Captain Bondeson: Photo and News Articles

Wilhelm F. Bondeson was Michelson's master in 1961 until the ship returned to the US for a Brooklyn Navy Yard refit in September 1963. He was master of survey ships USNS Dutton in 1964-65 and of USNS Bowditch in 1968. 

Here are some recently submitted news articles and an excellent photo of Captain Bondeson.

Captain Wilhelm F. Bondeson, Michelson's master, on the port side bridge wing in 1962. MSTS (Military Sea Transportation Service) deck officers were rarely seen in  dress uniforms. This photo may have been taken at the time of an inspection or another special occasion.

News clipping undated but likely from 1962 or earlier. This may have appeared in Sealift magazine or a similar publication.

Another news clipping. Bondeson was master of USNS Dutton when the ship emerged from a 1964 yard period in Brooklyn.

Click on either of these news clippings for a larger image.

The photo and clippings above were submitted by Constance M. Niclas whose father, Harry Leo Lane, sailed as a deck officer under Captain Bondeson. 

Constance Niclas reports that Captain Bondeson was very close to her family, was her godfather, and who was addressed affectionally as and referred to as "Uncle Bill". 

Lane was later promoted to a Captain in MSTS. He was master of transport ships carrying ammunition to Vietnam in the late 1960s. Many WWII Victory ships were restored to service during those years to support the war effort.