Vol. 3, #3 - The Potomac Hosts HAM Operators
4
POTOMAC CURRENTS Oakland, California 2006 Volume 3 Number 3 Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Floating White House” The Potomac Hosts HAMS By Les Marks The USS Potomac was a navy ship and like all navy ships since the early 1900’s, used radios as its main mode of communication for passing messages between the ship and shore stations. For long distance communication, the high frequency (HF) band was used. That is the same band that is used by Ham Radio Operators for communicating with other Ham operators all over the world. In the radio room aboard the Potomac, there are two old gray radio receivers from the 1940’s that are typical of the radios that would have been on board when President Roosevelt used the Potomac. The radio operator would have used such equipment to send and receive messages for the president. Every radio station has a unique call sign to identify itself while it is on the air. The call sign for the radios on the USS Potomac when it was a navy ship was NEJP. In this age of around-the-world instant communication by satellite, we are attempting to preserve the heritage of HF radio communication by operating a Ham radio station on board the Potomac. Over the past several years, Peter Hoffman has set up a temporary Ham station on board and oper- ated the station for special events using the call sign N6P. In September 2005, our ship keeper, Craig Newton, obtained a Club Amateur Radio License with the call sign KI6ASN for the Potomac, although we have not yet organized a formal club. Radio equipment can be expensive, so we looked to our friends in the Ham radio community to see if there might be some good used equipment available that we could purchase at a reasonable cost. Jim McWhorter from the Livermore Amateur Radio Klub (LARK) asked us to put our station equipment requirements in a letter to LARK for presenta- tion at their Klub meeting. We were elated when LARK informed us that the Klub would donate a radio transceiver and power supply to the Potomac. On May 4, 2006, a Ken- wood TS-440S transceiver and a Daiwa RS-40XII power supply were delivered and set up on the Potomac by Jim McWhorter of LARK. The equipment was initiated into service by Ron Kane, Arnold Harding, Doug Jones and Dave Counts of LARK, along with Les Marks of the Potomac, the weekend of June 3 for the annual Mu- seum Ships on the Air event. During about nine hours of operation that weekend, 73 contacts were logged, five of which were with other Museum Ships. This year there were 66 Museum Ships from around the world that participated. The Bay Area was well represented with the USS Hornet, USS Pampanito, SS Red Oak Victory and, of course, the Potomac. We will continue to team with LARK to have guest radio operators on board for special events as well as for regular History Cruises. We will also look to their expertise for help in getting our Potomac Radio Club organized. Any Potomac volunteer or staff member who is a licensed Ham radio operator is welcome to be a part of our club. Sailor, Mentor and Ambassador of Goodwill Meet Potomac Captain “Skip” Eltringham The Potomac Association is very fortunate to have our historic Presidential Yacht in the very capable hands of Capt. Skip Eltringham. Skip came to the Potomac in 2002 when he was joint- ly recruited by Ship Keeper Larry Harrison and Bosun Bruce Waygood. He was a volunteer on the Jeremiah O’Brien at the time and was look- ing to expand his horizons. It did not take long for Skip to be hooked on the powerful history of the Potomac and the man she served. As he says, “I enjoy the Potomac be- cause of the historic background, and I believe it is important to preserve it for future generations. The ship has a story to tell about one of our great presidents. All of the crew and I really love this old vessel; she is special.” Skip is currently the most active of our ca- pable cadre of five captains. His service en- compasses all of his duties as captain, as well as recruiting, scheduling, training and mentor- ing crewmembers and future captains. He has a Cont. on Page 2
Transcript of Vol. 3, #3 - The Potomac Hosts HAM Operators
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Floating White House”
The Potomac Hosts HAMS
By Les Marks The USS Potomac was a navy ship and like all navy ships since the early 1900’s, used radios as its main mode of communication for passing messages between the ship and shore stations. For long distance communication, the high frequency (HF) band was used. That is the same band that is used by Ham Radio Operators for communicating with other Ham operators all over the world.
In the radio room aboard the Potomac, there are two old gray radio receivers from the 1940’s that are typical of the radios that would have been on board when President Roosevelt used the Potomac. The radio operator would have used such equipment to send and receive messages for the president. Every radio station has a unique call sign to identify itself while it is on the air. The call sign for the radios on the USS Potomac when it was a navy ship was NEJP.
In this age of around-the-world instant communication by satellite, we are attempting to preserve the heritage of HF radio communication by operating a Ham radio station on board the Potomac. Over the past several years, Peter Hoffman has set up a temporary Ham station on board and oper- ated the station for special events using the call sign N6P. In September 2005, our ship keeper, Craig Newton, obtained a Club Amateur Radio License with the call sign KI6ASN for the Potomac, although we have not yet organized a formal club.
Radio equipment can be expensive, so we looked to our friends in the Ham radio community to see if there might be some good used equipment available that we could purchase at a reasonable cost. Jim McWhorter from the Livermore Amateur Radio Klub (LARK) asked us to put our station equipment requirements in a letter to LARK for presenta- tion at their Klub meeting. We were elated when LARK informed us that the Klub would donate a radio transceiver and power supply to the Potomac. On May 4, 2006, a Ken- wood TS-440S transceiver and a Daiwa RS-40XII power supply were delivered and set up on the Potomac by Jim McWhorter of LARK.
The equipment was initiated into service by Ron Kane, Arnold Harding, Doug Jones and Dave Counts of LARK, along with Les Marks of the Potomac, the weekend of June 3 for the annual Mu- seum Ships on the Air event. During about nine hours of operation that weekend, 73 contacts were logged, five of which were with other Museum Ships. This year there were 66 Museum Ships from around the world that participated. The Bay Area was well represented with the USS Hornet, USS Pampanito, SS Red Oak Victory and, of course, the Potomac.
We will continue to team with LARK to have guest radio operators on board for special events as well as for regular History Cruises. We will also look to their expertise for help in getting our Potomac Radio Club organized. Any Potomac volunteer or staff member who is a licensed Ham radio operator is welcome to be a part of our club.
Sailor, Mentor and Ambassador of Goodwill
Meet Potomac Captain “Skip” Eltringham
The Potomac Association is very fortunate to have our historic Presidential Yacht in the very capable hands of Capt. Skip Eltringham. Skip came to the Potomac in 2002 when he was joint- ly recruited by Ship Keeper Larry Harrison and Bosun Bruce Waygood. He was a volunteer on the Jeremiah O’Brien at the time and was look- ing to expand his horizons.
It did not take long for Skip to be hooked on the powerful history of the Potomac and the man she served. As he says, “I enjoy the Potomac be- cause of the historic background, and I believe it is important to preserve it for future generations. The ship has a story to tell about one of our great presidents. All of the crew and I really love this old vessel; she is special.”
Skip is currently the most active of our ca- pable cadre of five captains. His service en- compasses all of his duties as captain, as well as recruiting, scheduling, training and mentor- ing crewmembers and future captains. He has a
Cont. on Page 2
The Association for the Preservation of the Presidential Yacht Potomac (yes, that is our “real” name) has been fortu- nate over the years in the dedicated and talented folks it attract to the Board of Governor. At the June meeting we were de- lighted to welcome two new members to the Board of Gover- nors. They are:
•Curtis R. Davies
Curtis Davies brings over 30 years of business experience in commercial real estate to the board. The majority of that experience has been in hospitality-oriented business. This expertise will serve the Association well as it moves forward with a valued historic landmark property in the Bay Area.
The Potomac was brought to Curtis’ attention when a re- quest was made by current Board Member Tom Morehouse for a corporate contribution to our educational program. Curtis’ company, Buchanan Street Partners, followed through with a generous gift of $10,000 to help fund the 2007 student cruise program. This gift will pay more than 50 percent of the cost of the program for the coming year.
Shortly thereafter, Curtis took advantage of an opportunity to bring his family on board the Po- tomac for an Opening Day on the Bay cruise. It was during the cruise, after a warm and delightful afternoon on the bay, that Tom Morehouse recruited Curtis to our board.
Curtis’ enthusiasm for the Potomac and her mission, his experience in working with local cor- porations and the fact that he is a UC Berkeley graduate all add up to a wonderful addition to our Board of Governors. Welcome aboard, Curtis R. Davies.
•Kirk O. Rowlands
Kirk Rowlands’ lifetime interest and research into the life and times of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and World War II bring a whole new dimension of understanding to our Association. In addition to his extensive studies, Kirk served during the “Great War” from 1943 to 1945 and brings the knowl- edge of actual experience. We are pleased to welcome such a distinguished scholar to our board.
Kirk’s career with academia spans 30 years of service in the office of the president at UC Berke- ley in areas of budget and finance. He graduated from Washington State, received an MBA from University of Washington and conducted postgraduate studies as both Harvard and UC Berkeley.
We will certainly be extending an invitation to Kirk Rowlands to share some of his experiences and knowledge with our docents and friends through our oral history program this fall.
And finally, I would personally like to extend an invitation to all our readers, friends and guests to visit our Potomac Visitor Center. Our most recent exhibit on the life of Eleanor Roosevelt is excel- lent. It was researched and designed by Addie Silviera, one of our super spring 2006 interns. There is also a new look to our electronic museum with a much-simplified welcome page and several new files on the travels of President Roosevelt. This upgrade was designed and installed by Andrea Martin, another of our interns.
Cheers till next time.
Page 2 Skip cont. from Page 1
talent for uncovering the potential in new crew and mentoring them through the process of up- grading their Merchant Marine Documents and ultimately acquiring a captain’s license. On the bridge, Skip is all business; competent, profes- sional and well respected by all who visit him there.
For the Potomac guest, a visit to the bridge to meet the captain is often the highlight of their experience on the ship. Skip’s cordial welcome to visitors, and his willingness to share the ex- perience of observing how the ship operates, is a treat for young and old. Once the vessel is docked, Skip can usually be found on the gangway, thanking our guests for coming and sharing a congenial “Come sail with us again” as they depart. Our own goodwill ambassador. The goodwill Skip shares is reflected in the Potomac crew as well. I am so often compli- mented by passengers with the comment, “The captain and crew were so friendly and helpful, it was a pleasure being on board.” The Potomac is fortunate indeed to have such a fine group of folks running the ship.
I asked Skip to describe for me his most hair-raising experience as captain of the Po- tomac. He recalled, “It was a dark and stormy night and we were returning from a charter run to San Francisco. Just as we got the after bow spring line made fast (for the uninitiated, the af- ter bow spring line is key to bringing the ship to a stop and a safe docking position), a big gust of wind caught us from behind and pushed us hard against the dock. Fortunately there were fenders along the dock itself, but the aluminum railing on the ramp did take on a new look.” No damage was done to the ship, thanks to Skip’s handling skills and the quick reaction of the crew.
LCDR Norman P. “Skip” Eltringham, (USN, Ret), joined the family of the Presidential Yacht Potomac following a long, 30-year career in the U.S. Navy, 13 of which were in the submarine service. He started his Navy career at 17 when his Mom gave him the ultimatum, “You have three choices: go to school, go to work or join the service.” Joining the Navy was a logical choice for young Skip as he was born and raised in the Navy town of New London, Connecti- cut. He spent 16 years as an enlisted man, five as a chief warrant officer, where he learned to “drive” ships, and nine as a commissioned of- ficer. During his service Skip earned a degree in business and economics at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Skip decided to expand his experience and joined the Merchant Marine. He did not join as a captain, however. He needed to learn some different skills, and so served as an able seaman and third mate. He spent time learning the skills needed on deep-sea surface vessels with the Military Sealift Command and then began working part
time with the Marine Science Institute and sub- sequently with the oil spill response vessel, Pa- cific Responder in San Francisco Bay. Skip still sails as relief master, mate, or AB with the Re- sponder in addition to his Potomac duties.
Skip is the proud dad to ”My three sons:” a mechanical engineer, a commercial arts col-
lege professor, and a security officer. He has been married to the lovely Edna (also a Potomac volunteer) Eltringham since they met and fell in love at the NAS Alameda Officers’ Club 26 years ago.
From all of us at the Potomac Association, a hearty “Well done, sailor.”
NOW HEAR THIS
How wonderful it is to be a part of the Potomac family. Volunteering on behalf of this historic national treasure is rewarding in itself. Add to that the interaction with other volunteers and crew AND most important, visitors, and it couldn’t get much better.
Recently I had the pleasure of hosting a get-together for family and friends aboard the Potomac. Among the guests were family members from out of state and local friends, including Potomac docents. Some guests had never vis- ited our treasure and were as awed as I was the first time I set foot on the vessel several years ago.
True to their calling, the docent-guests not only answered questions, they also conducted tours. Most of us do feel a personal connection to the Potomac, which I believe is quite apparent. Am I proud of being a member of this special group of people? You bet!
Some comments from guests:
Being on board FDR’s Floating White House is an EVENT…
There seems to be a pride of ownership…
Getting a tour of the engine room was special…
We even visited the pilot house…
Angie Papastefan, Editor [email protected]
Special thanks to Dorothy M. Frye for her editorial assistance.
Page 3
PICKY, PICKY PIRATES
While he was president, FDR probably never thought about the possibility of pirate ships. Today, there is a resurgence of brazen pirate attacks, usually carried out from small vessels. In the days of yore, a variety of vessels were used for different types of “jobs.” Some pirates even had a flagship in their fleet. These are a few of the vessels of choice:
Square-rigger Most often used as the flagship. It was as much as 110 feet long (the Potomac is 165 feet long) and could carry as many as 200 men and much loot. Schooner This was the vessel of choice for shoal water because of her shallow draft. Sloop Great for smugglers because of her rapier-like bowsprit (a large spar projecting forward). The word sloop may have originated from the Dutch sloep, a ship that sails well. For sailors, a further description is “a one-masted fore-and-aft-rigged sailboat.” A sloop could carry 75 men and 14 can- nons. Brigantine This word comes from the French brigand for “a lawless fellow who lives by plunder.” It is an apt description for the vessel since the Brigantine was the preferred combat vessel. It could carry a crew of 100 and mount 10 cannons. Carrack Although defined as “a type of merchant ship, often armed,” it was used by the Spanish and Portuguese in their long voyages to the East Indies. One source tells us the word comes from the Old French caraque and could go back to the Arabic qaraqir. Another source describes this as kerkouros, a long-sterned Cypriote vessel.
Thanks to Don DeCoss for provding background for this article.
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT This I Remember, 1949
I have never known a man who gave one a greater sense of security (than Franklin). That was because I never heard him say there was a problem that he thought it was impossible for human beings to solve. He recognized the difficulties and often said that while he did not know the answer, he was completely confident that there was an answer; that somewhere a man could be found who could give the answer, and that one had to try until one either found it for oneself or got it through someone else. He never talked about his doubts. When he was planning something he consulted many people and took the best advice he could get, but once he had made his decision he wasted no time in worry.
LAGNIAPPE Cajun- A little something extra
,
The Roosevelts in Song The Roosevelt Library in New York contains some fourteen thousand songs that regular Americans wrote to Franklin Delano and El- eanor Roosevelt during their time in the White House.
From Weekend Edition, NPR April 21, 2001
Winston Churchill on War One day President Roosevelt told me that he was asking publicly for suggestions about what the war should be called. I said at once, “The Unnecessary War.” Winston Churchill, 1948
Wartime Rationing Ration-time recipes are offered to you in the hope that they will help solve some of the prob- lems of planning wholesome well-rounded war- time meals for your family.
Taking into consideration the rationing of some foods, and the scarcities of many others, we assembled from leading dietitians these reci- pes emphasizing extra value from your ration points.
You will find that these recipes are also eco- nomical in cost. Margarine, used throughout, provides nutritional value but is not expensive. It is useful both as a cooking fat and as a deli- cious table spread.
Published by National Cotton Council of Amer- ica, early 1940’s
Board of Governors and Staff Michael Roosevelt, Chairman
Carla Betts, President Al Groh, 1st Vice President
Tom Morehouse, 2nd Vice President Art Haskel, CFO
Willis Deming, Secretary Rick Anderson Mary Bergan Joe Brennan
Curtis Davies David Connolly Virginia Furth
Buzz Gibb Judy Goff
Ron Paredes Richard Zampa
Marti Burchell, Executive Director
P.O. Box 2064 Oakland, CA 94604 Telephone: 510-627-1215
e-mail: [email protected]
The Potomac Newsletter is published by the Association for the Preservation of the Presidential Yacht, Potomac, Inc.
Printed courtesy of the Port of Oakland’s REPROGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT
Editor: Angie Papastefan
Layout and Design: David McGraw Editorial Board: Ron Arrants, Marti Burchell,
and David McGraw
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: No part of this publication may be reproduced
without written permission by the publisher
Page 4
POTOMAC SCHEDULE 2006 SPECIAL CRUISES
Fleet Week, Oct. 7 and 8 • Veteran’s Day, Nov.11 Angel Island; Cruise, Tram Tour and Lunch. Aug. 24,
Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 15. Call for reservations and pricing
DOCKSIDE TOURS The Potomac is open for docent-led dockside tours from mid-January to mid-December. Tours
are approximately 45 minutes and include a 15 minute video shown in the Visitor Center. Wednesday and Friday 10:30am to 2:30pm
Sunday 12 Noon to 3:30pm Dockside Ticket Pricing:
$7/Adult • $5/Seniors • 12 and under/Free
SPRING HISTORY CRUISES Enjoy a two-hour narrated History Cruise with our knowledgeable docents. Complimentary coffee, tea and water will be available. Tickets must be purchased by contacting Ticket Web at www.tick- etweb.com or by calling 866-468-3399. Spring cruising season resumes in May 2007. Reservations are highly recommended. Groups of 20 or more must make reservations by calling the Potomac Association at 510-627-1215.
All Cruises Depart Jack London Square at 11am History Cruise Ticket Pricing:
Adults $40.00 / Seniors (over 60) $35.00 Youth 6-12 / $20.00, Under 6 Free
Groups of 20 or more $30.00 For further dates and information: www.usspotomac.org
Note: if you have any questions or comments about the above listing, please e-mail: gseligson@usspotomac. org or write to Friends of the Potomac, Attn, Gordon Seligson, P.O.Box 2064, Oakland CA 94604
CONTRIBUTIONS and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • January to June 2006 Corporate Patron
Buchanan Street Partners
Patron Buzz Gibb
Commander-in-Chief Jim Bolen
Admiral Albert Groh
Eleanor Ruth Adar
George Fraser Linda Huber
Angie Papastefan John Roveda
Gordon Seligson John Welland
Miriam and Leon Bloomberg Windy and Jerry Butler
Fred Cunningham Lester and Elaine Dropkin
Robert Eakin and Avis Hendley Bill and Marie Ewing
Dorothy and Julie Filice Norman and Nancy Forrest
Bonnie and Earl Hamlin Bill and Sue Hodges Ray and Robin Hunt
Marvin Jensen Neal and Nancy Lamby
Daniel Lamey Jack Lapidos
Jim O’Connor David Shaw
Wanda Vivano Brian Withiam
Joseph Echelberry Georgia Edlund
Lucy John Frank McConville
Terry and Carolyn Moreland Dawn Muller Herbert Ploch Mary Rudser
Student/Teacher Ted Brown
The Potomac Hosts HAMS
By Les Marks The USS Potomac was a navy ship and like all navy ships since the early 1900’s, used radios as its main mode of communication for passing messages between the ship and shore stations. For long distance communication, the high frequency (HF) band was used. That is the same band that is used by Ham Radio Operators for communicating with other Ham operators all over the world.
In the radio room aboard the Potomac, there are two old gray radio receivers from the 1940’s that are typical of the radios that would have been on board when President Roosevelt used the Potomac. The radio operator would have used such equipment to send and receive messages for the president. Every radio station has a unique call sign to identify itself while it is on the air. The call sign for the radios on the USS Potomac when it was a navy ship was NEJP.
In this age of around-the-world instant communication by satellite, we are attempting to preserve the heritage of HF radio communication by operating a Ham radio station on board the Potomac. Over the past several years, Peter Hoffman has set up a temporary Ham station on board and oper- ated the station for special events using the call sign N6P. In September 2005, our ship keeper, Craig Newton, obtained a Club Amateur Radio License with the call sign KI6ASN for the Potomac, although we have not yet organized a formal club.
Radio equipment can be expensive, so we looked to our friends in the Ham radio community to see if there might be some good used equipment available that we could purchase at a reasonable cost. Jim McWhorter from the Livermore Amateur Radio Klub (LARK) asked us to put our station equipment requirements in a letter to LARK for presenta- tion at their Klub meeting. We were elated when LARK informed us that the Klub would donate a radio transceiver and power supply to the Potomac. On May 4, 2006, a Ken- wood TS-440S transceiver and a Daiwa RS-40XII power supply were delivered and set up on the Potomac by Jim McWhorter of LARK.
The equipment was initiated into service by Ron Kane, Arnold Harding, Doug Jones and Dave Counts of LARK, along with Les Marks of the Potomac, the weekend of June 3 for the annual Mu- seum Ships on the Air event. During about nine hours of operation that weekend, 73 contacts were logged, five of which were with other Museum Ships. This year there were 66 Museum Ships from around the world that participated. The Bay Area was well represented with the USS Hornet, USS Pampanito, SS Red Oak Victory and, of course, the Potomac.
We will continue to team with LARK to have guest radio operators on board for special events as well as for regular History Cruises. We will also look to their expertise for help in getting our Potomac Radio Club organized. Any Potomac volunteer or staff member who is a licensed Ham radio operator is welcome to be a part of our club.
Sailor, Mentor and Ambassador of Goodwill
Meet Potomac Captain “Skip” Eltringham
The Potomac Association is very fortunate to have our historic Presidential Yacht in the very capable hands of Capt. Skip Eltringham. Skip came to the Potomac in 2002 when he was joint- ly recruited by Ship Keeper Larry Harrison and Bosun Bruce Waygood. He was a volunteer on the Jeremiah O’Brien at the time and was look- ing to expand his horizons.
It did not take long for Skip to be hooked on the powerful history of the Potomac and the man she served. As he says, “I enjoy the Potomac be- cause of the historic background, and I believe it is important to preserve it for future generations. The ship has a story to tell about one of our great presidents. All of the crew and I really love this old vessel; she is special.”
Skip is currently the most active of our ca- pable cadre of five captains. His service en- compasses all of his duties as captain, as well as recruiting, scheduling, training and mentor- ing crewmembers and future captains. He has a
Cont. on Page 2
The Association for the Preservation of the Presidential Yacht Potomac (yes, that is our “real” name) has been fortu- nate over the years in the dedicated and talented folks it attract to the Board of Governor. At the June meeting we were de- lighted to welcome two new members to the Board of Gover- nors. They are:
•Curtis R. Davies
Curtis Davies brings over 30 years of business experience in commercial real estate to the board. The majority of that experience has been in hospitality-oriented business. This expertise will serve the Association well as it moves forward with a valued historic landmark property in the Bay Area.
The Potomac was brought to Curtis’ attention when a re- quest was made by current Board Member Tom Morehouse for a corporate contribution to our educational program. Curtis’ company, Buchanan Street Partners, followed through with a generous gift of $10,000 to help fund the 2007 student cruise program. This gift will pay more than 50 percent of the cost of the program for the coming year.
Shortly thereafter, Curtis took advantage of an opportunity to bring his family on board the Po- tomac for an Opening Day on the Bay cruise. It was during the cruise, after a warm and delightful afternoon on the bay, that Tom Morehouse recruited Curtis to our board.
Curtis’ enthusiasm for the Potomac and her mission, his experience in working with local cor- porations and the fact that he is a UC Berkeley graduate all add up to a wonderful addition to our Board of Governors. Welcome aboard, Curtis R. Davies.
•Kirk O. Rowlands
Kirk Rowlands’ lifetime interest and research into the life and times of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and World War II bring a whole new dimension of understanding to our Association. In addition to his extensive studies, Kirk served during the “Great War” from 1943 to 1945 and brings the knowl- edge of actual experience. We are pleased to welcome such a distinguished scholar to our board.
Kirk’s career with academia spans 30 years of service in the office of the president at UC Berke- ley in areas of budget and finance. He graduated from Washington State, received an MBA from University of Washington and conducted postgraduate studies as both Harvard and UC Berkeley.
We will certainly be extending an invitation to Kirk Rowlands to share some of his experiences and knowledge with our docents and friends through our oral history program this fall.
And finally, I would personally like to extend an invitation to all our readers, friends and guests to visit our Potomac Visitor Center. Our most recent exhibit on the life of Eleanor Roosevelt is excel- lent. It was researched and designed by Addie Silviera, one of our super spring 2006 interns. There is also a new look to our electronic museum with a much-simplified welcome page and several new files on the travels of President Roosevelt. This upgrade was designed and installed by Andrea Martin, another of our interns.
Cheers till next time.
Page 2 Skip cont. from Page 1
talent for uncovering the potential in new crew and mentoring them through the process of up- grading their Merchant Marine Documents and ultimately acquiring a captain’s license. On the bridge, Skip is all business; competent, profes- sional and well respected by all who visit him there.
For the Potomac guest, a visit to the bridge to meet the captain is often the highlight of their experience on the ship. Skip’s cordial welcome to visitors, and his willingness to share the ex- perience of observing how the ship operates, is a treat for young and old. Once the vessel is docked, Skip can usually be found on the gangway, thanking our guests for coming and sharing a congenial “Come sail with us again” as they depart. Our own goodwill ambassador. The goodwill Skip shares is reflected in the Potomac crew as well. I am so often compli- mented by passengers with the comment, “The captain and crew were so friendly and helpful, it was a pleasure being on board.” The Potomac is fortunate indeed to have such a fine group of folks running the ship.
I asked Skip to describe for me his most hair-raising experience as captain of the Po- tomac. He recalled, “It was a dark and stormy night and we were returning from a charter run to San Francisco. Just as we got the after bow spring line made fast (for the uninitiated, the af- ter bow spring line is key to bringing the ship to a stop and a safe docking position), a big gust of wind caught us from behind and pushed us hard against the dock. Fortunately there were fenders along the dock itself, but the aluminum railing on the ramp did take on a new look.” No damage was done to the ship, thanks to Skip’s handling skills and the quick reaction of the crew.
LCDR Norman P. “Skip” Eltringham, (USN, Ret), joined the family of the Presidential Yacht Potomac following a long, 30-year career in the U.S. Navy, 13 of which were in the submarine service. He started his Navy career at 17 when his Mom gave him the ultimatum, “You have three choices: go to school, go to work or join the service.” Joining the Navy was a logical choice for young Skip as he was born and raised in the Navy town of New London, Connecti- cut. He spent 16 years as an enlisted man, five as a chief warrant officer, where he learned to “drive” ships, and nine as a commissioned of- ficer. During his service Skip earned a degree in business and economics at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Skip decided to expand his experience and joined the Merchant Marine. He did not join as a captain, however. He needed to learn some different skills, and so served as an able seaman and third mate. He spent time learning the skills needed on deep-sea surface vessels with the Military Sealift Command and then began working part
time with the Marine Science Institute and sub- sequently with the oil spill response vessel, Pa- cific Responder in San Francisco Bay. Skip still sails as relief master, mate, or AB with the Re- sponder in addition to his Potomac duties.
Skip is the proud dad to ”My three sons:” a mechanical engineer, a commercial arts col-
lege professor, and a security officer. He has been married to the lovely Edna (also a Potomac volunteer) Eltringham since they met and fell in love at the NAS Alameda Officers’ Club 26 years ago.
From all of us at the Potomac Association, a hearty “Well done, sailor.”
NOW HEAR THIS
How wonderful it is to be a part of the Potomac family. Volunteering on behalf of this historic national treasure is rewarding in itself. Add to that the interaction with other volunteers and crew AND most important, visitors, and it couldn’t get much better.
Recently I had the pleasure of hosting a get-together for family and friends aboard the Potomac. Among the guests were family members from out of state and local friends, including Potomac docents. Some guests had never vis- ited our treasure and were as awed as I was the first time I set foot on the vessel several years ago.
True to their calling, the docent-guests not only answered questions, they also conducted tours. Most of us do feel a personal connection to the Potomac, which I believe is quite apparent. Am I proud of being a member of this special group of people? You bet!
Some comments from guests:
Being on board FDR’s Floating White House is an EVENT…
There seems to be a pride of ownership…
Getting a tour of the engine room was special…
We even visited the pilot house…
Angie Papastefan, Editor [email protected]
Special thanks to Dorothy M. Frye for her editorial assistance.
Page 3
PICKY, PICKY PIRATES
While he was president, FDR probably never thought about the possibility of pirate ships. Today, there is a resurgence of brazen pirate attacks, usually carried out from small vessels. In the days of yore, a variety of vessels were used for different types of “jobs.” Some pirates even had a flagship in their fleet. These are a few of the vessels of choice:
Square-rigger Most often used as the flagship. It was as much as 110 feet long (the Potomac is 165 feet long) and could carry as many as 200 men and much loot. Schooner This was the vessel of choice for shoal water because of her shallow draft. Sloop Great for smugglers because of her rapier-like bowsprit (a large spar projecting forward). The word sloop may have originated from the Dutch sloep, a ship that sails well. For sailors, a further description is “a one-masted fore-and-aft-rigged sailboat.” A sloop could carry 75 men and 14 can- nons. Brigantine This word comes from the French brigand for “a lawless fellow who lives by plunder.” It is an apt description for the vessel since the Brigantine was the preferred combat vessel. It could carry a crew of 100 and mount 10 cannons. Carrack Although defined as “a type of merchant ship, often armed,” it was used by the Spanish and Portuguese in their long voyages to the East Indies. One source tells us the word comes from the Old French caraque and could go back to the Arabic qaraqir. Another source describes this as kerkouros, a long-sterned Cypriote vessel.
Thanks to Don DeCoss for provding background for this article.
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT This I Remember, 1949
I have never known a man who gave one a greater sense of security (than Franklin). That was because I never heard him say there was a problem that he thought it was impossible for human beings to solve. He recognized the difficulties and often said that while he did not know the answer, he was completely confident that there was an answer; that somewhere a man could be found who could give the answer, and that one had to try until one either found it for oneself or got it through someone else. He never talked about his doubts. When he was planning something he consulted many people and took the best advice he could get, but once he had made his decision he wasted no time in worry.
LAGNIAPPE Cajun- A little something extra
,
The Roosevelts in Song The Roosevelt Library in New York contains some fourteen thousand songs that regular Americans wrote to Franklin Delano and El- eanor Roosevelt during their time in the White House.
From Weekend Edition, NPR April 21, 2001
Winston Churchill on War One day President Roosevelt told me that he was asking publicly for suggestions about what the war should be called. I said at once, “The Unnecessary War.” Winston Churchill, 1948
Wartime Rationing Ration-time recipes are offered to you in the hope that they will help solve some of the prob- lems of planning wholesome well-rounded war- time meals for your family.
Taking into consideration the rationing of some foods, and the scarcities of many others, we assembled from leading dietitians these reci- pes emphasizing extra value from your ration points.
You will find that these recipes are also eco- nomical in cost. Margarine, used throughout, provides nutritional value but is not expensive. It is useful both as a cooking fat and as a deli- cious table spread.
Published by National Cotton Council of Amer- ica, early 1940’s
Board of Governors and Staff Michael Roosevelt, Chairman
Carla Betts, President Al Groh, 1st Vice President
Tom Morehouse, 2nd Vice President Art Haskel, CFO
Willis Deming, Secretary Rick Anderson Mary Bergan Joe Brennan
Curtis Davies David Connolly Virginia Furth
Buzz Gibb Judy Goff
Ron Paredes Richard Zampa
Marti Burchell, Executive Director
P.O. Box 2064 Oakland, CA 94604 Telephone: 510-627-1215
e-mail: [email protected]
The Potomac Newsletter is published by the Association for the Preservation of the Presidential Yacht, Potomac, Inc.
Printed courtesy of the Port of Oakland’s REPROGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT
Editor: Angie Papastefan
Layout and Design: David McGraw Editorial Board: Ron Arrants, Marti Burchell,
and David McGraw
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: No part of this publication may be reproduced
without written permission by the publisher
Page 4
POTOMAC SCHEDULE 2006 SPECIAL CRUISES
Fleet Week, Oct. 7 and 8 • Veteran’s Day, Nov.11 Angel Island; Cruise, Tram Tour and Lunch. Aug. 24,
Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 15. Call for reservations and pricing
DOCKSIDE TOURS The Potomac is open for docent-led dockside tours from mid-January to mid-December. Tours
are approximately 45 minutes and include a 15 minute video shown in the Visitor Center. Wednesday and Friday 10:30am to 2:30pm
Sunday 12 Noon to 3:30pm Dockside Ticket Pricing:
$7/Adult • $5/Seniors • 12 and under/Free
SPRING HISTORY CRUISES Enjoy a two-hour narrated History Cruise with our knowledgeable docents. Complimentary coffee, tea and water will be available. Tickets must be purchased by contacting Ticket Web at www.tick- etweb.com or by calling 866-468-3399. Spring cruising season resumes in May 2007. Reservations are highly recommended. Groups of 20 or more must make reservations by calling the Potomac Association at 510-627-1215.
All Cruises Depart Jack London Square at 11am History Cruise Ticket Pricing:
Adults $40.00 / Seniors (over 60) $35.00 Youth 6-12 / $20.00, Under 6 Free
Groups of 20 or more $30.00 For further dates and information: www.usspotomac.org
Note: if you have any questions or comments about the above listing, please e-mail: gseligson@usspotomac. org or write to Friends of the Potomac, Attn, Gordon Seligson, P.O.Box 2064, Oakland CA 94604
CONTRIBUTIONS and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • January to June 2006 Corporate Patron
Buchanan Street Partners
Patron Buzz Gibb
Commander-in-Chief Jim Bolen
Admiral Albert Groh
Eleanor Ruth Adar
George Fraser Linda Huber
Angie Papastefan John Roveda
Gordon Seligson John Welland
Miriam and Leon Bloomberg Windy and Jerry Butler
Fred Cunningham Lester and Elaine Dropkin
Robert Eakin and Avis Hendley Bill and Marie Ewing
Dorothy and Julie Filice Norman and Nancy Forrest
Bonnie and Earl Hamlin Bill and Sue Hodges Ray and Robin Hunt
Marvin Jensen Neal and Nancy Lamby
Daniel Lamey Jack Lapidos
Jim O’Connor David Shaw
Wanda Vivano Brian Withiam
Joseph Echelberry Georgia Edlund
Lucy John Frank McConville
Terry and Carolyn Moreland Dawn Muller Herbert Ploch Mary Rudser
Student/Teacher Ted Brown
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