If you are following this blog, you may or may not be aware, but I am currently researching for two books on the subject of Flight-19.  Both ideas are proving to be very difficult to move forward with for one reason or another.

The First – is a work of Non-Fiction. As much of my blog indicates lately I’ve been trying to track down the second cruise/logbook of the USS Solomons, (CVE-67) circa 1945 – 46 , a point just before the ship was decommissioned and sold for scrap.  One aspect of the search for the log  revolves around the search for Captain Allen Smith Jr. the third and final commander of the ship.  I have a few different options for carrying this part of the plan out.

Starting at my local library and my place of work if possible, I’m going to locate him through the genealogy databases offered to library patrons.  My next step to reach my goal is to approach the Navy for help in finding both.

The Second book; is a matter of Fiction.  I have been scouring different Non-fiction books about the Manhattan project as well as the loss of Flight-19.  Not to give too much away, but I think a good piece of fiction starts with some facts, and a good imagination. From what I have gathered so far, I think a good story can be woven using the two.

I hope in the end you agree.

The USS Solomons CVE-67 had three commanding officers during its short existence. The last Captain seemingly, was Allen Smith Jr.(pictured below?) Former skipper of the CVE-90 Thetis Bay. Captain Smith relieved Captain R. S Moss in February of 1946 and at some point before late 1946 signed the ship over for decommissioning at the Boston Navy Yard.

If anyone reading this has any information regarding the location of either Captains or of the second cruise tour/log book, of the USS Solomons (CVE-67) I would very much appreciate your assistance with my research.  Please contact me via email at themacster@comcast.net. – Thank you for your co-operation.