USS Alstede (AF-48)

USS Alstede (AF-48)Paul Gavin, Pen & watercolor, 2013 The Story of a Painting, or The Final Voyage of the USS Alstede (AF-48) This painting of the USS Alstede (AF-48) was created for then SK2 Laurence M. Cohen, USNR, who was aboard January 1957 through December 1958. The image was created using multiple photos of that ship that were found on line. Almost all the photos were black and white and were from multiple angels and many photos had to be used because some details were visible and clear on some photos but not on the others. Different photos from different years also had some equipment and structural differences. The most notable was the fantail. At some point a helicopter landing deck replaced the gun tubs in the rear but this painting has the guns as the depiction is circa 1957 when Larry was on Board. The painting was to have arrived at Larry's Staten Island home June 4, 2013 and he and his bride Isabel were planning on hand carrying it to the ship's reunion in Nashville Ju