From: rogiv@ix.netcom.com
Date: Sat, 04 Jul 1998 23:48:25 -0400
Subject: USS Kodiak (LSM 161)

Hi Joe,
Was browsing the VP SIte and ran into your Kodiak page. Don't know if
you have anything yet on the USS Kodiak. The ship, an old WW II LSM was
based in Kodiak in the 50's and early 60's. She was known only as LSM
161, until late '59 (October/November)when she was finally commissioned
USS Kodiak. Mission - to provide logistic support to the islands in the
Aleutian chain. I served as the 1st Lt. in '59 and 60. That was quite a
year for the ship. Lots of laughs, lots of drama,- a story that
eventually made its way into the Navy Institute Proceedings. If you've
ever heard of the ship then you probably picked up some of the story
about the famous Christmas tree cruise to Adak in '59. A very long
story. Started in Dec and ended in April/May). Its began with a stop at
Cape Cerichef (spelling?) on the Unimac Peninsula, A Wilawaw, a broached
ship, an SOS, a 20 foot hole in the side of the ship, capesized
whaleboats, etc., etc. etc.,. If you're interested in knowing more, let
me know and I'll try to reconstruct the story. Also have lots of
pictures of the ship, Kodiak Island, Afognak, Dutch Harbor, Attu, Adak,
Atka from the same time period. Keep in touch.

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