Shannon's Trivia Winner: Parkdale Pastor takes home the 'Banning' prize
By Tom Peterson with background and information from John Foley and Rodger Nichols
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 19, 2024 — Last week we set sail in quest of the name of the patrol boat that was docked at the Port of Hood River in the 60s.
And we soon acquired a full crew in this treasure hunt for answers and ice cream.
Seven of eight got the answer right, and many chipped in a good bit of other information from the sea scrolls.
But it was the Rev Mark Willems of Parkdale that we pulled from our Dixie Cup.
Congratulations Mark - you’re this week’s top puzzler and receiver of the $25 Shannon’s Ice Cream gift card.
Rev Mark Willems
“The Naval vessel was the USS Banning. It was docked in Hood River for 7 years from 1961/62 - 1969,” Mark said. (The article I found didn't give the year when she was first docked.) The USS Banning was foundered in the Chukchi Sea of Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska.”
The USS Banning was bought by an Alaska Company and renamed Growler. It was foundered or sank on Oct. 1, 1973, in the Chukchi Sea off Cape Prince of Wales, AK.
Here’s to you Mark Willems. Your destiny awaits you at Shannon’s Ice Cream. Shannon’s Ice Cream 318 E. Fourth Street, The Dalles, scooping the dream daily from noon to 9 p.m. It’s across the street from the Civic Auditorium. Look for the boneshaker out front.
“Stricken from the Navy list on 1 May 1961, Banning was turned over to the Hood River Port Commission, Hood River, Oregon, in July 1961 for use as a memorial, said John Foley.
“USS Banning. I was a tour guide one summer. Probably used to know the other answers but forgot,” said D. Henne.
“It was there for the dedication of the port of HR June 22-24, 1962,” said Anne Huteson.
Others who answered the question correctly were Caroline Zeigler, Guy Garretson, Jeanie Senior, and Mary Davis.
“She remained at Hood River until 1969, when she was returned to the Navy and sold to the Cummings Boat Co. of Tacoma, Wash., which in turn resold her for commercial use under the name Growler,” Foley added. “The USS Banning earned two battle stars for her service during the Korean conflict as PCEC 886.”
Rodger remembered the patrol boat well.
In the foreground, from left, my grandfather, Mark Nichols, the customer for the small boat and my father, Dick Nichols of Nichols Boat Works in Port of Hood River. Photo and description from Rodger Nichols.
Support Local News
Available to everyone. Funded by readers.
