Refer WAVES National to a friend
| Refer WAVES National to a friend |
| Today is: Thursday * March 11, 2010 | |
|
| |
The USS MARY SEARS (T-AGS 65)On 19 October 2000, the MARY SEARS, an oceanographic ship, was launched at Moss Point, Mississippi; named for ENSIGN MARY SEARS, U.S. WAVE, (now deceased) who was stationed at the Oceanographic Department during World War Two; Ens. Mary Sears worked on several projects, one of them a most important discovery which helped to end World War II much earlier than had been anticipated. The details are sketchy, but the gist of the project was that heat, somehow, helped to reveal the presence of enemy submarines. Ensign Sears was honored on 19 October 2000 for her discovery. Present were her sister, Leila Sears Stevens, also a WAVE, as well as many area WAVES, who were especially invited to attend. Our present WAVES National President, Ms. Barbara Turner (LCDR, RET), of Pensacola, Florida, served as Moderator. The program was hosted by the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS. (It was particularly interesting to me because, when I first came down on the Gulf Coast, I worked for the Navy Deparment at SupShips.) When the ship went down the ways, there was an audible gasp because the ship appeared to be capsizing! We were truly happy when we learned that this was just the usual way a ship was launched! A Navy band from New Orleans played at intervals. It was interesting to note that one girl was a member of the band (and they were GOOD!) A couple of my WAVES friends, Berenice George from Florida (and a two-term National President of WN), along with Irene Livingstone, of Massachusetts, visited with me for this momentous occasion. The launching was terrific; the reception which followed was great; but the presence of my friends made it even better! Following the launching, a reception was held at the LaFont Inn, in Pascagoula, MS, hosted by the Navy Department. The civilian members of the Inspection Department circulated among the guests; one gentleman came to our group, introduced himself and told us he was supervisor of the "Small Parts and Repairs Parts Department", with 50 employees in the group. I had to laugh when I told him I worked there in l952, shortly after the project started; and I added that '...I WAS the Small Parts and Repair Parts Department!" Many changes had been made since that time! Meeting Mrs. Leila Sears Stevens was a pleasure. She talked with us, (we WAVES) about her sister, and what it was like growing up with her. It ws a wonderful experience! The men of Supships, officers and civilians, spoke glowingly of the ship, as well as of the work done by Mary Sears, and her contribution to the Navy. When her sister spoke, she spoke of Mary as a young girl, and of how they enjoyed their years as WAVES. It was truly a wonderful experience; good friends, a beautiful day! What more could we ask! To see and hear a former shipmate (even if we did not know her!) honored by both the Navy AND her peers.
The website for OnceaWAVE was designed by GetaDotLife. © 1998, 2001, 2003 All Rights Reserved |
