77 thoughts on “”

1. As a former MSO engine an, one of 8 selected yearly to attend the Packard engine school I find it both strange and exhilarating to see an MSO being honored and restored.
   I am reminded of the 2 minesweeper sayings.
   Where the fleet goes we’ve been and
   Wooden boats, iron men.
   After loosing too many qualified Packard mechanics those that remained were stationed mainly in Long Beach CA. Where we went from sweep to sweep doing mainly “in place overhauls”.
   New cylinder liners, pistons, rings, valve work on each head, injector pop testing, as well as the extremely confined and claustrophobic replacement of all crank bearings.
   NO engine an was allowed to turn a wrench, regardless of rank without the approval of the “floater”, as we were called.
   One half turn mistake on a lateral bolt, using a stretch guage WOULD result in a wiped crank in short order!
   As would any deviation on each head torque sequence cause a blown head ring!
   From disassembly to reassembly following strict sequence and torque or stretch procedures was CRITICAL!!
   Followed to the letter the engine would maintain a constant 1800 RPM for as many months as required.

2. Hi Terry,

   I was a ET3 on the USS Avenge MSO 423 at the same time. I believe we made a med cruise together. Live back in SC now. I’m coming to California this week and hope to take a ride to see the Lucid.

   Steve

3. What’s the address to see the ship I spent 4 years on one I got out in1971 would love to the ship I was on mso 440 I would be coming from los angles area

4. Hello!
   Anybody from the ’50’s?

   I served in the Lucid from August 1956 to September 1957 under LT Hollis T. Rodgers. I left when we were in dry dock next to a fish cannery in San Pedro. Still remember the smell. Biggest change during that repair period was installation of fibreglass (?) surface to forecastle deck to stop water seepage into crew’s compartment. During our ’56-’57 WestPac tour, taking seas for prolonged periods on one bow or the other would “spring” the lay of the decking and , in rough weather, breaking seas would drain through so many top bunks were practically unusable.

   Anybody know whereabouts of Houdershelt BM2, Tom Watson, Engineering Officer or Floyd Hodges, Operations Officer? (Val Duronio, XO passed on).

   Walter Muelken
   Mine Sweeping Officer and First Lt.

5. Hello Chief Krisman: When you and Rex schedule a trip to the Lucid, I will be glad to join and help you with the RR. Gary Elliott, ET2, USN (late ’50s); RM2, USNR (mid ’80s)

6. ET2, USN- RM2, USNR, Gary Elliott, wa6kcp. Seeya when you get here, Chief Krisman

7. ETC Krisman, We look forward to hearing from you. You can drop me a note at shmm.info@gmail.com also.

8. Hello Maties, ETC Krisman is feeling much better now. The state of preservation much further along that I thought. Radio room started yet. 2 Al. radio operator desks found o set up equip yet. I have working Navy era receivers for a working display. Will show up soon and will call Rex. Tnx, Chief

9. Hear is a picture of our ship and the passageway appears to be gone

10. Please sign up for the newsletter at our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/UssLucid There is a link on the left hand side of the page or there is on the homepage of this website. I would do it; however, there is additional information we request. http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001Jfpzr8AK9yZP8q9gP9T3WT-U0dfD4cK_NaMsuUkk4J835kaM7SsODpuio_jPoilwtg23P23GQxtFjZI_hS-KdxN7JXNV_vTL8Blx6SewqViyD1gBoCOfvvpOEkZ48YgHGbyk821T5tPTqRy2PIIED6z7pB9mpJSj2fwG_Se09nglne0chnOU4g%3D%3D

11. The Lucid did have the addition. Best place to see photos is in our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/UssLucid Please sign up for the newsletter. There is a link on the left hand side of the page.

12. Sorry about replying to an old message, but the flippingbook extension works like a charm for that type of work, see next link for an example of a decklog of the HNLMS Jaguar I served on: http://roofdierklasse.nl/index.php/jaguar/scheepsjournalen/2-uncategorised/672-journaal-hr-ms-jaguar-1981-26-november-16-juni-1982

13. I was on the USS Aggressive MSO-422 from 66-68. I am very interested in your project especially the radio/crypto spaces.

    Did the Lucid have the addition of Iff gear which eliminated the psssage midship from port to starboard next to the mast?

    More pictures would be appreciated.

14. Would like to receive the news letter. Thanks

15. Hi Mike Harris
    Sorry for the confusion about the book I was referring to. I’d been corresponding with the Lucid site about having the Mine Division Ninty-Two 9170 cruse book copied for their use, and that part of the message got lost somewhere. The book was offered on board when we got back from WestPac through the yeoman. I’ve no idea how he ordered them.
    Regarding agent orange- one of my shipmates (MSO 447) was recently awarded his claim after years of dealing/fighting with the VA about MSO operations in Vietnam.
    Please contact me at kmdon8@aol.com for the particulars and other information.

16. Hi Mike, I served on the Lucid from March 68 to Nov 70 before being transfered to shore duty. I registered with Hines VA hospital in Illinois and by giving them a copy of my DD214 (which I’m sure you submitted) I was eligible for agent orange testing. I came up negative on all tests. I remember being ashore in Qui Nhon in 70 which was the last cruise for the Lucid until she was decommissioned on Dec 23,1970. I found alot of information about the Lucid and the other ship I served on in Wikipedia.com. There are also many links referenced there for info and maybe you might be able to find the ships log. Its gotta be in the archives somewhere. The rehabilitation of the Lucid is coming along great, and I hope to get out to Cal. nextt year after my wife retires. Keep up the good work and hope to see you soon.

17. Darrell,
    Sorry that I missed your comment. The pigs are out at the shop building. Smaller ones are being refurbished by students. We don’t have any kites that I am aware of. We have work parties on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. That is a great time to visit the ship at 3100 Monte Diablo in Stockton to familiarize yourself with what help is needed. I will try to call you too. Thanks.

18. Scott,
    We wish that that somebody had a vision and funds to preserve the site. Unfortunately, it is not in the cards at this time.
    Rex

19. I am a former reds dent of Stockton. When I left, Coleberg Boatworks was still relatively intact…
    Do you all think there is value in its preservation? Or any parcel in the imeadiate area?
    I hope you all all Great success. Thank you for your time- scott

20. Darrell,
    I will send you an email with additional information and how to contact me. Rex

21. I did my time in the Navy on both MSO 427 and MSO 455 . I would like to help, I am only 54 years old and live close. Where are the pigs and kites, the mag tail and THE AFFF shack. Let’s meet help! Darrell 209 295 2588

22. Dear Ken,

    Thank you so much for you reply about out cruise in 1970. For some reason, information about the Lucid is hard to come by. In your post, you mentioned that I was pictured with the Operations
    Department (pg 45), and a reference to Mine Division Ninety-Two 1970 pg 51. Please let me know what publication you are referring to and if I can get copies of these pages. I have been trying to get coverage for medical problems associated with agent orange, but so far they have label me as a blue water sailor and not ever placing foot on the soil of Viet Naum and so ineligible. The fact that much of what they sprayed on land eventually washed down the streams and rivers into the waters offshore where we washed our clothes, took swim call, and as a boat captain operated the z-boats for inspections of junks and other fishing vessels, doesn’t seemk to matter to them.

    Thanks again for responding and helping me piece together a history of my time aboard the Lucid and with out Division ovedrseas.

    Mike Harris

23. Can you provide a photo of the cover and an interior page it will let me know how it is bound. You can email the picture to shmm.info@gmail.com Rex

24. I have a copy of the MINE DIVISION NINETY-TWO 1970 cruise book which includes the USS Lucid’s last WestPac. I would be happy to provide you with a copy, if I could get some assistance in how to go about making a copy (56 pages).

25. Mike Harris

    Mine Division 92 – 1970
    USS Lucid MSO 458
    USS Guide MSO 447
    USS Pivot MSO 463
    USS Advance MSO 510

    USS Lucid MSO 458 Market Time Patrols
    April 14, 1970 – May 8, 1970
    June 18, 1970 – July 15, 1907
    Reference: Mine Division Ninety-Two 1970 pg 51

    You are pictured STG3 Harris with the Operations Department (pg 45)

    I hope you will find this info useful.
    Ken Donnelly (EM2 USS Guide)

26. I’d like to find out what years E.L. Kenner was on USS Advance MSO-510. I was on it from 1963 thru 1966. Thankx. DeWitt Rathbun

27. T.J. And I were shipmates on Dynamic MSO 432 in the commissioning crew. I also served on Gladiator MSF 319, Enhance MSO 437 (younger brother in same crew. ) Acme MSO 508′ Advance MSO 510, Woodpecker MSC 209, Widgeon MSC 208, Boat Captain MSB 7, Minpac staff, TF 59.2, and MinRon 11. Still had time to spend 15 months in DaNang, VN in the Swift Boats. Leroy Kenner, QMC Ret. Also on Cape MSI 2.

28. Les,
    Thank you so much for stopping by. The instructor, John Van Huystee, said he had a great time and you provided some great insight and stories… not all of which could be passed on to the students. Hah. Thank you for the cruise book. It will join other great memorabilia we have gathered to be displayed onboard ship. Thanks for the update and your request to others for volunteers and assistance. Please feel free to return as we continue our journey. Rex

29. I was able to go aboard the Lucid the 27 th of March 2014 an got a personal tour of the Lucid thanks to John Van Huystee (great guy) he showed my wife an I the entire ship . A lot of things have changed since I served aboard her 1962 to 1965 but there plans are to change most of her back to orginal, they have completed the cpo quarters an sick bay with a good start on the mess deck, the rest of the ship is a mess with a lot of work to go.
    I couldn”t believe the warm feeling I had going aboard her after all these years a good piece of my youth seemed to still be their I went aboard being a seamen an changed rates to a fireman shipfitter stricker an latter made third class before seperation in 65. I served with Pat Murphy an Wayne Austin altough I don’t seem to remember either of them, My Best buddies were Gary Emch From Ill. an Ken Tanner from NY. I kept in touch with both of them till the late 60 s an then lost track of them.
    I donated a 1963 WesPac cruis book for there musem which they were gratful to have, lots of Info. Wouldn’t it be great to find the ships Captains Log book? Does anyone know what happens to them ?
    I look forward to watching the restoration progress in the future, it is said they will have her done in 5 years an ,I only live a 4 hour drive away by the Kings Caynon National park. Stay posted guys an remember they need a lot of volunteer workers.

30. Sam,
    Thanks for the update. If you want to send photos that our curator can store that would be great. We have several Packard engines in storage that we will be re-installing. Be sure and sign up for the newsletter.

31. I WAS ON THE USS REAPER MSO 467 FROM IT’S COMMISSING IN AUGUST 1954(PLANKOWNER) UNTIL 1957. WAS A ENGINEMAN 2ND CLASS AND VERY WELL REMEMBER THOSE PACKARD DIESEL ENGINES. THE USS REAPER MSO 467 AND THE USS PRIME MSO466 WERE BOTH BUILT IN WILMINGTON BOAT WORKS THERE IN LONG BEACH ,CALIFORNIA AND STATIONED IN LONG BEACH AT PIER #9 .WE WENT OVER TO SASEBO ,JAPAN AND OPERATED IN AND AROUND KOREA–TAIWAN (FORMOSA )-MATSU STRAITS- HONG KONG. ONE TIME WE SPENT TWO WEEKS WITH SEVERAL OTHER SHIPS NEAR SHANGHAI,CHINA LOOKING FOR A DOWNED NAVY P4M-1Q PLANE THAT HAD BEEN SHOT DOWN BY CHINESE MIG FIGHTERS. WE WERE IN MINE DIV. 72 WITH USS FORCE MSO444–USS EMBATTLE MSO 434–USS FORCE MSO 445 –USS PRIME MSO 466– USS REAPER MSO467 . THOSE SMALL SHIPS WERE VERY GOOD DUTY BUT HARD TO RIDE OUT A TYPHOON . I HAVE SEVERAL PICTURES MADE DURING THE TIME I WAS ON THE REAPER. . I LIVE IN AMORY, MISSISSIPPI NOW

32. We have several electricians and they are trying to replicate the grounds and complete the wiring. The braided cable is to go in. We have adapted the electrical circuits to modern standards but well concealed in old hardware. Take a look at the restored fixtures on our facebook page if you get a chance.

33. Be sure and sign up for our Newsletter. First issue should be in March 2014.

34. Terrence, Visits are welcome but we try to organize them. See the calendar for Saturday work party days when we have a team on board.

35. Please send us an email at shmm.info@gmail.com Best to to visit is on the work party Saturdays otherwise we need to schedule visits during the week. Thanks.

36. We would greatly appreciate any memorabilia. We are are going to set up a room for displays of history and memorabilia on board. Drop us a shmm.info@gmail.com and provide us an introduction. Our curator is an MSO veteran.

37. The original sonar on the MSO’s was the AN/UQS-1D [or 1C]. It was a 1000 yd max range, 100KHz output frequency “sonar”. I put sonar in quotes because sonar stands for SOund Navigation And Ranging. Obviously 100 KHz is not sound. There was no audio, only a radar-like screen presentation.
    If you’re into electronics, the PA tube was a 4-1000. This tube was used as a booster amp by some HAM Radio operators. When I first went aboard my MSO, the USS Advance MSO-510, the sonar operators were SO’s, Sonar Operators. The maintenance on the sonar was up to the ET’s. I was very glad to see my first ST check aboard and take over. The UQS did not have a diving dome. The transducer could be pointed at any bearing, and from up 5 degrees to down 70 degrees. It was really accurate, and useful in navigating in harbor or near land. Hope this info is helpful. DeWitt Rathbun

38. Hello, Steve! I was on Prime ’66 to ’68. We took the same trip together!

39. I was on the USS Advance MSO-510 from 1963-66. Is there a plan to have a museum associated with the Lucid when it is finished? I have some MSO memorabilia that I’d be glad to donate. Let me know. I was an ETRSN thru ETR2 onboard.

40. I was aboard the USS Engage MSO433 in 61-62 deck sn. I was in Stockton in 2012 but couldn’t get any info about the Lucid hope to see her when she is finished.

41. I was aboard the USS Engage MSO433 in 61-62 I was in Stockton in 2012 but couldn’t get any info about the Lucid hope to see her when she is finished.

42. I served aboard the Lucid from Dec 62 to Mar of 65. I was one of the guys that made a west pac cruise in 63 . many great guys aboard, an the food was special. My best shipmates was Gary Emch an Ken Tanner. I was very pleased to hear the Lucid was a simple short drive from where I live. I will be making the trip to visit her this summer.

43. I served aboard the Lucid as an EN1 from March 68 till Sep 70 when I was transfered to shore duty to train recruits. I do remember the dry-dock period and the rebuilding of the superstructure also the tour to Nam which was my last cruise. My service jacket does not show any info on westpac cruises so I would assume that would have to come from ships records

44. Thanks to the USS Iowa Volunteers showing up at Lucid Work Party on 2/22.

45. Please be sure and stay in touch.

46. Dear Mike. Thank you for your remarkable story. Do you know what sonarequipment was installed on board these MSO’s originally? Presumably it was an early version of the AN SQQ14, but do you have any picture of that first generation sonarconsole?
    I am the vice chairman of a maritime trust in the Netherlands where we explore the former US MSO 483. See our website http://www.museumschip-Mercuur.nl . Thank you for your reaction. Regards Steve Muetstege RAdm RNlN rtd

47. In the US Navy, there was no finer duty as an officer, but to serve time on an aircraft carrier like the USS Ticonderoga ( CVA 14), making cruises to WESPAC in the peacetime fifties. I miss those good old days.

48. I am very pleased to see this note about USS Lucid. I hope to be able to see the ship again some day and to go on board if that is possible. Amazing to me that of all the MSOs of that era, Lucid is the only one to survive. I first went on board Lucid as a seaman apprentice in February or so of 1957. This was in Japan. Later that spring, in Long Beach, we celebrated the 2nd birthday of the ship with a cake. I later left the ship for 14 or so months duty at Midway which in retrospect has turned out to be a pleasant memory. A few of the men I knew at Midway had been in the sea battle which had been fought not too many years earlier, but I was still too young to appreciate the opportunity to get to know these men better. I had first seen the island from the deck of Lucid when we had a stop over. Finally out of the navy as RM2 in 1960; should have stayed in. Many people must think the same.

49. Chief CIC M903 – M906 – Belgian Navy (1988- 1997) – Well done Guys, thanks for your effort on this project !

50. What a great project for the Stockton area to help preserve Naval history and local ship building. Can’t wait to go out and help it along in it’s efforts.

51. Was a signalman 2nd class on the U.S.S. Firm from 1959 to 1963. Made one Westpac cruise. Most time was spent off the coast of Ca. Home port in Long Beach. Spent 2 1/2 years on the old U.S.S. Ticonderoga CVA 14. Mso duty was the best gig in the Navy.

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54. I served on USS Exultant (MSO 440) from 1968-1969 and was transferred to USS Alacrity (MSO 520) until I got out in 1971. I was RM3 and probably served in the same squadron with Exploit while you were aboard.

55. was on lucid 1967 EM2,tranfered to uss reaper mso467 1968,good people on those ships

56. I served aboard the USS Impervious (MSO 449) in 1961,62,63. Worked Da Nang and Hue on WestPac. I was a SM…a rating that no longer exists.

57. Mike,
    In March of 1968 I left the USS Enhance MSO-437 to return to college. At that time the Lucid (458), Enhance(437), Guide(447), Excel, and Leader were the ships of MINDIV 93 based at Pier 9 in Long Beach. USS Leader MSO-490 had the flag for MINDIV 93. I don’t know what happened between
    when I departed Enhance and you arrived on Lucid but I would guess that these were the names of the ships your were trying to recall. Westpac for all of us in MINDIV 93 was all of 1967.
    Stan Jones, xRM3, MSO-437

58. Mike, I was an STG3 on the USS Harry E. Hubbard (DD 748) and we needed to establish our time in Da Nang harbor so that our vets could get on the Agent Orang Registry. We did this by confirming ships location based upon ships logs. Our ship has a FB page and if you go on there are some ships crew members who have more info on the registry. Cheers Peter Lush

59. Good Job on restoring the ship. As a Electricians mate , i just looked at some pics of the cpo quarters, Did not see a ground bond on the j box ,they are needed on a mso

60. I went on board the USS Firm in December of 65 and left September of 68. I came in as a enginemen recruit And left Enginemen third class. Two trips to Nam, Typhoons, Broken propeller drive shaft. OH those were the good old days. 🙂 I do look forward to going down and helping work on the Lucid someday soon. thanks

61. I have a Packard v12 diesel out of one of these boats….get ahold of me…thanks

62. I grew up in Stockton – graduated from Stagg High 1965
    Joined Navy 1968 – 1968/69 stationed Small Craft Repair Danang, Viet Nam
    1969-1971 assigned to USS Force MSO-445, rebuilt Packard engines in Long Beach while
    the Force was in ship yard in Hawaii – ship’s engines were converted to Waukesha. Was on Force when it went to Guam from Hawaii.
    After I was discharged, went to work at Colberg’s rebuilding engines. Those years taught me lessons that I still carry with me.

63. I am plankowner of the USS Agile MSO-421. Aboard March 1956 to Sept 1958, then USS Pinacle MSO-462 until September 1959. Great ships, great crews. Wish I hadda stayed in Mine Force.
    God Bless all.

64. I was stationed on the Ilusive(MSO448) 1966-1969 saw the lucid many times here (pier 9) and abroad there is something to be said aout wooden ships and iron men.

65. I have been watching the progress for the last few years in the sea grass levy up north. Was involved the the Save an MSO. Finally looks as if all the hard work of many and still many in the future will find us with a lasting tribute to this great grou of ships. I was part of ship’s company on the USS Guide MSO 447 1958 59. Cssn Thomas Owens . Upon leaving the ship in Dec 1959 was deployed to NavCom Sta Guam MI. for 18 mo. tour. I can’t wait to see the completion of this long adventure.

66. Bravo, il reste des personnes soucieuses de maintenir la mémoire d’hommes et de navires qui ont contribué à écrire l’histoire. J’ai effectué mon service militaire sur un MSO (M 908 Truffaut en 1970 ).
    Notre forum (www.begian navy-be) essaiera dans la mesure de nos petits moyens de vous aider.
    Bon courage

67. My name is Mike Harris. I served aboard the Lucid from March of 1969 till December 1970. I was a STG3 Sonar Technition when at sea and when not in a mine field the radar and radio operator . I reported aboard the Lucid when it was in dry-dock to have a new superstructure built to accommodate the new SQQ-14 sonar and all its auxiliary equipment including the big winch on the main deck forward of the pilot house. When we finished dry-docking we trained on the new system and prepared for a Westpac Cruise which began in February 1970 and ended in September 1970. It is interesting that I have not found any reference to the dry-dock period, new equipment, or any evidence of the 1970 deployment to Vietnam. It seams like 1970 and the last cruise of USS Lucid MSO 458 has disappeared. With my ship now becoming the Museum for the Stockton shipbuilding industry and a representative of the Minesweeping force of the Navy, it would be nice to have her last cruise be part of her history.

    I recently have had problems getting medical benefits because I can not find offical evidence that the cruise took place including our time on the DMZ and down on mouth of the Mekong Delta. I wish I had kept more pictures of that time, but the years and many moves have taken its toll on memory and materials. I think you were in the same division as I was during that cruise. I don’t remember the exact names of the other 3 ships that sailed with us, but one of those names ring a bell. If you have any information to share with me, I would appreciate it.

    I hope the years have treated you kind and hope to hear from you.

68. The concept photo of the Lucid on the Stockton waterfront is well done

    Frederick F. Fletcher CDR USNR RET

69. i was stationed in stockton waiting on the dynamic to be put in to comm. at colbergs boat works iam a plank owner of the dynamic an also the msoa assosiation i hope some day before i go to be able to come see the lucid

70. Deck division seamen Uss Engage Mso 433 built in Stockton 1953. Best darn duty in the Navy.Funny years pass and I myself discovered that behind my house on Flora street in Stockton my ship was built I served aboard the Engage mso 433 during Operation End sweep Vietnam . Cant wait to go aboard the Lucid

71. Ken House

    Signalman 3rd class. I was a “plank owner” when the Lucid was commissioned in Algiers, Louisiana.
    As plank owners, we were involved with fitting out the ship’s spaces for our sea details. Shortly thereafter we “set sail” for Long Beach, California passing through the Panama Canal. Upon arrival, I was transferred to the USS Waxwing that was about to head out for Sasebo, Japan

72. Probably after your time, but in 1968 (69?) I was on duty in the wire room at NavCommSta Guam, and handled Epping Forest’s distress call, “…have suffered major explosion and fire…” Was with USS Tolovana (AO-64) in ’69, and while passing through Sasebo, we were invited to remove anything useful from Epping Forest, by then a rusting hulk tied up in one of the caissons. I drove the utility boat that came alongside. As you might imagine, I have a bit of interest in the old E.F., but for literally decades, have been stymied in my attempts to find out anything. Finally, some years back, a guy at work gave me a book titled Weapons that Wait, a history of mine warfare. E.F. is not mentioned in the text, but there is a photo of three guys in coveralls rolling what looks like a gurney along a deck, with the caption, “CIA crew of USS Epping Forest laying mines off coast of North Viet Nam.” At least now I know why I could never find anything…

73. EN3 served on the USS EMBATTLE MSO 434 64-66 and the CAPE MSI 2 66-67 pier 9 long beach

74. Radarman 3rd class. I served on two minesweepers USS Exploit MSO 440 and USS Excel MSO 439. It is great to see the Lucid has found a new home and that the last wooden hull mindsweeper of its class will be restored and on display as a museum in Stockton. I served on my two ships from 1968 to 1971 and was deployed to both the Mediteranean Sea and Viet Nam.

75. I would love to be able to get out there to see this.I served on the lucid june of 1960 untill april of 1963.

76. Superbe,j’adore cette restauration

77. This was my first ship after E M school in San Diego. I went aboard the USS LUCID in dry-dock in 05/63 Guam after several months we sailed to Japan and then back to Long Beach Cal. I made 3 class PO in 05/64 was transfer to the USS EPPING FOREST in Sasebo Japan

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