I was a member of the Crew of the Floating
Dry-dock, USS AFDL #7 which lay Anchored to a Buoy in the lagoon just north
of Kwaj about a mile and from Ebeye, 3/4 mile, give or take a few yards. Our
ship arrived at Kwaj in March 1944 and remained for a year until we were
relocated to Eniwetok, in March of 1945. Our arrival was only a month after
the securing of the atoll by the Army. My memory is that Kwaj was total
destruction. The Island was barren of practically any living plant life,
except for maybe a couple of Coconut Palm trees. A concrete pier extended
into the lagoon from Kwaj and it displayed the effect of the terrific
bombardment the Island sustained. A concrete Sentry Blockhouse was located
halfway to shore and it was annihilated to rubble. Upon our arrival the SEA
BEES were working full force, repairing the air strip, building Quonset Huts
and other buildings. It was amazing how fast they accomplished their tasks,
considering only less than a month had expired since the Island was secured.
Never say the SEA Bees didn't do their duty. Kwaj was the location of the
Fleet Post Office, and somewhat later had a Canteen and Small Stores.
Realize, please, this activity took place within only a couple of months. I
had the privilege of setting foot on the Island only a couple of weeks from
it being secure, and I'll tell you I had no Idea that so many Japanese had
resided there. We had heard how the Japanese treated the Marshallese and it
has only been recently, having read some of the eye witness accounts how
true those words were. Now lets wonder over to Ebeye Island. We were
anchored just to the west of the island, maybe a mile or so. Ebeye was our
"Liberty" Island. We would receive a cheat for a couple of Beers and descend
upon the island for "LIBERTY" Of course some of the crew chose not to in
bide so the rest of us received their Ration. Ebeye was, During the Japanese
occupation a Sea Plane base. There was a concrete Apron extending into the
lagoon for beaching the Planes. I had the privilege of wandering the
confines of Ebeye during one of our Liberties, and early on discovered a
mass of heavy machines which were pushed into the ocean side of the island.
These machines consisted of Lathes, Drill Presses and other machinery used
in a repair facility. The Sea Bees just pushed them off into the surf. I
wish I had a camera to record that. A small narrow gauge railroad ran from
the center of the island to a pier on the south end to dump garbage into the
sea. Being a Railroad fan, even at that tender age, I was interested. As I
mentioned, Ebeye was our Liberty Island. Our crew made frequent visits for
our "Beer" parties and other entertainment events. Betty Hutton was one USO
Personage who entertained the Troops. There were others but my memory
escapes me. I might mention, at this point, that KWAJ was the scene for many
USO shows. I was witness to one, BOB HOPE, JERRY CALONA, and FRANCIS
LANGFORD show. If you weren't there you can't believe how important these
shows were. Both islands had Movie shows each night and we were witness to
many. Our Ship USS AFDL #7, had a crew of 40 sailors, 1 CMM, 1 WO, and the
Skipper was a LtJG, was a floating dry-dock and such we were capable of
docking Destroyer Escorts & lesser crafts. I recall that the lagoon always
seem to have many small craft in attendance. Our ship was indispensable for
the repair of Line Craft. Another Smaller Dry-dock was anchored in the
Lagoon but I have no information about it. Many times we docked a vessel
which had damage from a skirmish with the enemy. I was rated as a Motor
Machinist, and as such was assigned to the Engine room of the Dry-Dock. We
stood 6 hour watches, on a rotating basis. Our Engine room consisted of
Three Cummins Diesels driving 100 KW Alternators and one Fairbanks and
Morse, Diesel, supplying normal ships power. The Cummins Diesels provided
power for the evacuation pumps during Docking. We had a crew of 40, give or
take a couple, one Chief Machinist, one Warrant Officer and the skipper was
a LtJG. Our crew got along well and we had a Mascot, a Black Cocker Spaniel
named "Blackie". Blackie came to the Ship in Eureka, Ca. Where we were
constructed, and got his sea legs almost immediately. I recall he fell off
one of the wing walls and fractured his hind leg. Fortunately we were in
Pearl harbor at the time and he was "splinted" up by the Medics. I was on
the ship for two years and Blackie answered Muster every day. I would like
to mention that there was an AM radio station on Kwaj which gave out news
reports and played recordings of popular music of the day. The station
broadcast during the noon and evening hours. The Emcee called himself "ROCK
HAPPY ROGER' and the call letters of the station was "KWAJ." So much
for KWAJALEIN, In March of 1945 we were relocated to Eniwetok where we were
to lay at anchor until I left the ship for discharge from the Navy in March
of 1946. That is another story. As my memory serves me both KWAJ and
Eniwetok were almost identical. Eniwetok on the south and Burton on the east
of the atoll.. Burton was our Liberty Island for our ration of beer. I must
say that I did really enjoy my experience in the Marshall Islands. The US
Navy Provided me with something I shall remember for the rest of my life.
This is only a thumbnail sketch of my experience in the Marshall Islands. I
spent almost two years to the day in the area. I left the ship in early
March 1946 for stateside. I am 82 years young. E. Stephenson,
San Mateo, CA,
sslacret@aol.com.
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