The Forgotten Years

Mr. Joseph Betters 

Dear Joe: 

31 May 1999 

I apologize for the delay in responding to your request for information about the Coast Guard Cutter VANCE (W-487). 

As we discussed on the phone, I saw the account of the VANCE which was published in the December 1996 issue of the Proceedings of the Naval Institute (copy enclosed). I noted that there was no mention of the VANCE's service as a Coast Guard Cutter during the 1952-'54 period. VANCE was my first assignment as an Ensign following graduation from the Coast Guard Academy in June 1952. I reported aboard VANCE in July 1952. At the time she was in the Philadelphia Navy Yard undergoing an overhaul. Earlier, late 1951 or early 1952 (I don't know exactly when), VANCE was taken out of the mothball fleet at Greencove Springs, FL, and was towed (I believe) to Philadelphia Navy Yard She was recommissioned as a Coast Guard Cutter at the Philadelphia Navy Yard during the spring/early summer of 1952. 

I wrote a letter to the Editor of the Proceedings of the Naval Institute in December 1996 (copy enclosed), pointing out the omission of VANCE's Coast Guard service in the early '50s. My letter was revised somewhat by the Proceedings ' editor and published in the  February 1997 issue (copy enclosed). 

Also enclosed are three photographs of VANCE taken during the early '50s when she served (for the second time) in the Coast Guard. I have attached comments to each of the photos, describing what the photo depicts and where each of the photos was taken. Please return the photos to me when you are finished with them. 

I look forward to seeing/reading some of the history of the ship that you have compiled. 

It was nice talking with you, Joe. 

Enjoy the summer. 

Sincerely, 

Jim Kelly 

Return to Facts page 3

Return to Stories TOC