This image was
scanned from the cover of the 1970 - 1971 Molala Westpac Cruise book which
was sent to me by my old shipmate, Dwight "Rocky" Rockers who,
like myself, is an Ex-Radioman Second Class. I had not heard from Rocky in
28 years until he found my website. Hoooyah ! The power of the net ! Just
click on the image to enlarge.
The following photos
were also sent in by Rocky. Just click to enlarge. A description appears beneath
each group.
First Row: 1. Four
barges in tow from the Phillipines to Guam. 2. The SS Vergmont taken in
tow to safer and deeper waters for transfer to a civilian salvage ship and
some needed repairs. 3. A river lighter and the Vergmont both under tow.
Second Row: 1. The
Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau under tow after hitting an uncharted coral
pinnacle in the Gulf of Siam. The ship was unable to continue her journey
and also lost sonar capabilities. 2. Two cutters (names unknown) being
towed from Guam to the Phillipines. The trip took 32 days at 2 knots. 3.
The Molala as scanned from the cruise book. What appears to be a towed
target sled is in the far background.
Left to Right: 1.
Page 1 of the chronicle of Molala's 1970 Westpac cruise. 2. The pier at
Hong Kong. This is the gateway to one of the most famous of Westpac
liberty ports. 3. The second page of the Molala's Westpac adventure.
Left: Rocky
standing on the starboard side of the 01 level just outside the door to
XO's stateroom and the Radioshack. Right: On liberty in Bankok, Thailand.
Being embraced by a 70 pound boa constrictor (NO THANKS !).
Dwight as he appears
today (right) sitting on his swamp buggy with friend Marty (left).
