16 June 2004 Report from Max Bassett and Sea Bird aboard the Rhea bound for New Orleans and note from Steve

Since 06-23-04

From: "Nawojczyk, Steve" <SNawojczyk@northlittlerock.ar.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 6:50 AM
Subject: AIMM Update 04-0060 Last Report from Max Bassett and Sea Bird aboard the Rhea bound for New Orleans and note from Steve

Note from Steve:

While this is the last report from Max aboard the Rhea, we will continue to send bulletins as needed and will soon be posting updates on the tow and tow prep of the valiant little tug, the U.S.S. Hoga.  You will continue to find information posted on our website at www.NorthLittleRock.Ar.gov  as well.  If anyone has artifacts or other historical information relevant either of these vessels, please contact Sandra Taylor-Smith, North Little Rock History Commission, at 501-371-0755 or NLRHistory@Comcast.Net. Thank you for all your interest and comments during this exciting adventure.  Don't forget about the big homecoming in North Little Rock on July 18.  For information on that exciting event, contact KTrevino@NorthLittleRock.org.

Kind regards,

Steve Nawojczyk

Office of Mayor Patrick H. Hays
North Little Rock, AR
501-340-5302 

Subject: Nightly Report...06/15/04

Last Report USS RAZORBACK/MURAT REIS...06/15/04...@ 1800...24 deg 54N...83 deg 49W...Steering...308 deg...Speed 6.4 Knts...Next Stop....New Orleans...

We're back once again, "The Sea Bird & Max Show".  We Left  Key West Yesterday around 1730 On our way to New Orleans ...ETA ...1300 on Saturday the19th of June At The Julia Street Pier.  The weather in Key West was hot, but that didn't stop the people from coming down to tour the Ole Girl.  We  probably did about 500 people.  We could have done alot more but we were short of tour guides.  We thought south Florida had some USSVI Bases but I guess they don't as NONE of them showed up.  We sure hope USSVI will make a better showing in New Orleans. I guess if you don't care enough to spend a little time with the Ole Girl--it's your loss. 

A young lady named Carey, who was probably in her twenties,  came down for a tour with her folks.  She has been following our escapades since we started.  She had all kinds of questions and was thrilled to get to tour the boat.  She took her time and touched everything that she could reach.  When she finished she stood in the hot sun and talked for another half hour.  We told her that it's for people like her that we brought the Ole Girl home.  She gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek and said thanks.  It made my year.  By the way, did I mention that Carey is blind?

Sea Bird hid out all the time we were in Key West  He didn't show up until we were well underway.  He sure is happy to have those water packed sardines and Saltines and he drank almost a whole Diet Pepsi. 

Our Two Turkish Master Chiefs left for home yesterday, as did Jay, the 1st Mate.  Jay's relief is Big Jim.

Had a half dozen old Razorback sailors show up in Key West.  One of them, Shane Foraker is riding on to New Orleans with us.  My significant other, Jerris,   was on the Pier also.  She has now started the drive on to New Orleans.

O.K. gang, that's all for tonight.  Good night Maurice and Bob wherever you are, and as always, Jerris I love you.

Later,

Max Bassett MMCM (SS) USN Ret. and, of course...Sea Bird