Far Fewer Blue Hats

Older veterans wear their colors with pride. My grandfather was no exception. Wherever he went, you'd see him proudly wear his USS Iowa navy blue baseball hat along with the requisite American Flag, WW II and USN pins. His hat and the hats of 1000's of Navy Veterans are like the cover of a great book just waiting for you to turn the page. If asked about the USS Iowa, my grandfather would show you the biggest smile you've ever seen, his baby blue eyes would open wide and say 'she was a great ship'. If you were so inclined, he would tell you a story or two about how his service changed his life.

As I travel through airports around the country, I've noticed fewer blue hats. When spotted, I make a point to ask them about their ship, hear their story and thank them for their service. You would be amazed the details these men remember about their experience. Understandably so. The words they use to describe their experience and ship will turn any ordinary airport conversation into a glimpse into the past. I've talked with dozens of them through the years.

There is definitely a protocol in engaging. To break the ice, I usually say - when and where did you serve? Which battles, what theater, etc. They use Navy talk and refer to things like 'shakedown cruise', dogging the hatches and polywogs. Enlisted or Officers, they have the same pride. I've spoken to Navy guys from USS Enterprise, USS Missourri, USS Wisconsin and countless Destroyer ships I can't all remember.

I am a WWII history nut so I know many of the battles their ships served in and that is a great sense of pride for them. Sadly, I think many assume Joe Q. Public doesn't know and doesn't care about their service. We are all so grateful to those who served.

If you're in an airport, train station or really anywhere, talk to the guys in the blue hats. They wear them for a reason. Open the book and you will be amazed what you learn.

Today My Grandfather Smiles!

My family has a long history of military service from the Gulf War to Korea to Vietnam and several in WW II. From the time I was 7 years old, I can remember detailed stories from my grandfather about his experience in the US Navy. He spent 18 months in the South Pacific on the USS Iowa securing the Marshall Islands, the Phillipines and bombing the shores of Japan. He was in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the peace agreements with Japan.

The USS IOWA has been an integral part of our family. In 1982 my grandfather got a call from a former shipmate and best man, Ray Saindon, saying that they were going to put together a reunion of former USS Iowa veterans. The first would be in Des Moine with only 50 or so in attendance. The reunions grew to several hundred and travelled across the US from Boston to Denver. Our entire family vacations centered around attending this important tradition and learning about the USS Iowa. The stories these heros told are still with me today. Of course they got more interesting as the years progressed and as the adult beverages flowed.

My grandfather was so passionate about the USS Iowa that he had an entire room in our home dedicated to memoribilia about the ship. This had hundreds of pictures, 16" firing primers, uniforms, love letters -- the whold deal. The license plate on his car of course was: USS IOWA.

In 1985 the USS Iowa was recommissioned in Mississippi and the whole family went to participate in the amazing ceremony. Bush Sr. brought the ship to life and because grandpa was a 'plank owner' we got to tour the ship with the Officers. These were some of my grandfathers happiest moments of his life. Sharing his struggles and successes with his grandchildren was something he talked about until the day he passed away.

Several years ago the USS Iowa was transported to the mothball fleet in the Suisun Bay not far from our house. Doug Barton, a friend from work, and I drove to Marin to see this magnificent ship enter the SF Bay under the Golden Gate bridge. I can vividly remember looking down at the decks thinking about how my grandfather felt 60+ years ago. The ship didn't look like I saw it in the 80's but my kids would at least be able to see their great grandfathers ship each time we drove to our home in Camp Sherman.

Today marks a big day in the Clayton family with regard to the status of the USS Iowa. Thanks to my father in law for finding the news. Today my grandfather would be smiling down from heaven thinking -- it doesn't get much better than this. Why? Because the USS Iowa has found a proper home and will be open for the public to see it's amazing power and beauty. This was his dream more than 25 years ago.

You can check out the details on http://www.battleshipiowa.org/ for more details but essentially the Big Stick will be incorporated into a Naval Museum on Mare Island in Vallejo. This location is merely 30 minutes from our house. I can hardly wait until this ship is available for us to visit.

Grandpa would be so happy that his great grandchildren and more can see this important part of our US history and for them to know he was an instrumental part in creating the freedom we have today.

Doyle - your ship has come in!

Love Rich