I have been actively working on converting a lot of details from the USS Calvert’s 1960s deck logs into a chronological historical record to be posted on the website later this year. As such, I have not posted anything new in a while. … So, I figured I’d ask if anyone can share any memories or information in the topics below. If you have anything to share, please either add a comment further below, or email me directly (usscalvertwebmaster@gmail.com) if you don’t want your information to be made public on this site.
Some random questions and areas of interest:
- 1950s and 60s information on the Aiji-no-ie Orphanage (aka, Home of Affection) in Tokyo. In late 1956 the Calvert’s crew began supporting Orphanage with a $100 monthly donation. For the next decade, an item on the Calvert’s far east cruise itinerary, while in Yokosuka and time permitting, included work party visits to the orphanage. Several of the Calvert’s cruise books mention the orphanage and also show photos of work parties at the orphanage. Are there any details or stories that can be shared about visits, experiences, memories of the orphanage? For example, any connections made with the kids? Anyone keep in touch with anyone from the orphanage over the years?
- Does anyone remember bag piper, Signalman MacCaulley, aboard the Calvert in the late 1950s or during early 1960?
- Early 1960s movie, The Sixth Man, staring Tony Curtis. I am looking for details about the Calvert’s landing craft and crews’ involvement in the filming of this movie. The filming likely occurred the summer of 1960. I found a new paper article from the fall of 1960 which referenced the Calvert’s landing craft used as part of filming, but am unable to find any reference to the movie itself as a released movie.
- 1958 collision between the USS Calvert and the USS Magoffin (APA-199). I am looking for any details on a collision between the Calvert and the Magoffin, circa 1958. The Calvert lost a boat or two from what I understand, but I have no other details.
- Frequent electrical fires in the Calvert’s soda fountain, circa late 1950s and early 1960s: I see multiple references to fires breaking out in the ship’s soda fountain, in the 1960s deck logs. Does anyone have any memories of these fires, and the reason for them happening?