10 May 2003

RESTORATION LOG -26

FEEL THE EXCITEMENT BUILD AND PLEASE FULLY APPRECIATE THE NATION WIDE TEAM THAT IS MAKING THIS HAPPEN. FROM MARAD HQ IN WASHINGTON, IBM'S LAB IN NEW JERSEY, EXXON/MOBIL IN TEXAS, LEGAL IN CONNECTICUT AND FLORIDA, VENDOR SUPPORT IN OVER A DOZEN STATES AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES COMBINED WITH THE VOLUNTEERS FROM CIVILIAN, USCG, USCG AUX, USN, and special force members, USA, USMC, and USAF, THE PROJECT IS COMING TOGETHER FOR THE MOVE. I THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THE PROGRESS REPORTS IN THE WORDS OF THE CREW MEN ABOARD SHIP.

NEXT WEEK WE WILL COMPLETE THE PRE MOVEMENT PREPARATIONS ABOARD SHIP, CLOSE OUT ALL ADMINISTRATIVE PAPERWORK AND WORK WITH THE AGENCIES AND OUR SUPPORTERS TO SET A MOVEMENT DATE.

"New Signal flags have been ordered and Bill Jones's wife is going to sew the new flag bags.

The "kit" (special tools for the detachable links required to bend on anchor chain) arrived, two tapered pin hammers & lead plugs. With the hairpins that I made, I think we are in pretty good shape to complete the anchor chain operation next week.
Jim Echoff

"Removed and cleaned for reuse two removable chain links from the port anchor. One 2 1/2 and one 2 1/4. JT Washington has promised to provide the lead plugs. Installed back up cable stopper for Stbd.. anchor and released inboard pelican hook. Cleaned and lubricated inboard anchor turnbuckles. Continued pumping water and cleaning up in CPO quarters where water came in through port hole. Continued cleaning resistor and control cabinets on towing winch. Volunteers aboard Werner Pels, Frank Wright and Ray Bunten.
"MARAD crew removed the forward anchor that was deployed through the bull nose this morning. Crew also rearranged the forward wires to the Mauna Kea and the Nemasket to clear the forward deck area for chain handling." This clearly shows that the ship is being prepared for movement.
Sincerely

Ray Bunten, 

"Don't know whether I qualify as strong and capable, but I'll be there next week, EXCEPT for Thursday.
Thanks to our MARAD escort, Mr. Washington, we got a lot of chain prep work done this week that would have been much more difficult without his expert advice."
Werner Pels

"Thank you for providing regular, early information about the timing for the
USCGC GLACIER shift to San Francisco."
John Pace, SeaRiver Maritime, Inc


"Please welcome Brent Anderson, a good friend and fellow trombone player. He is looking forward to helping on Tuesday and Thursday, as I will also."
Bill Jones.

Bernard G. Koether, II
Chairman
Glacier Society, Inc
www.glaciersociety.org
203-375-6638 Office HQ
203-380-3474 Direct
561-543-1288 Cell
415-686-0350 Cell
866-ICE-PLAY  Toll Free

05 May 2003

1. We continue making steady progress and are closing in on the move date. Here are the list of outstanding items that are completed or will be by the end of next week.

2. The anchor windlass is operational having been certified by our crew and confirmed by MARAD. The chain will be loaded and bent on to the anchors next Tuesday & Thursday. WE NEED ALL HANDS THOSE DAYS. A detachable link kit is on order for next week to connect the anchor chain.

3. The bilges are dry and flooding alarms will be completed and operational next week.
4. The voids that were opened have been closed and we are beginning to Set Condition Zebra second deck and below as the ultra sonic survey is completed.

5. We have gathered considerable ultrasonic readings of the plates and things look good, but we will await the official report from our Pro Bono survey team led by the able Joe Arvizu of Edge Testing and Inspection. Please give a big hand to Joe, he has volunteered whilst he is forming his new company.

6. Signal Flags and halyards are on order. We need a volunteer canvas shop to make us a flag bag cover, who's out there??

7. All watertight doors are operational. The decks are cleared of obstructions and new lifelines rigged. The mooring lines are flaked out ready to run.

8. Type II PFD's will be loaded next week, borrowed from the Red Oak Victory, Thank you Red Oak Victory!!

9. We will meet with the SFO Warfinger next Monday to complete arrangements for Pier 80 and place the order for the insurance.

10. That leaves us only to wind up the details with USCG MSO and the SFO Pilots and SeaRiver Tugs to set the movement date.

11. Meanwhile your Finance Team, Grants Team, and the Design & Build team are hard at work lining up money and specifications for the dry dock period.

Bernard G. Koether, II
Chairman
Glacier Society, Inc
www.glaciersociety.org
203-375-6638 Office HQ
203-380-3474 Direct
561-543-1288 Cell
415-686-0350 Cell
866-ICE-PLAY  Toll Free

31 March 2003

02 February 2003

25 October 2002

Belay that last order! We cancel sailing in November.

1. We have run into unexpected technical difficulties with the proposed berth #10 at Mare Island. We have attempted to extend the sailing time for a short period in November so that we could resolve the outstanding issues, but the SFO Pilots prefer to wait until the end of February when both the weather and the transit conditions in the Carquinez Straight improve. MARAD has agreed with our extended stay in Suisun Bay. This is a big disappointment to our volunteers. We truly believed Vallejo would become an ideal community to share our project during the coming years. 

From the Bridge,
Ben KoetherCA when the ship is moved alongside the pier. 

17 October 2002

 Restoration Log 19

Reveille, reveille, reveille! All Hands Heave Out & Thrice up!

Set the Special Sea and Anchor Detail!

Glacier sails to Mare Island on one of these days depending on our tugs, pilot, weather and crew Availability: November 14, 15, or 18. We believe the 18th is the best day if that works for our supporters. It will give us the most time to prepare the ship and berth at Mare Island. However, if you wish to sail, you had better be nearby bearing a hand on Tuesday November 12th to get the ship ready. Some of us will be there the week before making arrangements, you welcome then as well.

We need crew to man positions: line handlers, lookouts, radio operators & messengers, guides for VIP's, press & photographers, quartermaster for the log book, security for the gangway, pier crew for line handling, signalmen for the flag bag, electricians to supply current for lighting, anchor windlass, engine men & machinists, and of course sweepers.

We must prepare a roster of those who wish to sail. We need to assign positions and organize life jackets for each person, so please make your arrangements immediately and inform via e-mail myself, Vickie, vipacs@GlacierSociety.org, and Jack Erhard, jacknbetsy@earthlink.net.

If you have questions or need assistance in anyway call 866-ICE-PlAY

Everyone who receives this is invited, however we cannot take all 4,500 of you who are on this mailing list so hurry and get your name in. Some members of our team do not have e-mail, we've called some already, but if you know of others or have friends who have not joined up and gotten their name on our mailing list you are welcome to invite them as well. We will work out the approved list with USCG & MARAD and confirm back to you your position on board or on the pier at Mare Island.

Thank you all for your great efforts and contributions. This is an exciting time for us all. I hope to see you on board!!

Bernard G. Koether
Chairman
Glacier Society, Inc.
905 Honeyspot Road
Stratford, CT 06615
www.glaciersociety.org
203-375-6638 Office
866-ICE-PLAY Toll Free

9 October 2002

RESTORATION LOG -18

Thank you all!! This is the moment we have dreamed of for nearly three years since the day Glacier's retired crewmembers began the drive to restore Glacier. A Well Done to all hands: Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Marines, Scientists, Seabees, Air National Guard, VX6, US Coast & Geographic Survey, NOAA, members of Congress and the local political staff in California and Connecticut. What a magnificent team assembled via the Internet and personal phone calls. You are a great team!


1. MARAD has approved the final set of transfer documents. Glacier Society is cleared to remove the ship from Benicia. We are planning to execute the move to Mare Island Pier #10 during the week of November 11 to 15. There is not a 100% guarantee of this date but everyone is working hard to make it a reality. Now is the time to book your travel reservations, many us from the East Coast will be scheduling to remain on station for a month or more.
2. There are significant tasks remaining to be accomplished both on board the ship and ashore. You have just three weeks left to become a Restoration Plank Owner so you must step up and volunteer now to take action to become a member of this group. Call Jack Erhard (jacknbetsy@earthlink.net) or Glacier Society Headquarters at 1-866-ICE-PLAY to enlist and volunteer your skills.

3. We need crewmembers for the trip from MARAD to Mare Island. Please let us know if you are available and what tasks you are qualified for. We also need crewmembers to be stationed on the pier to handle the lines when we come along side. We will be berthing along side a navy barge which is moored to the pier. We will need photographers, personnel on the bridge, windlass operators, signalmen for flags, personnel to serve hot coffee and snacks, and guides for VIP's and the press. Don't forget one of the most important tasks on a ship…THE SWEEPERS!!….we have lots of sweeping and vacuuming both on deck and below. We need a roster, so contact us by phone or e-mail ASAP.

4. We will not be able to park mobile homes or RV's on Mare Island for the foreseeable future. We will seek alternative locations for those of you who wish to drive such vehicles to Vallejo.

5. We are seeking volunteers who are qualified and positioned to dedicate lengthy periods of time to assisting with the restoration evaluation and the engineering design work. Currently licensed mariners are particularly valuable to us in this process. Please submit your history and availability to the office.

See you on board,

Bernard G. Koether

1 September 2002

RESTORATION LOG -17

1. We have our first Major Glacier society Board Meeting this week at which time we will review our plans to move the ship to Berth #10 at Mare Island. If the Management Board approves the draft documents they will be off to MARAD & the Mare Island Crews for signatures. We expect to have Glacier along side the pier before Thanksgiving.

2. Workweeks will continue as previously outlined, being the second week of the month. We have two months left, September and October and then the move. If you have not been aboard, these two months are your last chance to qualify as a "Restoration Plank Owner". Please contact Jack Erhard to book your participation. Reach Jack at: jacknbetsy@earthlink.net. Jack will relieve Bob Farmer officially during the movement from Mare Island. Bob has responsibilities at home that will prevent his continuing the aggressive schedule he has maintained for the past two years. We will have an award for Bob at that time, meanwhile please send him your thanks. Bob has performed a wonderful service and has set a "Gold Standard" for the retired United States Coast Guard Captains. Were looking for another retired USCG Captain to pick up from Bob. Who's going to step up? !

3. Last weekend I had the pleasure of working the California Restaurant Show with Eric Rosenquist our Hospitality Group Leader. We raised about $50,000 worth of new equipment for the ships galley, and we are not done yet. Please be assured that we will have an entirely new galley with the latest equipment. We are building a special Hospitality Leaders Web page at the Glacier web site, watch to see who the members are. You will be impressed!

4. We have signed contracts with Elderhostel. Three programs will begin next spring aboard ship. Elderhostel ran a similar program for the Battleship Missouri and it was one of their most successful series. We hope to set a new record.

5. Glacier society will be very busy this month. We will be at these activities: Glacier Society Trustees & Managing Board Sept. 4th, Stratford, CT. Glacier visits Digital Ship in London and holds discussions with Glacier Society of UK. Sept 7-14. Glacier holds up the flag at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, sharing booth with Sea Cadets and Navy League, Sept. 6,7,8 in Norwalk, CT. Glacier briefs UNOLS Icebreaker Coordinating Committee at the National Science Foundation, Sept. 23 & 24. The SNAME Trade Show in Boston Sept 25 through 28th see: http://www.sname.org. All this plus our regular week aboard ship Sept. 9 through 13.

6. If you are interested in voyaging aboard Glacier from MARAD to the pier please contact the Glacier Office via e-mail, but first ask yourself, are my dues paid?

7. We'd like to ask you some questions. How many persons would be interested in having RV parking and power facilities along side Glacier at Mare Island. How many of you would like us to arrange joint visits to the ship with a pre set tour of the Napa Valley, San Francisco and other parts of California. We encourage you to consider bringing the family for a joint work and tour. Please give us your comments.

Respectfully,

Bernard G. Koether
Chairman

21 July 2002

RESTORATION LOG -16

1. We completed a record two weeks work period aboard ship in Suisun Bay. About 20 persons were active most days, either aboard ship or working issues ashore. We accomplished some very significant events. I'll just mention the highlights:
a. We conducted an underwater survey to check the propellers and runner, satisfactory!
b. We removed an exhaust fan that services the forward portion of the ship. It is frozen and will need replacement or rebuild. We located two identical units on a nearby ship, so we have alternatives.
c. We conducted an inspection of the Main Diesels. Fairbanks is preparing a quotation of parts and assistance for returning all 10 engines to service. The inspection included removal of ports. The engines look very good. All lighting in the engine rooms worked. Visibility was excellent for the first time and the spaces are beginning to appear normal. You can now visualize them being back in 4.0 condition with another big push from a dedicated group of engine men.
d. We completed disassembly of frozen parts on the forward crane so they can be repaired and crane placed back in operation.
e. We recovered a very significant quantity of parts from the ships along side and we constructed inventory lists on a palm top for transmittal to a PC database. The ship is coming together very professionally and with great teamwork and organization. If we can turn out big crews like this again we will approach having a complete inventory of parts on board, or identified as missing, so we will know what we need to get underway.

2. We launched a new effort, Hospitality Services, Led by Eric Rosenquist of Cinni-Little.
Cinni-Little is the preeminent Food Service Design/Consulting firm in North America. He conducted a through survey of the galley, reefers, food storage, and the berthing. He will form a Committee of Food Service Industry Manufacturers to restore completely our total capability for Hotel services. This will include cooking, holding, preparation, dispensing, cleaning and berthing supplies as well as food stores. The goal will be to have limited capability shortly after we hit the pier with full operational capability by next spring when Elderhostel's program with the Glacier will be published.

3. We conducted a "Pier" meeting and reached verbal agreement on terms and conditions for a berth. We are awaiting conformation documents from the real estate agents prior to drafting a contract. Meanwhile we are still investigating alternatives. However, for the first time I believe we have berthing in hand.

4. We have begun discussions with possible vendors on telephone switchgear. Glacier's switch is missing. The proposed new equipment will give us full ships telephone service and interconnect to shore circuits. Our goal will be to have this in operation coincident with hitting the pier so we have good communications and security services operational.

5. Last but not least, I wish to share that this past week we had our first international member volunteer, Keith Holmes from Oxford England. Keith is a veteran of Stonington Base, a geologist by trade and explorer by interest. He will be our senior leader in the UK and very active with us in the future! Keith shares the vision of sailing up the Thames to London!!

6. WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR MEMBERSHIP AND CONTRIBUTION PLEASE WRITE A CHECK TODAY OR CONTRIBUTE AT THE WEB SITE. SUPPORT YOUR CREW!

Respectfully,

Bernard G. Koether

30 June 2002

RESTORATION LOG -15

1. We are pleased and proud to announce that Rear Admiral James Miller USN SC (Ret.) has joined our Management Advisory Board. Jim was previously the CEO of the Navy Memorial after his retirement from active duty. This and more information will be posted on the web site next week along with information on the other directors. Jim is already working hard for us. I can't tell you how much it means to have a reply to my dawn messages within seconds. The first man on the bridge early in the morning is the Admiral with thoughtful facts and guidance on sourcing the many pieces that are still missing.

2. Happy July 4th. Our crewmembers and volunteers are preparing to head out to the ship for July 8th workweek. We have about 20 people and will have a very energetic effort that will include an underwater inspection of the screws and rudder. We want to be sure we are getting all the parts necessary to get her steaming! We also plan to make spot checks on the hull plate thickness.

3. Vickie Ipacs is traveling Europe for the month of July. Her phone is forwarded to mine, so responses may slow down for a while we experience our "summer office hours" Tom Beck, Helen Belkin and other volunteers will try to keep the ball rolling.

4. We have completed the MRAD contract it is ready for signature. We have additional documents to submit for the business issues and insurance. These are in hand and will be completed by the end of July for submittal to the Secretary of Transportation.

5. The ICEBUCKET (the old Arctic Survey Boat) has been hauled at Captain's Cove Marina and lies outside the Aquaculture School. We have a group of local volunteers who is committed to "take her down the original glass finish and rebuild her interior. She has some rotten wood, leaks, crazed ports, missing mast, outdated running lights, and general disarray that present a less than "Bristol" condition suitable for an Admiral's Launch. This is our goal, to make her perfect! She will pass a 4.0 Inspection when complete and will have all the latest electronics fully integrated. We will involve as many youth groups in the process as a learning experience and on the job training.

6. We want to say thank you to the Senators and Congressman who wrote letters of support for our grant application at Save America's Treasures. As of Friday night the letters were still coming in. California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, I know are in and other States are in process.

We will send a special report after our visit to the ship,

Ben Koether
Chairman
Glacier Society, Inc.
www.glaciersociety.org

09 June 2002

RESTORATION LOG -13

1. The year end fund raising suffered, as did other charities, from the 9-11 hangover. However, we did bring in considerable support and increased our number of donors. The most significant contributions were from two entities, one anonymous supplying a new Kohler Generator for the ICEBUCKET. The other contribution was from Peterson Power Systems. This firm has been loaning us a generator that supplies power to our work parties. It now is ours permanently!! These are very significant contributions with a value of over $30,000.

2. We have completed preparations for the transfer of an "as new" Emergency Generator Room
Complete with day tanks, fire extinguisher systems, and electrical switchgear. This operation will take place in March. This equipment will be installed in a new space to be designed by M. Rosenblatt & Sons to meet IMO and USCG regulations for emergency power aboard Inspected Vessels.

3. Glacier Society participated in the Annual meeting of the United States Arctic Research Commission this past January, by invitation of its Chairman, George B. Newton. We invite you to visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/enri/arc_web/princip.htm. Here you may observe the synergies possible with the cooperation of the Glacier Society and many existing research programs. We were fortunate to meet all the Commissioners and the staff members including Dr. Rita Colwell the most distinguished leader of NSF and a strong proponent of increased research in the Arctic. The Society presented its vision of the restoration process and the planned scientific use of the vessel. We believe the future is promising indeed.

4. Last week the Glacier Society toured England to lay the foundation for establishing formal links in the UK via becoming a UK entity registered with their Charity Board. This will enable UK resident Polar Explorers to join our team and participate in their local currency. We held numerous meeting, which included our Board members Alexandra Shackleton and Peter Fuchs.

5. Glacier Society will participate in the Annual Winter Board Meeting of the HNSA, (Historic Naval Ship Assoc.) and then the Navy Memorial Dinner the first week of March. Meetings with our Congressional supporters, and MARAD will be perused to complete the transfer documents and prepare to move the ship to the pier at Mare Island. This will be followed by a two-week work period aboard ship. We will be ready to move shortly.

6. The following skills are needed, and can be executed from home. Please help us find volunteers:
a. Grant writers
b. Authors for the newsletter & public relations
c. Researchers to search the national Archives under our direction


Respectfully,

Bernard G. Koether
Chairman
Glacier Society, Inc.
www.glaciersociety.org

6 June 2000

1. We have had a very busy and productive two months. Enclosed at the end of this message is a Press Release from Congressman Shays describing the passage of the House Defense Authorization Act that includes our Bill. The Senate will follow shortly and send the package to the President for his signature.

2. We have located the "GREENLAND" or "ARCTIC" cruiser that served as the GLACIER survey vessel while operating in uncharted waters. This is a double-ended 40-Foot boat powered with a GM diesel. She is being prepared for transport to Norwalk, CT where she will be hosted by Cove Marine. Our volunteers will work at the Cove Facility until we make the boat ready for sea. We are seeking qualified volunteers to assist in this restoration. This work qualifies for sea time aboard GLACIER.

3. Wee were assisted by Boy Scout Troop 100 in preparing a Memorial Day Parade float in Westport, CT. Congratulations to the Scouts! Remember Admiral Byrd always selected several Eagle Scouts to join his expedition. We are re-establishing this program with Scouts earning sea time aboard the next GLACIER cruise.

4. Hats off to Peterson Power! They have provided GLACIER with a 25KW Generator set which is aboard ship and operating to provide our teams with light and ventilation. 

5. We have a new staff member. Ron Gaines is a retired Master Chief USN. Ron called us when he heard about our project. He has moved his family from New Hampshire to be close to our office! Now that is dedication. 

6. Do not forget: Those who are members and those who work to help restore the ship are the first chosen to ride the ship. If you have not done so please send in your membership via the web site: www.glaciersociety.org this site is revised weekly so keep an eye on the progress and meet the members who are active. Here is Congressman Shays release THANK YOU CHRIS!!

16 DECEMBER 1999

04 DECEMBER 1999

21 July, 1999

NOVEMBER 19, 1998

JULY 04, 1998