Art
of the NOAA Photo Library
In
1934, Clarence E. "Pete" Pedersen joined the Geodetic Mountain Triangulation
Party which was operating in California and was led by Lieutenant
Charles Pierce. The party was doing 1st Order Triangulation in the
Southwestern states and Oregon. Pete performed duties as a lightkeeper,
truck driver, recorder and was breaking in as an instrument observer
when the lack of funding ended the project in Oregon.
In the
spring of 1936, Pete joined the Coast and Geodetic Survey Ship WESTDAHL
which was under assignment to accomplish hydrographic and triangulation
surveys in Alaska. During the winter months, surveying projects were
accomplished in Puget Sound, Washington. During the Second World War
years, Pete saw the Coast and Geodetic Survey vessels armed, and he
was engaged in work in Southeast Alaska and along the Alaska Peninsula.
The work was principally performed for the U.S. Navy.
Over
the years, Pete advanced through the rates of Seaman, Quartermaster,
Bos'n Mate and Chief Bos'n. After 11 years before the mast, marriage
deemed it fitting that Pete cease his wanderings. He transferred to
the Coast and Geodetic Survey's Cartographic Office in Seattle, Washington.
The office compiled hydrographic survey records into "Smooth Sheets"
which were the final engineering manuscripts from which nautical charts
were made in the Washington, D.C., office.
In 1957,
Pete took charge of the Coast and Geodetic Survey's Seattle Ship Base
in Lake Union. During this time, Pete pursued the acquisition of
the now famous Pacific Marine Center Totem Pole which was dedicated
in 1962. Pete served under many Seattle District Office Captains until
he was appointed in 1962 as the Inspector of Construction for the
new Pacific Marine Center. Pete was instrumental in helping design
the new center and oversaw the move of all the vessels and equipment
when the facility was completed.
After
39 years of dedicated service, C. E. "Pete" Pedersen retired in 1973.
Thanks to Pete's initiative and persistence, Coast and Geodetic Survey
personnel were finally recognized for their World War II service by
the Department of Defense and were accorded Veterans status in 1991.
Pete often remarks that he is only remembered for his cartoons, and
not his service to the Coast and Geodetic Survey. The "Old Timers"
know better. Please now enjoy Pete's great artwork depicting times
and places in his career with the Survey.
