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When Navy personel went ashore during a 'libery call', they were often given cards to entice them to visit the location on the card
'Liberty call' is when sailors and soldiers are released from the confinements of a ship and then allowed to go ashore
The amount of time ashore would vary, sometimes there were even restrictions from leaving the base.
Many of these cards are from the Sherman Biss or John Mckeag collections
A souvenir can be any object, such as Night Club Cards, Currency Exchange Rates, and more.
A souvenir is a "memento, keepsake, or token of remembrance". It is something that is kept for memories.
Souvenir's are often collected or purchased as a memento of a visit.
Fake plan of the day (top enlarged)
Fake plan of the day (middle enlarged)
Fake plan of the day (bottom enlarged)
The crew always looked forwared to special meals such as Thanksgiving
Storeroom Responsibilities
The USS Thomaston made news when one of the landing craft was used as a ski boat !
The 'Plan of the Day' from 1960
What is a 'Titivation Day' ?
It's a Major cleanup day !
Chuck Flemming designed the USS Thomaston "Tom Cat" logo

"Suaviter In Modo Fortiter In Re" translates to "Gentle in manner, strong in deed"
"Tom Cat" black and white logo drawing

Thomaston sholder patch for Navy "dress blue" uniform

Thomaston Communications patch
"Tom Cat" black and white logo drawing

Thomaston sholder patch for Navy "dress blue" uniform

Thomaston Communications patch
John McKeag provided many photos and documents that are part of this website

At our reunions he shared his personal collections like these Thomaston branded lighters
Crossing the equator was a big event for everybody on board. Rank was not a consideration, if you had not crossed the equator you were a 'Polywog'

The preparation went on for many days, the fun started once the ship crossed the equator and resulted in the 'Polywogs' becoming a 'Shellback' 		John McKeag (left)
Subpoena and Summons Extraordinary
The Trusty Shellbacks versus Charles E Fleming HM3

The Royal High Court of Raging Main
County of Equatus
Vale of Pacificus
Domain of Neptunus Rex
Charge I - In that you are now a Pollywog (of lowest grade), U.S.N, and have hitherto willfully and maliciously failed to show reverence and allegiance to our Royal Person, and are therein and therby a vile land-lubber and pollywog.

Charge II - Manufacturing pornographic cartoons defaming the character of trust shellbacks

Charge III - Impersonation of member of Royal fammily to whit hair worn in manner as prescribed for rear portion of Royal Ducks anatomy
'Shellback' blank certificate

The "Shellback" certificate was given for Crossing the Equator at any point
John McKeag "Shellback" certificate
John McKeag "Golden Dragon" certificate

The "Golden Dragon" certificate was given for Crossing the International Date Line (180th Meridian)
Sherman Biss "Golden Dragon" certificate
Sherman Biss "Shellback" certificate
Curtis Gibson decommissioning certificate, September 28th, 1984
The boatswain's pipe was used to pass commands to the crew which could be heard over over the activities of the crew and bad weather.
  • All Hands
     

  • Belay
     

  • Boat along side
     

  • Heave Around
     

  • Mess Call
     
  • Pass the Word
     

  • Pipe the Side
     

  • Secure General Quarters
     

  • Sideboy 2
     
  • Sideboy 4
     

  • Sideboy 6
     

  • Sideboy 8
     

  • Sweepers
     
    		•  

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