Inquiries about the paint scheme of subchasers come in now and then with relation to model building projects. Some of the general information is available already on the site, such as the Painting and Cementing booklet (a great little piece on color schemes for all the WWI-era USN vessels, by the way), and the page of notes on the chaser paint scheme in particular.
An interesting bit of recent discussion was on "boot topping" on chasers. Jack Hudock noted that while the regulations called for red or gray boot topping, the photos show dark paint -- most likely black -- on chasers in many cases, for instance, this photo of SC 310.
So, on that note: If you're considering building a chaser model, or are working on one now, feel free to chime in with questions, using the contact form.
Enjoy the winter.
--Todd Woofenden, editor
"Yard-Long" Photo of Radio School Graduates
Recently posted is a nice, clean "yard-long" photo scan, showing newly-minted radio operators. The chaser fleet alone created the need for hundreds of radio operators trained in the use of new technology such as the radio telephone. To accommodate this need, training schools were set up in multiple locations including college campuses. This photo is from the USN radio school at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Chaser Crewmen in Bermuda
Since chasers didn't have the range required to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a single run, they made several stops along the way, as well as refueling while underway.
Bermuda was a standard stop, both on the initial overseas journey and on the return journey after the war.
In a photo recently posted, chaser crewmen are shown in Bermuda.
Radio Operator Newspaper Article
Also posted is an article about one of the radio operators shown in the yard-long radio school photo, Carey Johnston.
SC 129, the chaser on which crewman Johnston served, was among those that took part in the bombardment of Durazzo harbor on 2 October 1918.