From: "joseph cappelli" nailer27@hotmail.com
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: Nagato
Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2001
Keith
I have been reading some of the letters from veterans addressed to you about
the Nagato and would like to share my experience with you.
I was assigned to the Nagato as crew member of the original security and
repair crew in early Sept of 1945 while anchored at the Yokuska Naval Base.
I was assigned to the USS Delta R-9 until transferred to the Nagato as
permament ships company and security crew.
My station at this time as a F1c was assigned to the main engine room. My
task was working with a Japanese translator named Y. Montano
checking, tagging, location of valves, gauges, pump's etc in the main and
port/starboard engine rooms, then making repairs as assigned.
At this period of time there was no living quarters, we were berthed and fed
aboard the Delta, until we readied sleeping quarters and galley.
Yes, as your letters indicate there were many working parties below and above
decks.
The orignal boarding and security crew I believe numbered about 50.
When we boarded we had no idea we would be making this battleship seaworthy
for a trip to Bikini located in the Marshall Island's for the first atomic
bomb test in the Pacfic "Crossroads" Tests, Able and Baker. The ship was under
the command of Captain Whipple.
My station on this trip was throttleman in the main engine room. We did have
days with no power and breakdowns and made the repairs and reached
"Bikini" and made ready for the test.
Regards,
Giuseppe S.Cappelli
nailer27@hotmail.com
[ Operation Crossroads ]