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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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For those who sail Mexican waters.

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pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/23/2009 : 08:53:40

Hi All,

I found this picture of the minesweeper my Dad sailed on in
WW-II. Dad was onboard during the Pacific Island hopping campaign. Shortly after Iwo Jima they were hit by 2 Kamikazes. Her name was the USS Defense.

Anyway: in 1973 she was sold to the Mexican Navy. She then became P104. I am guessing that the P stands for Patrol.

I am going to try and find out what has happened to her since joining the Mexican Navy.

Do any of you recognize this ship. If so please share your story here.

Thanks,

Paul

Then and now pictures. My Dad is the third from the left. He was 20 years old.

Edited by - pwhallon on 07/07/2009 08:50:40

crystal_blue
1st Mate

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USA
78 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2009 : 09:49:38

The Defense's Wiki page lists it as active in the Mexican navy under the name "Doblado".

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2009 : 10:06:28

Doblado is an odd name for a ship, it means "bent" (as is in elbow), or "bending over". Maybe it has another meaning that I don't know, I'll ask one of my Spanish speaking friends about it.

Edited by - delliottg on 06/23/2009 10:07:31

Ed Cassidy
Captain

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USA
365 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2009 : 10:45:54

Perhaps its because her hull is so doblado?

Edited by - on

glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2009 : 11:22:18

In her day I bet she was a great ship in the greatest Navy in the world. May the memory of both the Defense, and your father sail on for many years

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2009 : 09:30:16

That is so cool, Paul. I'm afraid I don't have any stories about your dad's ship, but I'm pleased that you were able to have that connection to your father's life during WW-II. I have a similar connection to WW-II through my grandfather. He sailed on the Arizona for a short time. He was stationed in the Panama Canal shortly before the start of the war and took a picture of her as she was coming through the canal. It's hanging on the wall across my desk at work and I look at it often.

Edited by - on

pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2009 : 12:41:18

Thanks for the great comments,

Ben, That's interesting about your Grandfather sailing on the Arizona.

I have a picture of the Defense steaming on the ocean. Next to it hangs my Dad's navy hat.

I just turned 50. That's no big deal, but, when my father swept mines for the Iwo Jima invasion he was one month away from his 21st birthday. He and the other sailors were so young and yet so brave.

Thanks for the nice comments guys.

PW

Edited by - pwhallon on 07/07/2009 08:51:57

pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2009 : 12:48:37

Hi crystal blue,

I found out more about the name.

It's Manuel Doblado

Is that the guy who invented the Margarita...LOL

I'll look into it some more.

P

Edited by - on

pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2009 : 12:55:39

This just blew my mind!

I searched "mexican Navy" and found a list of ships.

http://www.strategypage.com/militaryforums/87-179.aspx

Sure enough, P-104 is on there listed as "Doblado" (like "chrystal_blue" said) and the P does stand for "Patrol".

Oh my gosh, she may still be sailing. Now I'm on a mission to find her.

Thanks for the comments and help.

P

Edited by - pwhallon on 06/24/2009 13:10:34

pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2009 : 15:50:29

Latest update

She is still in service.

http://www.semar.gob.mx/galeria/buques/superficie2004/patrulla/oceanica/imagenes.htm#valle

Now I've got to figure out how to go see her.

PW

Edited by - on

pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2009 : 08:46:29

Update:

I contacted the US embasy in Mexico City about visiting the ship.

A very nice gent emailed me and said that he would be glad to help my brother and I arrange it.

We'll be coordinating a trip. Hopefully soon.

PW

Edited by - on

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2009 : 10:26:14

Holy Moly, PW, that's excellent. From a historical standpoint I'm very jealous.

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2009 : 13:18:47

What a fantastic opportunity, hope it works out for you...I'm still amazed she survived 2 kamikaze strikes...the crew must have had their very young hands very full...have you had the chance to visit the WWII Memorial in DC? It's a very stirring tribute to those who saved the world from tyranny.

Edited by - on

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