I had the opportunity to meet with John McMicheal (COB-Cavalla) on Monday Sept 16, He had served aboard Croaker and is deeply involved with Cavalla restoration, following the introductions we toured the Croaker and noted some of the missing items. I also made a list of items that need to be accomplished to help in the restoration process. Any and all hands are invited to choose a specific item in which they may want to finish. Every little bit helps. I would like to thank all that have come out to clean, it has made a difference. The Boat should remain where it is for at least another 6 Weeks, I talked with Col. Cunningham and they don’t want to move her until the power transformer is ready to handle the electrical needs. The ship’s lighting is operational so it is more convenient to before tasks and to get a happier feeling that we can accomplish needed repairs. Currently I’m trying to push getting the crew’s mess/berthing floor replacement project going. I would like to get this done prior to the Winter setting in. Any questions or comment, send them to me at dsmith6537@aol.com, or call 716-684-6700 ext 324 (Day),(716)895-0335(EVE) make sure you put something Croaker related into the subject area so that I don’t delete it.

 

Maintenance Projects Aboard Croaker and Wish List

 

 

September 19, 2002

 

  1. Paint Fwd Torp Rm (Reserve Hydraulic Tanks) Green Mist
  2. Clear Debris topside under superstructure to allow flow of water Fwd to Aft (Eliminate any standing water)
  3. Repair broken Plexiglas (bridge)
  4. Replace plastic lens in gages throughout the boat
  5. Repair various ship’s lighting fixtures throughout the boat
  6. Crew’s Mess/Berthing floor removal and replacement
  7. Pump out bilge in pump room
  8. Replace rubber mats in hatchways
  9. Install Radio in Radio room as well as antenna on sail (Jim Flanders- Batfish) (Need a Volunteer to talk with Jim Flanders to coordinate Radio transfer- maybe a radio type, any interest contact Don Smith)
  10. New way to secure hatches to lower levels, easier access
  11. Clean in lower levels of all compartments
  12. Inventory and start putting back hand wheels on valves
  13. Clear out unnecessary items from Aft Battery Well, move to Little Rock or FWD Battery Well (Need Control of items)
  14. Inventory manuals and prints located on Little Rock file cabinet, Dick Smith Office)
  15. Crew’s Mess tables and Benches, finish repairs and install upon completion of floor project.
  16. Whip Antenna laying topside, Torsk may have a mounting clamp
  17. Tile Aft Torp Rm
  18. Paint Topside- Black, Deck Stain

19. Diesel Engine parts- reassemble

 

ITEMS MISSING

 

  1. Mine Table fwd torp rm
  2. Hand pump Mess Buoy
  3. Bunks in Torp Rm
  4. High Press air Battery Charger
  5. Fwd Signal Ejector
  6. Warming Oven (Pantry)
  7. Loran Alpha
  8. Shallow and Deep Gage (Diving Board)
  9. Capacity gage Neg. Tank  (Control)
  10. All Altimeters and Clocks
  11. MC Stacks need repair
  12. Bubble indicator (above TDU Station)
  13. URC 32 Transmitter (Radio)
  14. Trim Priming Pump
  15. Exhaust Fan Motor and Fan (Fwd Eng Rm)
  16. Top of Diesel fuel strainer
  17. Battery Air Flow Meter
  18. RBO
  19. Lathe
  20. Motor Generator Set
  21. Control Panel HPAC’s
  22. Stainless Steel Drip Trays
  23. Levers for Diesel controls
  24. Wrong direction alarms
  25. Bell for Eng order Telegraph
  26. Mess Buoy Hand Pump (Aft Tor Rm)
  27. Brass Knob for Center of Torp Tubes
  28. Nav Alt Monitor
  29. Growlers throughout the Boat
  30. Sound Powered Phones
  31. Sumpmersible Pump
  32. Running Lights Topside