September 6, 2003
To whom it may concern: I work part time as a tour guide on the USS
Missouri, anchored in Pearl Harbor. This past Monday (Aug 4th), I had
the pleasure of meeting a former West Virginia crew member (Ray Dean)
and conducting him and his family and friends on a tour of the
Missouri. For me personally, it was distinct honor to make his
acquaintance and learn from his experiences. He had been a boiler tech
while aboard the West Virginia. He was very gracious in sharing his
knowledge vis-a-vis boiler operation on these grand old ships. For
that, I will be eternally grateful and look fwd to passing the
knowledge on in order to preserve the history of The Dreadnaughts.
Thanx again Ray. You will be remembered on "The Big Mo".
Karl Backman
CMsgt, USAF, Ret |