The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-02-11

coastal waters with a crew of to pull the lever that would send depth charges hurtling from the bomb bay down on one of the many u-boats marauding off the coast. From dawn to dusk, the Bllmp cruised along a more than 50 miles an hour Watching for signs of the undersea raiders on the corru- gated surface of the sea-joining in the escort of a big inward-bound convoy checking up on any sur face craft that came into view. Over other areas along the coasts were sister ships of the craft on which I rode performing similar missions.
 The airship patrols, which were first organized at the beginning of this year, are being expanded as new blimps are delivered. They are considered one of the most potent anti-submarine weapons used in the defense of both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Submarines don't like them, navy men say, and when an airShip is sighted, the U-boats pre- fer to crash-dive rather than fight it out
 As the first press association re- porter permitted to fly on cne of these wartime patrols, I was or- dered to report at the patrol base by 5:15 a. m. The squadron duty officer, a young ensign, who was red- eyed and tired from his night-long vigil, said he was awaiting weather report.
 It was 5:15 a. m., when the phone rang on the squadron duty officers desk. Outside it was dark and blow ing in cold gusts. Two enlisted men sat near another desk in the corner listening to dance music and chit chat from an all-night radio station.
 "We Fly Today"
 "Yes, sir" he sai dafter listening for moment. we fly today. Yes, sir, have it. We fly today
 He turned to one of the sailors who had left his radio when the phone conversation began, and said:
 "We fly today" Ave, aye, sir" the sailor re- sponded and he went out to spread the word.
 A few moments later, the sound of engines came from the cavernous hangar. Officers, all young, hurried into fur lined flying clothes.
 Someone dug up rOomy pair of flying pants, coat and shoes and I was zipped into them.
 A serious, square -jawed young lieutenant, whom had seen pull on heavy blue sweater with big block letter IN" came over. He was introduced:
 "This is Lieutenant Antrim-Bob Antrim. You're flying with him to- day"
 recalled the name. It was familiar to thousands of football fans only a few years back-Bob Antrim, one of the naval academy football teams famous All-American backs.
 An officer whom I had met earlier said:
 Hoped to Get One
 T hope you get one of those - today. We've been crowding them lately and there's chance one of them might show up on the surface to charge batteries"
 In the dimly lit hangar the squad rons blimps were attached to mobile mooring mastS. Ground crews, gripping ropes from the afr ships tail, were standing by.
 In the yellowish-light of the cabin interior, crew members were busy making ready for the flight, check ing valves, instruments and control cables. Up forward in the cockpit sat two officers, one with his hands on the elevator control wheel; the other at the rudder controls.
 A moment later. there came a fiashlight signal from the unlocking officer. A reply was flashed from the cabin and the mast began tugging. Wa moved onto the field. the shad-