Taconic (AGC 17) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 15 text:

N 1 With the TACONIC in the task group that followed the icebreakers to North Star Bay, USS VERMILION, USS ENOREE, three LSD's, USS ASHLAND, LINDENWQLD gud SHADWELL, each with a group of LCU's embarked, a number of LST's, and the GORDIUS, a trim little ship whose services were of much value to the other members of the Task Group at Thule. In addition to the commissioned naval vessels, two ships of the Military Sea Transportation Service, GENERAL HERSEY and GENERAL HAAN, numerous Victory Ships, and several Army tugs stegmgd in with the formation. With all of these ships and numerous boats scurrying about, North Star Bay looked as busy as Hampton Roads. Some of us were here to stay, but the LST's and the Victory Ships'were quickly unloaded and ordered out to sea. Follow up convo s of Victory Ships came on schedule and their cargoes were rapidly handled. inte in the operat- ion a second group of LST's arrived to help carry vehicles and heavy equip- ment back to home ports. U The VERMILION was a very popular ship on days that mail reached Thule. She served as mail and movie exchange ship, doing an efficient job distributing mail from home, and keeping the movie film in circulation. VERMILION boats did a great deal of good work moving large amounts of personnel and cargo. The GORDIUS, with her divers and able repair force, proved herself a very useful ship. Inspection and repair of ice damage to ships and small boats kept her personnel busy for long hours over difficult jobs. N , W V as , ,.. V.. ...cfs Y , g

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s I The TACONIC dropped her anchor in North Star Bay in the shadow of Mount Dundas. This strange looking mountain with the flat top and bare rocky sides soon became an old friend.f , 'Our whole reason for coming up to North Star Bay was to provide stores and r V f ,equipment' or the Air Base at Thule. The Admiral, with his staff embarked in the TACONIC, was in command of the whole operation. The LST's beached and quickly unloaded their c argo. The LSD's unloaded the small craft they carried.' These smaller craft began the task of unloading the Victory ships which were carrying cargo for the Air Base. E 'As the Victory ship's 1 were unloaded and ordered homeward, other Victory ships arrived, maintaining a steady stream of suppl- ies to the activities ash- ore. 'i The never setting sun allowed unloading operat- ions to continue ' d roun the clock: gmqll craft like thousands of ants: neve round trip fro . m ship to pier. ,+ I r ceased the endless'

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jggogxo l O uss mcomc Asc I7 o, vel. 1 Olf p ' p 175-Tugur. 1952 DINISH SCHOOL PROJECT-- Oontributions to purchaee-a wall clock and, possibly, a radio for the Danish school at 'Thule have already been rolling ina Our men who alwaye respond generously where children are concerned are eager to help the Eskimo children in their prog:-amd of education. For convenience sake, a receptacle will be provided at the pay line in which you may place your con- ' tribution. All of the money thus obtained will be used to buy the clock and radio and spare parte for the radio.. Your fontribution will not be solicited, it ie one tirely voluntary in nature. . A U O l Q SEVENTH Arvsnnsoromr Psnroamzn on 'rloomc uname sUmc-- a A C I RTI ISS .QQFITY SUIITY 0 1 Shortl after the ship left N' f 1k ' - Th1s.11tt1ye paper, edited by the Eliaglairftlelggggescfgg ttf SPP-ear ua daily pgper outsxde world and reported the doings of other pe,-sonnei sh1P wuth news of the on the shxp.