| Comments= Learned of the Vance via "The Arnheiter Affair". Read of the situation back in the 60's when it was written up in the NY Times. I was interested since Mr. Arnheiter was the Gun Boss on the Coolbaugh when I served on her as a Fire Control Technician. I was part of the crew when the capsized gunnery target and the marching unit organized by MAA mentioned in the book took place. He actually put together a pretty good marching unit that marched in Mobile, Al for their MadiGra. The attempt to sink the target was entertaining as we tried to ram it, and as one of the 1st Class Gunners Mate fired at the flotation drums with an M1 from the prone position on the forecastle. I still have a 35MM slide or two showing the "target" on the fantail prior to launching. It was referred to as Arnie's Ark. Read the book years ago, doing it again now." |