Memorial and Museum Ships

In response to an S.O.S. from HARRY COOPER (1-LIFE-1983), ADMIRAL FRANK KELSO (2919-1993) called and explained how the US NAVY handles Memorial and Museum ships - what they can and cannot do - and, after a lengthy discussion, it appeared to me that there is no help available from the Federal government and unless we win the Florida lottery in the next week or two, there is mighty little chance to stop American Legion Post #377 from selling this proud ship for scrap! It's ironic I suppose, but on the business cards for Post #377, they call themselves "The Future Home of the Aircraft Carrier Post". Isn't it ironic that this very post that once proudly declared themselves the Aircraft Carrier Post is letting nothing stand in their way to destroy an irreplaceable piece of American heritage? And they call themselves an "American" Legion Post.

Save the USS Cabot "Jeep" Carrier

When the first part of this KTB was put together, it appeared that the chances of saving the light carrier USS CABOT were about the same as swimming across the Pacific. There were attempts, according to informed sources, to sneak the carrier out into international waters so the sale to the scrapyard could not be stopped, but an extraordinary stroke of luck tipped off officials and that plot was halted.

The US COAST GUARD had already approved towing orders and sailing orders to move USS CABOT out of New Orleans and down the Mississippi River and out into international waters - but the USCG suddenly yanked the permits and orders. We cannot go into details, but there is a LOT going on behind the scenes to stop the destruction of the IRON LADY of the Pacific. Chances to stop her destruction are still pretty slim, but they are a WHOLE lot better than they were a month or so ago.

THAT IS WHERE YOU COME INTO THE PICTURE

Yep, get out your pencil and paper, you need to write a letter. The NATIONAL PARK SERVICE has gotten involved in this situation and it was they who successfully requested that the USCG revoke the towing permit for USS CABOT - but this is only a temporary reprieve. If you want to help save the MOST HIGHLY DECORATED light carrier of the US NAVY; and the ONLY surviving light carrier of World War II, please write or FAX:

Mr. Andrew Lewis
National Park Service Advisory Council
Suite 401
Golden, Colorado (USA) 80401
or send your letter by FAX to (303) 231-5325.

Let Mr. Lewis know that you do NOT want USS CABOT destroyed. But you must act quickly, as Legion Post #377 is working very hard to move the deal forward so the carrier can go on to the scrapyard.

After sending a copy of pages 27 & 29 of KTB #106 to the commander of Legion Post #377, Alex Sheffield called and left a message on our answering machine that he was 'highly insulted' over what I wrote. From my early days as a professional racing driver and writer, I had always believed that if something I wrote upset the subject of a piece, then he should not have done what was reported! I returned his call, left a message on his machine, but he has not returned my call.

Alex Sheffield telephoned a Member of SHARKHUNTERS recently and it is that Member's assessment that Legion Post #377 is really in a tough spot, because they have mortgaged their Post for the Carrier and since they cannot seem to get it open to the public, they have no choice but to sell her for scrap. Informed sources tell us that Sheffield and the post have been led to believe they will realize something like one and a half million dollars for the sale of USS CABOT so they could then pay all their debts, get a newer & bigger carrier aboard which to have a plush, luxurious Legion Post, and have operating money left over.

Gullible? Yep, to think a baby flattop will bring any more than perhaps $100,000 is really foolish but these are the dreams the Legion Post has and so are pushing so hard to sell (and destroy) the last baby flattop in the world. Do they care about US NAVY heritage? Or do they care about a dream of a luxury Legion Post aboard a newer, bigger carrier?

What do you care about? Will you help to save an American warship, the only one of her kind left - or will you do nothing, and in effect, help Legion Post #377 turn your heritage into their profit?

Please FAX or write to Mr. Lewis. Thanks in advance, and we will keep details coming in our KTB Magazine.