Interview of John David Reimer by Raimund E. Goerler

• Main Author: Reimer, John David
• Other Authors: Goerler, Raimund E. (Raimund Erhard), 1948-
• Format: Audio
• Language: English
• Published: Byrd Polar Research Center Archival Program 2007
• Subjects: Photography > Antarctica > Interviews; Antarctica > Discovery and exploration > Interviews; Reimer; John David > Interviews; Weddell Sea; Weddell; South Pole; Byrd; The Sentinel; Breaker; Riley; Fuchs; Finn; Byrd Station; Von Braun; Antarc*; Antarctica; Ice cap; South pole
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1811/28387

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 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. ...