2015-08-06
Hello family & friends of the USS Houston CA-30,
The Houston Dive Team has been working with both the US Navy and Indonesian government. The preparation for dives calls for reams of paperwork & hours filling them out.
First, let me state the Houston Assn. has severed it's ties with the Houston Dive team ergo our work is independent of them. Our dives are in the interest of documenting the status of decay by Mother Nature & scavengers NOT to look for items from the ship.
At this time, both governments have given me the same responses. The US Navy will approve if the Indonesians will put their approval in writing. The Indonesian government say THEY will approve if the US Navy will put their approval in writing. Now, the dive team has been waiting to see who will blink first.
We've received a suggestion that we write to the Navy Yard stating that we approve of the dives and AGREE that IF anything is found, it should be turned over to the Underwater Archeology Branch, Naval History & Heritage Command, Dept. of the Navy at the Navy Yard who can preserve the item.
I am willing to receive your letters at my email address:
ranger9@bellsouth.net OR mail at
Jerry Ranger
6478 Kennington Circle
Milton, FL. 32570
It has NEVER been the Dive Team's intent to salvage for trinkets. Our purpose has always been to take video footage of our beloved ship before none is left to observe.
We've come across an unanticipated hurdle. Granted, the Houston Association no longer wants to be involved, the Executive Director has stated that all of the members are against a dive. Of the members I've talked with, none have been contacted by the Assn. for a vote.
Also, as the latest newsletter stated, there were potential divers anchored at our Houston's wreckage without stating any concern . However, the Houston Association seems unduly bent to stop ONLY the Houston Dive Team. This brings to wonder why? They have no desire to be linked to the Dive Team yet have become driven to stop us when the founder of the Assn. was supporting us. This is a personal dive & not acting on the Association's behalf.
As we all agree, the wreckage of the USS Houston is a grave site that should be treated with respect. I am EXTREMLY aware of this & the dive teams does their best not to disturb this valiant ship or courageous crew members who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
It's highly unlikely any remains would be found due to the number of years the ship has been underwater, the deep currents have swept things away & sand has covered almost everything after 70+ years.
It's the dive teams intent to provide footage of the degrees of decay & salvaging over the years spending money out of our own pockets -- the Association's kitty would remain intact. We want to honor our ship & crew - not disturb anything on her. Also out of love for their family member who had fought on this great ship. This is our way of perpetuating the story of the USS Houston CA--30.
Again, please send an email stating
At that time, I will send those emails from you to Dr. Robert Neyland, Underwater Archeology Branch, Navy Heritage Command, Dept of the Navy at the Navy Yard with our permit to dive on the USS Houston.
We're asking you to take just a few moments to send an email. Let's get busy ~ please!
Jerry Ranger USN RETIRED2015-08-12
Dr. Robert Neyland.
I want to express my support for the Houston Dive Team. The work they are wanting to do will provide invaluable information concerning the condition of the USS Houston CA-30.
I approve of the work of the dive team documenting the slow death of our beloved ship. I know that if they should find any artifacts these will be presented to the Navy Yard for preservation.
I am asking for your support in making this valiant effort by the Dive Team possible.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Hoffman
2015-08-27
Family and friends of the USS Houston CA-30,
I'm writing this letter of support for the USS Houston CA-30 Dive Team. As a Dive Team member, my support will not be a surprise. But I hope to explain why I believe the Dive Team is important.
On August 26, 2014 the Dive Team (including myself) arrived over the USS Houston CA-30 in Indonesia to discover small-scale salvage operations underway. With sirens and loud speakers our guide & translator Daniel Tangguh scared them off. They remained away from the Houston for the 10 days we were there. On September 3, 2014 we departed the Houston. Presumably, salvage operations resumed shortly thereafter.
During our trip we met with the local Indonesian Water Police, the Brigadier Jenderal Polisi in charge of the district, the US Naval Attaché, and the American Ambassador to Indonesia at the US Embassy. All agreed we all need to do all we can to protect the Houston from salvage.
We returned home, flew to Washington D.C., met with US Navy officials at the Navy Yard and Pentagon, flew home again. The question remains: How can we best protect the Houston?
I wish we lived in a world where everyone left the Houston to rest in peace. That is not reality. Small and large scale salvage operations are a constant threat. The Indonesian Water Police nor the US Navy currently have the resources allocated to patrol and protect the Houston day to day.
At current participation levels, the Dive Team can only physically protect the Houston for 2 weeks every 2 years, at most. The other 98% of the time she is alone with the fishermen who are there every day. (Fish love the artificial reef USS Houston CA-30.)
The Houston is not scrap metal. She is a grave site. Precious and sacred, beloved by family and friends.
The Dive Team travels to Indonesia to raise and perpetuate awareness and respect for the brave men who died there on March 1, 1942. We revere the ship and seek her protection.
The ship continues to degrade from the natural forces of time, small-scale salvage, and the horrific and despicable large-scale salvage operations which have occurred.
The preservation of what remains is an immense and perpetual challenge. We hope our trips have lasting effects, reminding the local citizens and officials of the dangers she faces day to day.
We must do our best to protect her. Our physical presence in Indonesia educates and reminds people that we're serious and engaged, in ways that emails, letters, and proclamations from 10,000 miles away can not accomplish.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns.
Jay Hannah