Interview of John David Reimer by Raimund E. Goerler
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Date
2007-06-07T15:51:24Z
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Byrd Polar Research Center Archival Program
Abstract
Mr. Reimer developed an interest in nautical things while he was a Boy Scout. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy and completed over 26 years of service. He became interested in photography at the Aviation Fundamental School. As a member of VX6, he was assigned to an ice breaker. He produced a pictorial history of life on the ship. After arriving in Antarctica in 1956, he assisted in construction of a base. He photographed the items that the marine biologists removed from Weddell Sea.
During the 1957 trip, he did aerial mapping of the mountain ranges around McMurdo. The cameras were not designed for cold weather. The cameras operated satisfactorily after the lubricants were removed. A seismologist had him photograph seismology tests at the South Pole to determine the thickness of the ice cap. Another mission involved aerial mapping of crevasses on tractor trains routes. The equipment used in aerial mapping and the procedures are described.
During the 1958-59 season, he photographed the opening of the season—supplies and people arriving and winter crew leaving. The delivery of a new bulldozer to Byrd station resulted in some nice still photographs. The plane’s crew identified another mountain range while aerial mapping the Sentinel Mountains in 1959-1960. While at Byrd Station, he was advanced to chief photographer’s mate.
During the 1960-61 seasons, he did more aerial mapping. On one trip, a large deposit of coal was identified. In summary, Mr. Reimer comments on the interactions between scientists and the Navy personnel. After 3 years at NAS Norfolk, he was assigned chief in charge of the photo lab on USS America CVA66. After being made chief in charge of VDX6 photo division, he returned to Antarctica during Operation Deep Freeze 66. He had a similar assignment with Deep Freeze 68.
Major Topics
1. Mr. Reimer’s Boy Scouts led him eventually to join the Navy.
2. In 1956, he was assigned to the photo group on the Icebreaker Staten Island, to make a pictorial history of the crew.
3. The building of Ellsworth Station is described.
4. His assignment included both still and motion photography, and aerial photography.
5. On the trip to Antarctica, he photographed sea organisms collected by the marine biologist.
6. In 1957, John did aerial mappings of the mountain range around McMurdo.
7. Mr. Reimer listed operational problems with photographic equipment in a cold climate in 1957-1958.
8. Another project included aerial mapping of crevasse fields.
9. The equipment and flight procedures for aerial mapping are described in detail.
10. In 1958-59, his work included photographing the aerial drops of bulldozers.
11. In 1959-60, while photographing the Sentinel Mountains, they identified another group of mountains.
12. In November 1961, he was advanced to chief photographer’s mate and describes the initiation ceremony.
13. During Deepfreeze 61, he helped geologists photograph a coal deposit. Later, he married a New Zealand girl.
14. The interactions between civilian scientists and the navy personnel are described.
15. John returned to Antarctica during Operation Deepfreeze 66, and again in Deepfreeze 68.
16. Highlights of his career included making chief petty officer, and having a mountain named for him.
Description
1. Captain Finn Ronne p. 4, 5, 6
2. Dr. Vivian Fuchs p. 5, 6, 20
3. Admiral Dufek p. 11, 15, 18, 19, 20, 30
4. Reverend Doctor Lanahan p. 13
5. Sir Edmond Hillary p. 20
6. Admiral Tyree p. 24
7. Admiral Bupers p. 26
8. Lieutenant Riley p. 26
9. Werner Von Braun p. 29
The media can be accessed here: http://streaming.osu.edu/knowledgebank/byrd/oral_history/John_Reimer.mp3
The media can be accessed here: http://streaming.osu.edu/knowledgebank/byrd/oral_history/John_Reimer.mp3