LCDR James W. Baker USCGR (RET)
I took the attached photo while Storis resupplied Cape Sarichef loran station during the summer of 1954 (1 June, I think). Alongside Storis is an LVT (landing vehicle tracked), our main method of transporting goods ashore. In the background is Pogromni Volcano, a prominent landmark near the west end of Unimak Island.
On 13 September when Storis returned from the Bering Sea patrol, a doctor and their engineering officer visited the station. When their boat returned for them, a wave swamped it during the landing. My notes said it was an LCPR (a small LCVP). It was too heavy with sand and water to pull it off the beach, so the crew secured it to one of our LVTs. During the night it broke apart. We returned our five or six overnight guests to the ship the next morning.
Our CO at the time was LTJG Lawrence Hamilton.
I find it hard to imagine a ship lasting 64 years--one I boarded more than 50 years ago and still regret not serving aboard her. Congratulations to Storis and all her crewmembers through the years.
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