When the VFW hall on Route 10 in Whippany was sold in June of 2022 the
US Navy deck gun had to be moved or demolished. The VFW choose to move
and restored it.
The moving/hauling was done by Gary Szucs of Hopatcong Rigging Co.
Once delivered at the facilities in Rockaway, NJ., the restoration
that was to be done took place. The restoration was under the
guidance of Brian Vradenburg at Best Blast 2 of NJ.
The restoration of this piece took a bit more poundage of sand than
anticipated. They had anticipated about 1350 pounds, but that went to
over 2200# to complete. After the blasting Brian painted it in the
true battleship grey enamel.
Next was to haul it back to Whippany by Gary Szucs of Hopatcong
Rigging Co. and place it onto the base at Veterans Field.
There is a bronze plaque to be completed and it will give all the guns
information. Currently, it has a laminated paper plaque adhered to the
gun.
On Veterans Day during the ceremony in the Community Center, George
Coppola the Commander of the VFW Post 5351 led the dedication and
presented the deck gun to the Township Of Hanover.
After the dedication was completed, the attendees had a light lunch of
sandwiches, potato chips and soda. Cake and coffee finished off the
gathering.
Semper Fi,
Tom Miller
www.9-11art.com
www.thehighground.us
