| P-MAN
VII We also learned from Captain Zukowsky that Recovery Team-1 (RT-1) had departed a week earlier for Hickam AFB with the American remains they had recovered from Peleliu - and thus would not be part of the next day's ceremony. We had met RT-1 just after arriving the day we left. I e-mailed Captain Grover Harms, OIC of RT-1, who has already left on another JPAC mission. He kindly sent me some photos of their successful recovery efforts under his leadership and under the direction of Gregory Berg, MA, JPAC forensic anthropologist. Here are some:
After the update, Dr. Emery and Captain Zukowsky had errands to run so Clem and I started walking back toward the hotel, had smoothies at the Internet Café and stopped by Joe Maldangesang's house. He was due back late Sunday night – so I left a message and asked if his newly adopted son, Doyle Colmer Maldangesang (named after Jimmie Doyle, crew member on the B-24 and Flip Colmer, BentProp team member) was there. Esther's sister said yes, and brought out the baby — who was sleepy but looked very happy, healthy, loved and well taken care of.
We then came back, did more e-mails and re-hydrated. At ~5 p.m. we walked over to Neco Marine and found Bert Yates, who had done the filming on the B-24 this past March with Nancy and Tommy Doyle. After we got caught up on news, we gave our good-byes (till February) to everyone we have worked with for so many years. We then walked over to Kramer's where the RT-2 celebration was in full swing. We saw our Palauan friend, Abby, on our way in (he has helped us locate several crash sites) and he says he found a new wing lying along the west reef – he will show us next year and still promises us a BBQ – he also said he was very happy being retired from the restaurant business, as he sat in his fishing boat. Rene put out a superb buffet with blackened sashimi, his version of Hawaiian poke, lots of chicken wings and hot sauce (his own house specialty) , ribs, and other yummies. Mason Whipps, who supplied the barge and much of the equipment, joined us and later he and Captain Zukowsky gave speeches. I was asked to say a few words – all duly captured by Clem on film. After a while, everyone just ignored Clem and his camera – I know I did. The RT-2 team put on a really funny photo show about the mission – we even understood all but about 3 or 4 of the jokes. Captain Zukowsky, Dr. Emery and Master Diver Gove were not spared.
Some members I sort of remember: Zeke, Josh (diver), Clint (diver, medic), EOD tech, Eric (JPAC anthro), Jeff (diver), Paul (diver), Josh (diver), Mason, Jane (Kramer's great bar keep), USAF CAT photo (now history), and one really expensive camera. [Names don't necessarily correspond with locations in the picture - Ed.] I regret I did not meet each member of RT-2 team. Other party participants not in this picture include Master Diver Gove and Kramer's owner Rene, but they were there. I have no idea
who took this photo (? possibly Clem, as I don't see him, either), but thanks. |
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Page last modified 8 May 2005 | ||