USS WILLIAMSBURG. Presidential Yacht - Harry S. Truman The Sea Going White House

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1 USS WILLIAMSBURG Presidential Yacht - Harry S. Truman The Sea Going White House

2 President Harry S.Truman in his bathrobe aboard the USS Williamsburg c. 1947

The Magic of the Truman years President Truman spent more time aboard the USS Williamsburg than any president spent on a presidential yacht

Truman found Blair House cramped and preferred the yacht for meetings and weekend retreats. Bess Truman stayed home at Blair House.

Truman loved to get away from Washington on the Williamsburg to enjoy his favourite pastime, poker, with special friends.

Upon arrival on a Friday evening, the President would head straight for the aft guest lounge where the custom made round poker table sat, and

It is said he never took advantage of anyone's low finances. Famous guests aboard the USS Williamsburg included many Heads of State.

Other visitors treated to cruises on board the ship during the Truman administration included Clement Atlee, Prime Minister of Great Britain,

3 The Magic of the Truman years President Truman spent more time aboard the USS Williamsburg than any president spent on a presidential yacht because during a long period of his administration the White House was undergoing restoration and the President lived in Blair House. Truman found Blair House cramped and preferred the yacht for meetings and weekend retreats. Bess Truman stayed home at Blair House. According to the crew, Truman was aboard the USS Williamsburg for 17 consecutive weekends in the summer of Truman loved to get away from Washington on the Williamsburg to enjoy his favourite pastime, poker, with special friends. An avid player was his Naval Aide, Clark Clifford. Upon arrival on a Friday evening, the President would head straight for the aft guest lounge where the custom made round poker table sat, and immediately start a game. The stakes were high -$500 bets - or low, depending on the fortunes of his guests. It is said he never took advantage of anyone's low finances. Famous guests aboard the USS Williamsburg included many Heads of State. Winston Churchill was particularly fond of the ship and came aboard for talks in January of 1952 wearing the uniform of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Other visitors treated to cruises on board the ship during the Truman administration included Clement Atlee, Prime Minister of Great Britain, President Aleman of Mexico, the Prime Minister of France, among others. (Below) Truman with his advisors and (above right) with various famous guests, including Winston Churchill, aboard the USS Williamsburg, January 5 th, (Above) Detail taken from the guest book of the USS Williamsburg, showing the signature of President Truman and Joseph Stalin among others.

4 Truman boards the USS Williamsburg.

During the Truman years many monumental decisions that still effect our world today were made aboard the USS Williamsburg.

Presidential Yacht in November of 1945. The results of the Potsdam conference were weighed aboard this ship.

Truman conferred here with many military aides, leading to the dismissal of General Douglas MacArthur The Captain of the USS Williamsburg

Captain MacDonald had won distinction in World War II as commander of the destroyer O Bannon.

President Truman suggested that if Captain MacDonald could see his ship safely through the war, he was sure he could see him safely down the

get the urge to play. In December 1949 the seaman doing the Presidents Laundry found a $100 bill in the President's shirt pocket.

5 During the Truman years many monumental decisions that still effect our world today were made aboard the USS Williamsburg. Truman wrestled with the aftermath of his decision to drop the Atom Bomb, a decision made just months before the USS Williamsburg became the Presidential Yacht in November of The results of the Potsdam conference were weighed aboard this ship. The Presidential Campaign of 1948 was planned here, as well as the American strategy during the Korean War. Truman conferred here with many military aides, leading to the dismissal of General Douglas MacArthur The Captain of the USS Williamsburg from 1948 to 1958 was Donald MacDonald of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Captain MacDonald had won distinction in World War II as commander of the destroyer O Bannon. Called the "one ship Navy" the O Bannon sunk numerous enemy ships with no serious harm to itself. President Truman suggested that if Captain MacDonald could see his ship safely through the war, he was sure he could see him safely down the Potomac The USS Williamsburg was equipped with two pianos, one in the President's Lounge, and one in the Dinning Room, should the President get the urge to play. In December 1949 the seaman doing the Presidents Laundry found a $100 bill in the President's shirt pocket. He returned it to Mr. Truman who in turn autographed ten new $1.00 bills and presented them to the seaman. He gave them to shipmates aboard the Williamsburg. Many still have that dollar. Truman and daughter Margaret board USS Williamsburg (Top) President Truman and Admiral Leahy weigh fish at Key West, Florida March 15th, (Right) Naval Aide Clark Clifford naps aboard the USS Williamsburg, August 1946

USS WILLIAMSBURG Presidential Yacht - Harry S.

Chisholm, owner of the Oxford Paper Company.

She was built with twin diesels and twin screws and was capable of 16 knots over a cruising range of 7,500 miles.

Lavish use was made of mahogany and gold leaf trim in her interior. Her original colour is said to have been jet black. To this day, the ship remains one of the largest yachts in the world.

6 USS WILLIAMSBURG Presidential Yacht - Harry S.Truman Chronology December 8, 1930 The USS Williamsburg, launched December 8, 1930, was built by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, for multi-millionaire, Hugh J.Chisholm, owner of the Oxford Paper Company. The $2-million vessel originally christened "Aras", had an overall length of 243 feet 9 inches (almost the length of a football field), a beam of 36 feet, and a full load displacement of 1,940 tons. She was built with twin diesels and twin screws and was capable of 16 knots over a cruising range of 7,500 miles. The hull was constructed of high-grade, two-inch steel with a plumb bow and raised forecastle. Six mahogany launches, each with Aras" goldlettered on its stem, hung from davits, three to a side. Lavish use was made of mahogany and gold leaf trim in her interior. Her original colour is said to have been jet black. To this day, the ship remains one of the largest yachts in the world. December 10, 1931 The ship underwent sea trials on December 10, Following delivery, the vessel was used extensively by the owner for cruises to both the Atlantic and Pacific seaboards, as well as the waters of northern Europe, Mediterranean, Pacific and Caribbean. A crew of 30 staffed the ship and it is said each crewman was furnished with three different uniforms. March 31, 1938 The Aras ran aground near Carrabo Island, Mexico, March 31, 1938, and the ship was repaired by the Bethlehem Shipyard in San Pedro, California. Summer 1939 In the late summer of 1939; the Aras was provisioned and prepared for a trip around the world, only to be redirected at the outbreak of World War II in Europe. (Above from left to right) Hugh Chisholm owner of the Aras (As the USS Williamsburg was originally christened). Construction of the Aras 1930, stern view of the vessel, presumably from a shipyard crane. Lavish salon of the ship.

7 The Aras in her original colour of jet black

April 24, 1941 The United States Navy commandeered the ship on April 24, 1941, for $250,000.

She was fitted with a battery of two 3-inch guns, supported by 50 caliber guns as secondary armament and depth charges.

Commissioned as a naval vessel on October 7, 1941, in New York City, the USS Williamsburg was placed under the command of LCDR Sherman C.

Kauffman, USN, Commander, Naval Operating Base, Iceland, and his staff moved aboard on December 23, 1941. The ship served as a station ship until May 17, 1942.

8 April 24, 1941 The United States Navy commandeered the ship on April 24, 1941, for $250,000. Many of the vessel's luxurious fittings were removed during her conversion to a warship at the Brewster Drydock Company in Staten Island, New York. She was fitted with a battery of two 3-inch guns, supported by 50 caliber guns as secondary armament and depth charges. October 7, 1941 Following her conversion, the ship was renamed the USS Williamsburg, with the pennant number PC-56. Commissioned as a naval vessel on October 7, 1941, in New York City, the USS Williamsburg was placed under the command of LCDR Sherman C. Hall, USN, and dispatched to Norfolk for additional special equipment December 3, 1941 The USS Williamsburg departed for Reykjavik, Iceland, where Admiral J. L. Kauffman, USN, Commander, Naval Operating Base, Iceland, and his staff moved aboard on December 23, The ship served as a station ship until May 17, February 1943 After completing escort duties for the USS Gemini, the Williamsburg headed back for an overhaul at the Bethlehem Steel Company Navy Yard, Hoboken, New Jersey. On return to duty, she sailed to Norfolk, Virginia, to become the flagship of Rear Admiral Donald B. Bleary, USN, Commander of the Operational Training Command for the Atlantic Fleet In 1945, the USS Williamsburg was ordered to Guantanarno Bay, Cuba, then to duties in the Atlantic Fleet. November 5, 1945 When her duties in the Atlantic Fleet were completed, the USS Williamsburg was ordered to the Norfolk Navy Yard. At War's end, the Navy recommended to the new President, Harry S. Truman, that the Presidential Yacht, the USS Potomac, be taken out of service. President Truman then accepted the Navy's recommendation of the USS Williamsburg and it was refitted as the new Presidential Yacht; however, it was not restored to her former splendour. The ship's new colours of navy blue, battleship grey and white reflected the unassuming character of the former haberdasher from Missouri. The furnishings reminded some of a commercial hotel with artificial fireplaces and slip-covered armchairs. When asked about the furnishings during the ship's shakedown cruise, one of the officers replied, "Oh, some of us just picked it up here and there in department stores and places. (Above right and opposite page) USS Williamsburg under naval command and with her crew during the Years

November 8, 1945 The USS Williamsburg was officially put into service as the Presidential Yacht, "a seagoing White House.

Few changes were made in basic design during the change from Navy vessel to Presidential Yacht, other than building special quarters for the President.

In one corner of a salon, complete with artificial fireplace, sat a $225 spinet piano at which the President often entertained guests.

, where President Truman came aboard to inspect the yacht.

10 November 8, 1945 The USS Williamsburg was officially put into service as the Presidential Yacht, "a seagoing White House." Although more austere than its original design, the vessel was spacious and stately. Few changes were made in basic design during the change from Navy vessel to Presidential Yacht, other than building special quarters for the President. She had a three room suite for the President, four staterooms with baths for guests, two spacious salons, and a communications room that could put President Truman in touch with any part of the world. In one corner of a salon, complete with artificial fireplace, sat a $225 spinet piano at which the President often entertained guests. November 10, 1945 The Williamsburg took her first cruise as the Presidential Yacht. November 22, 1945 The USS Williamsburg arrived in Washington, D.C., where President Truman came aboard to inspect the yacht. The hand-picked crew, which included nine officers, medical and supply personnel, a Potomac River pilot and 110 enlisted naval men, was thoroughly screened by the Navy and the Secret Service. December 2, 1945 President Harry Truman took his first cruise aboard the USS Williamsburg on December 2, In the following years, President Truman was to use the Yacht extensively to host visiting heads of state and dignitaries, as well as members of the United States government and military. Truman is reported to have made more use of the Presidential Yacht for diplomatic purposes than any president in the past. One of his favourite spots was Key West, where the Yacht served as a moveable command center. President Truman used the vessel frequently for poker parties and fishing trips with his cronies and the ship often served as his official residence for business and entertaining during the time of White House renovations. Famous guests of the Williamsburg to visit the ship over the next five years, to name a few, included: James F. Byrnes, Secretary of State; Sir Ralph Leatham, Governor of Bermuda; Sir Winston Churchill, and President Migual Aleman of Mexico The USS Williamsburg made several short cruises during the year, including one to Miami, Florida. The Williamsburg made frequent cruises on the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay during that year and in August the President made a trip to Bermuda. In November, the President arid his party sailed to Annapolis, Maryland, for several days The USS Williamsburg spent most of January at the Norfolk Shipyard for another overhaul. In February, the President travelled to Mount Vernon and in March departed Washington for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, travelling to Key West and then to Havana, Cuba. He also visited St. Thomas and St. Croix, V.I. to help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of (Above) March 12 th 1950 USS Williamsburg. Details of the Galley, Wheelhouse and Dining Room of the ship

its Emancipation Proclamation. In May, the President entertained the President of Mexico, Migual Aleman with a trip to Mount Vernon.

1948-49 USS Williamsburg visited such exotic locations as: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Fredrikstad, St.

Notable visitors included British Prime Minister Clement R. Atlee, who was President Truman's guest on December 5.

January 5, 1952 President Truman welcomed British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and several aides aboard for conferences and dinner on January 5.

Truman a model of the Pilgrim ship, Mayflower. January 20, 1952 Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated President of the United States.

conference and luncheon and short trip down the Potomac River.

Presidential Yacht to be decommissioned on July 1, 1953.

11 its Emancipation Proclamation. In May, the President entertained the President of Mexico, Migual Aleman with a trip to Mount Vernon. During the rest of the year, several trips were made on the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay for diplomatic and entertainement purposes USS Williamsburg visited such exotic locations as: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Fredrikstad, St. Croix, Virgin Islands; Guantanamo Bay and Havana, Cuba; and Key West A number of cruises were made during Notable visitors included British Prime Minister Clement R. Atlee, who was President Truman's guest on December 5. The President spent New Year's Eve aboard with several guests. January 5, 1952 President Truman welcomed British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and several aides aboard for conferences and dinner on January 5. Truman and Churchill exchanged gifts; President Truman gave Churchill a complete set of glasses of the Williamsburg and the Prime Minister gave Truman a model of the Pilgrim ship, Mayflower. January 20, 1952 Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated President of the United States. March 26, 1952 President Eisenhower, Prime Minister Rene Mayer, Republic of Prance, and their respective advisors came aboard the Willamsburg for a conference and luncheon and short trip down the Potomac River. April 19, 1953 President Eisenhower, in a cost-cutting measure, announced that he no longer required the USS Williamsburg and ordered the Presidential Yacht to be decommissioned on July 1, Eisenhower said the ship was an extravagance, then spent $200,000 to have two smaller vessels fitted out. In the interim, the President initiated a program to take hospitalized veterans of the Korean War on afternoon trips down the Potomac River for goodwill excursions. July 1, 1953 The USS Williamsburg was decommissioned as the Presidential Yacht at this time and joined the Navy's mothball fleet in Norfolk, Virginia. (Above right from top) Aft deck of the USS Williamsburg. Photos Showing the interior of the Ship including the Sitting Room and Office.

August 9, 1962 The National Science Foundation accepted custody of the ship on August 9, 1962, for a $500,000 conversion for use as a research vessel for the International Indian Ocean Expedition.

1965 The Anton Bruun returned to the United States in February 1965 and was sent to the Pacific Ocean for a series of eight cruises in the South-eastern Pacific Biological Oceanographic Program.

The successful bidder was George Simpkins, owner of the Marlboro Machine Company and the Marlboro Marina, in Salem, New Jersey.

12 August 9, 1962 The National Science Foundation accepted custody of the ship on August 9, 1962, for a $500,000 conversion for use as a research vessel for the International Indian Ocean Expedition. The ship was re-christened the "Anton Bruun," in honour of a noted Danish marine biologist who chaired the first international Oceanographic Commission, sponsor of the Expedition The Anton Bruun returned to the United States in February 1965 and was sent to the Pacific Ocean for a series of eight cruises in the South-eastern Pacific Biological Oceanographic Program Following an accidental sinking in a drydock, the ship was sold at auction by the Government Services Administration as damaged and inoperable surplus United States property. The successful bidder was George Simpkins, owner of the Marlboro Machine Company and the Marlboro Marina, in Salem, New Jersey. February 22, 1969 Simpkins took delivery of the ex-uss Williamsburg in 1969 and converted it into a combination floating restaurant, cocktail lounge Simpkins sold the ship to the Goldstein Brothers of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They used the ship as a restaurant for a short period of time and then went out of business The ship was then taken over by the U.S. Presidential Yacht Trust, the same group that had salvaged and restored the smaller Presidential Yacht Sequoia. The privately-funded Trust ran out of money and put the Williamsburg up for sale. (They also lost the Sequoia to creditors.) Eventually, the District of Columbia Government took title to the vessel in lieu of dock charges In 1985, the ship was sold to John Lathem who then resold it to the Presidential Yacht Trust in April 1993 present day The Presidential Yacht Trust awarded clear title to the USS Williamsburg Corporation, based in Delaware. A multi-million dollar restoration project was then planned by the Corporation to bring this historical and majestic Presidential Yacht back to its former glory. This did not eventuate and the ship was sent to Italy where it still awaits a new beginning. (Opposite page) The USS Williamsburg in Italy present day. (Above) Photos of its voyage from USA to Italy.

Original specification GENERAL Type: Twin Screw Steel Diesel Yacht Builder: Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine Year: 1930 CONSTRUCTION High-grade, two-inch steel with a plumb bow and raised forecastle

14 Original specification GENERAL Type: Twin Screw Steel Diesel Yacht Builder: Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine Year: 1930 CONSTRUCTION High-grade, two-inch steel with a plumb bow and raised forecastle MACHINERY Main Engines: Twin Winton Diesel engines developing each 1100 B.H.P. at 250 R.P.M. 8 Cylinders, 17 x 26 Generators: Twin Diesel developing 50 KW at 500 R.P.M. 6 Cylinders 7 x 6 1/2 1 x 15 KW auxiliary generator set diesel engine DIMENSIONS Length Overall: ft Length at Water Line: ft Beam: 36 ft Draft: 14 ft

16 Refurbishment project summary Description of Proposed Layout for 20 Guests The passengers will be accomodated in 10 cabins/suites and in particular: the Owner s Cabin, a maxi suite on the upper deck with private foyer, study, super king-size bed and mini SPA bathroom, private terrace with sunbathing area and jacuzzi. three couples will be accomodated in three roomy suites on the lower deck, comprised of 2 Twin Cabins and 1 Super VIP cabin. The 2 Twin Cabins occupy the same area that occupied, in the past, the presidential bedroom and living-room. These are large suites with dressing-rooms and large bathrooms with jacuzzi. four couples will be accomodated in four junior-suites: 2 VIP Cabins on the quarter-deck and 2 VIP Cabins on the lower deck with large bathrooms and multi-function showers. and finally, two couples will be accomodated in 2 suites namely the Presidential Suite and State Room Suite on the lower deck with private bathrooms. Other areas offering relaxation, entertainment, dining and bar include: main deck entertainment saloon with a media centre including plasma screens, a large lounge area near the main bar and a poker /games area a large double dining-room is situated near the quarter-deck and the galley. an exterior cocktail area on the main deck an extraordinary SPA, fitness area, massage room, bio-bar with upper terrace, sunbathing area and mini-swimming pool The crew of 22 persons have ample quarters. The layout can accommodate 4 tenders of different types and 4 toys. During the planning phase, the outer entertainment area can be rearranged according to the client s specific needs.

USS WILLIAMSBURG HAM RADIO ACTIVATION I I 1 W I L

USS WILLIAMSBURG HAM RADIO ACTIVATION I I 1 W I L A.R.I. ASSOCIAZIONE RADIOAMATORI ITALIANI Ere tta in Ente Morale con D.P.R. n. 368 de l 10.01.1950 Sezione ARI Fidenza (43.02)- IQ4FE Casella Postale 66 Piazza Garibaldi 25-F 43036 Fidenza (Parma) - Italy