USS Boston CA-69 in WWII

1-28-12

This picture makes me think about what it was like to have had battle stations posts below decks.  Men were strategically posted at bulkheads and valves and hatches and stairwells all over the ship.  The lucky ones were posted above deck (and could see what was going on.)  Hats off to the men who endured those hellish conditions.

steve

1-21-12

All,

We are participating in the internet protest to work to defeat the bill working their way through congress right now; the bill is called SOPA or PIPA.  Content on the internet is vital to be free and have  legitimate process if someone removes content on a whim.  Two events in World War II remind us of the sobering potential of the government and censorship: The detainment of US citizens of Japanese origin, and the post war McCarthy abuse of power.

Please call your senator.

Bill Kelly

1-14-12

Bill’s first trip to the National Archives yielded a treasure trove of stuff from the Boston, including a lot of photos – many of which have appeared in this blog over the last year or so.  Included in that “first batch” were a half dozen or so pics taken in some of the inner “nooks and crannies” of the ship  -  places like the mechanical/machine shop and parts of the engine room.  We get a glimpse into some of the “nuts and bolts” of the ship  -  with the added bonus of crewmembers making repairs and adjustments.  I think you’ll enjoy these pics as they unfold over the next several weeks.

Some context for this unusual gallery of pictures:  As Task Force 58 finished up its support of the Invasion of Iwo Jima and regrouped to support the Invasion of Okinawa (March 1945), the Boston was sent back to the states for repairs and to retrofit new radar and new targeting devices for the big guns  -  all in advance of the upcoming invasion of the home islands of Japan in a last ditch push to end the War.  Japan surrendered prior to the massive mobilization of US ships, marines and infantymen.  Fortunately, the crew of the Boston and the other 97,000+ sailors aboard the other ships of the Task Force, as well as perhaps 500,000+ foot soldiers and countless pilots and plane crews were spared this horrendous series of battles.

So, these pictures, taken May 31 and June 1st (1945) at the Navy Yards in San Pedro CA, were of final preparations to return to the Pacific.  Hope you enjoy them.

1/11/12

Compliments of Susan Cowan

George enlisted in the Navy on 8/27/42

He reported to the Boston (as a S1c) on 6/30/43 and is a plank owner

He separated from the ship on 9/13/45

I am happy to point out that George is alive, active  and well.