was like a mosquito..flying up, down, and all around, scurrying like a worker Bee, not missing anything. I was taking pictures of all this, from on deck of a large RED vessel, and I bet they know how many hairs are on my head!!

Bob is also welding a couple of railing poles on deck, that were cut out sometime ago.

Still tons of work to do, Need WORKING Volunteers that show up, when they say they will!

Ron Janard (LSA Historian)

Monday, May 31, 2010 11:25 AM (CTZ)

On Saturday, we had several folks come down and help out. Ron Janard and Rick Parks were a trememdous help. Gerry Brunk came with his family. We also had some new volunteers come down. Loren came and did a survey of the electrical systems. His findings were basicly the same as the others. He said that he would like to meet with Jim Hewitt and discuss an electrical restoration plan some time on a week day.

Also, we doubled up on the stern and bow lines and discarded more scrap on the weather deck. In addition, Loren located a comprehensive dry-dock plan for LV-112 done by the USCG in 1973. LV-112 was dry-docked at a shipyard in East Boston in '73. Loren also located a file full of documents pertaining to the US lighthouse Service during its transition into the USCG (i.e., congressional Bills initiating the transition, original hand written documents from 1897 and many original letters congratulating H.D. King for his service). We are searching for LV-112's electrical blue prints.

Robert Mannino rmmjr2@comcast.net

Monday, May 31, 2010 7:44 AM (CTZ)

... Also, for the record, LV-112 is owned by the United States Lightship Museum (USLM). I do not personally own the ship. The USLM is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. LV-112 has a Covenant that clearly states that LV-112 can ever and only be owned by a qualified 501(c)3 organization with the sole purpose to preserve the ship and operate it as a museum open to the general public. Please contact me, if you have any questions. Thank you for all your efforts.

Regards, Bob Mannino rmmjr2@comcast.net

Sunday, May 30, 2010 8:08 AM (CTZ)

Yesterday, LSA Member Rick Parks and I cleaned up the deck some.. removing excess lines, organizing excess dock lines, removed an old set of wooden stairs, that were used to get off the gang plank etc. We also added an extra bow and stern line for safety. We also helped Bob remove a couple of emergency pumps and hose, he had to have ready in case of leaks, during the tow. It will take time, but slowly and surely the 112 will shape up.

With the 112 so close to home, how can I not spend time on it!

Ron Janard, LSA Historian

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 9:48 PM (CTZ)

As most of you know by now, the 112 has had many dates and time changes in the schedule since last November, when Bob Manino took over ownership. Bob’s dream and mission to return the LV112, to Boston has become a reality today. As of 3:00 this day, the LV112 is actually berthed temporarily for today, and tomorrow at the Charlestown Navy Yard, close to the U.S.S. CONSTITUTION. The LV112 will be moved to East Boston, eventually being dry-docked at the Fitzgerald Shipyard also in East Boston.

I left Beverly Massachusetts, last Friday around 3:00 a.m., caught the ferry in Ct. just in time for the 6:00 a.m. trip to Port Jeff, Long Island, and proceeded to Oyster Bay, with a mission to photograph, and video, the LV112 departing on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Figured I could help finalize some last minute chores on Friday, cleaning, securing loose items etc on the LV112. The Tug LYNX showed up around 2:30 p.m. Friday, which was an early arrival. I must mention Friday was an extremely windy day. Once the Tug docked, the Captain informed us that the tow would most likely be put off till Sunday, due to weather. They had experienced a rough ride down, and reported the bad news.

Sunday came, and still high winds, rough Sea’s. Tow postponed till Monday! Bob, Captain Dinsmore, Bill Perks, Pete Brunk, myself kind of discouraged… Bob felt like he was having a baby, with the Mother in labor for 36 hours! The Captain of the Lynx, Steve, informed us, he had to start the Tow Monday, because the tug had a prior date in Portland Maine, for Wednesday.

Monday finally came, winds strong, but weaker. We were at the dock at 6:00 a.m. Some locals, and Volunteers from the surrounding area were there for the send off. Finally about 8:15, after some last minute scurrying, the lines were let go, and off she went. What a sight, to see. Some were saddened by the void left at the pier, after 7 plus years, others, like myself, realized this is just the beginning of a new life for the 112.

I finally was able to return home late Monday, only to drive to the Cape Cod Canal, first thing Tuesday a.m., at 3:30. The 112 was due to go through the Canal at 8:00 a.m. With the schedule constantly changing I knew I had better be early, to be sure not to miss the photo op. Bill Collette ,and Jack McGrath, had arranged to meet me at the Mass Maritime Academy, which is close to the entrance of the Canal, around 6:00 a.m. Once Bill arrived, he contacted a friend at the Corp of Engineers. We were informed, one barge was entering first, next the LV112.

Finally, the 112 came around the bend, being towed at a rather fast pace I might add! The three of us, took advantage, and put the camera’s and video’s to work. Next we hopped in a car, and flew ahead of the tow, pulled over, and had a 2nd photo op. Again, after the 112 passed, we drove to the Sandwich end of the Canal, and took our last photo’s, of the departure. All over by 8:00 a.m.

At Noon time, I headed to Boston, to view the arrival of the 112, ETA 3:00 p.m. In Boston, I hooked up with Pete Brunk, Pete Penfield, and Pete Bombard. We were all anxious to see the final arrival. About 2:30 or so, we could make out the 112 coming within sight. Soon enough the 112 finally docked, lines secured, and the Tug took off! Mr. Manino quite relieved, achieving his goal of returning the 112 to Boston! To see Pete Brunk, Pete Penfield, and Pete Bombard participate in the docking and see their Ship return was priceless! It will take me awhile to sort out the photo’s and videos. I finally arrived home around 7:00 tonight, after enjoying five days, with some great people, and renewed friendships.

Ron Janard, LSA Historian

Tuesday, May 11 2010 05:30 PM (CTZ)

She has arrived. The LV 112 was tied up around 3 PM today. A reception is planned for this evening.

Monday, May 10, 2010 01:30 PM (CTZ)

Ron Janard just reported in that the ship left at 8:15 AM and should reach the Cape Cod Canal just after 8 AM tomorrow morning. Remember you can see the canal here: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/ccc/telecam/telecam_main.htm

Sunday, May 09, 2010 10:15 PM (CTZ)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Ron Janard reports from Oyster Bay:

The weather has cleared for the departure of the LV 112 Lightship now on for early Monday morning. They expect to transit The Cape Cod Canal early Tuesday morning ( daylight hours only ) and be in Boston late afternoon on Tuesday ***NOT WEDNESDAY as previously estimated **** For those that are able to meet the ship, this should be a memorable experience.

Larry Ryan, LSA President

Saturday, May 08, 2010 8:47 AM (CTZ)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

One of our new members, Ralph Hupfer, Castle Rock, Colorado, Lightship Sailor Veteran off of the LV 112 sends the following information. By clicking on the following link the LV 112 may be seen as it transits the Cape Cod Canal. The ship must transit during day light hours according to the Corp of Army Engineers, so we may be able to get a good shot.

http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/ccc/telecam/telecam_main.htm

I will send updates ASAP and with estimated time of passage.

Regards, Larry Ryan, LSA President

Saturday, May 08, 2010 7:08 AM (CTZ)

Dear rick, I met with one of your friends at the reception. He was taking a video, but I also interviewed everyone and go their names and photos which I will send to you. The ship will be towed on Monday, not Saturday because of the dangerous winds that are north of Long Island. When the people from the waterfront society see that the Nantucket is still there on Monday, they will get a laugh! I kept asking Robert Mannino when they will push off, but he really doesn't know. Ron Janard is the man with the video camera so I guess that he will phone you about the details. You missed some great food and stories. Captain Pete Brunk 1970-71 was the warrant officer of the Nantucket and told many stories about his experiences. He was a very funny man.

Loretta Guglielmino bigred414@verizon.net

(Webmaster Note: Lori's pictures are at the top of page.)

Friday, May 07, 2010 5:31 PM (CTZ)

Do to possible weather conditions tomorrow (Saturday) the LV 112 May not leave until Monday May, 10th.

Ron Janard

Friday, May 07, 2010 1:15 PM (CTZ)

Dear Rick, the reception is tonight at the waterfront center on the dock where the Nantucket is moored around 7:00 pm. They haven't told me when the ship will be launched by the tug boat tomorrow, Saturday, but probably in the a.m. It takes 30 hours on the water to get it to Boston, or so I've been told. That's the most that I know, but Robert Mannino is down here already. See you I hope, Lori

Thursday, May 06, 2010 7:50 PM (CTZ)

Nothing further to report. We still don't know anything about tomorrow's reception!

Monday, May 03, 2010 6:21 PM (CTZ)

Gentlemen, I just spoke to Bob Manino. The “reception / departing “ get together is late afternoon, no set time yet. The Tow has been planned for Sat., but Bob does not have the times yet. Bob, and Capt Dinsmore, will be sailing on the Tugboat. No one on the LV112 as stated in the past. Bob is estimating arrival in Boston sometime Sunday afternoon. This is all cloudy without specific times, but it is in the hands of the Tugboat Co. Oh Well..

I can tell you one thing for sure, I WILL be in Oyster Bay, Friday. Am hoping to leave Friday A.M. Attending the Friday night send off, and viewing the big Departure, Sat., no matter what time it happens!!

For those who cannot attend the New York end of it, I can keep you updated, once I find out exact times. So have your cell phone on! Lastly, Bob believes they will be towing during the day AND night. Let’s hope there is no cancellation this time…… May Mother Nature be kind also!!

Ron Janard LSA Historian

Sunday, May 02, 2010 9:58 PM (CTZ)

There is a reception on Friday (May 7) evening. Contact Robert Mannino about this for details. rmmjr2@comcast.net

Friday, April 30, 2010 9:58 AM (CTZ)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

For those of you interested in the historic Lightship 112:

The ship is scheduled to leave Oyster Bay, NY on Saturday, May 8th, arriving in Boston May 9-10th. For those of you near Oyster Bay, a departure party will form on Friday afternoon. For those of you in the Boston area, a welcoming party is scheduled for the arrival at the 'Public Guest Pier', Charlestown Navy Yard. The ship will be open for a 1 day reception, before moving to the yards.

Please try to be a part of this historic event. My apologies for not being able to be present due to family obligations.

Larry Ryan

Thursday, April 29, 2010 (CTZ)

Greetings again,

As of today the tow schedule has been revised per the Tow Company. The new departure date is 5/8 with a planned arrival of 5/9-10. Sorry, this is beyond our control. Please contact me if you have any questions. I hope that you can be there. There will be a departure party at the Waterline Center in Oyster Bay, 5/8 later in the afternoon / early evening. I will keep you all updated. Thank you.

Best regards,

Bob Mannino

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 10:52 AM (CTZ)

Greetings,

I hope all is well. Finally, after a long Winter, we finally have a tow date as of today. The tow company will be taking LV-112 back to Boston on May 14 (time TBD). It is approximately a 30-36 hour trip. Unfortunately, a riding crew will not be permitted on LV-112. Arrival will be 5/15-16. She will be docked at the public guest pier across the Charlestown Navy Yard for a one day reception and viewing and then towed to her berth in East Boston at the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina.

I hope that you will join us for this historic occasion. This event would not be possible, if it was not for those of you who volunteered your precious time, efforts and donated funding. We still have a long way to go. However, I believe that we are off to a good start. More details and press releases will be forthcoming. Thank you again for your passionate and dedicated participation.

Best regards,

Bob Mannino

United States Lightship Museum

http://www.nantucketlightshiplv-112.org/index.htm

The LSA received a telephone call on Tuesday, October 21, 2009 from Bob Mannino notifying us the sale of LV112/534 had just been finalized. Bob stated the ship would be moved from Oyster Bay, LI NY to Boston immediately on receipt of a dead ship tow permit from The USCG.

He went on to say he would like a list of names of our members that would like to make up a riding crew for the move, emphasizing an interest in former crewmen having served on the 112. Needless to add, when this announcement was made during the General Meeting it was met with all out excitement.

Editors Note and Reminder: The ship has been tied to the dock for almost 6 years. The ship has not been inspected for condition or safety or necessary safety equipment by The USCG nor have the bilges been pumped. At this writing, it has not been determined if any of the generators are operational. We have two former cooks signed up for the ride, one specializing in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the crew ( just in case there is no generator).

At this time, other than having a crew list, there are more questions than answers. Should anyone, in addition to the riding crew, that would like to be included on the up to the minute updates on the move, please send me a e-mail message to President @uscglightshipsailors.org and I will put you on a list.

We had 10 LSA members ( two new members signing up during the work weekend), of these, 5 members were previous crewmen aboard the 112. The work was cold and fairly dirty, much like our active duty days. We accomplished all of our minimum goals, plus other tasks as assigned on site.

Bob Manino, President of The US Lightship Museum presided like a good Skipper. Christine Manino and Laura Perks kept us fed in style. Pete Bombard ( CS2 on the 112) brought a huge bucket of excellent beef stew. In addition to our members, 6 local volunteers were in attendance along with news reporters and photographers.

Our members in attendance: Rick Parks, Peter Bombard, Ken Kubic, Ron Janard, Roland Holloway, Skip Coleman

Pete Brunk, Mike Ninivaggi, Pete Penfield, Larry Ryan.

The date of the move has not yet been determined, but the ship is all but ready pending approval of any permits.