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History of Mayport : Commanders - Gobs of music, TheEntry/Object ID
2021.59.11Tags
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The History of Mayport : Commanders - Gobs of music, The by Joe Pickett
This article was submitted to the Public Affairs Office of Naval Station Mayport on August 31,1990 per pencil notation in upper right corner for approval and publication in the Mirror, the Naval Station Mayport base newspaper.
On the basis of a proposal submitted by Lt. Cmdr. M.R. Sanders, commanding officer, Section Base 1, Naval Reserve Armory (Jacksonville), recommending establishment of a second section base at Mayport, the station was commissioned as a U.S. naval section base in December 1942...History/ MyBaseGuide .
The Frontier Section Base Navy band at Mayport called the Commanders were a 14 man orchestra with a big band sound who were very very popular and always in demand for dances and concerts. Jaeme Haviland and Royce Rocher were tapped to play, Haviland on the saxophone and Rocher on the piano playing boogie woogie. They were processed through the reception center at Southside in Jacksonville and transported to Mayport by bus, a standard procedure.
The band was the brainchild of the Commanding Officer, Commander Maynard R. Sanders, and was organized by Lieutenant JG William L. McNevin during the summer of 1942 with their debut on July 31, 1942. These men all held down regular Navy jobs in addition to playing in the band per a Times Union article of July 22, 1943.
The various members are identified and their civilian musical backgrounds discussed. The numerous locations were they played are noted.
Jaeme Haviland and the other musicians remained at Mayport until 1944 when they were reassigned to Cockspur Island, Navy installation, taking their instruments with them even the piano. Shortly after, the orchestra was broken up and most were sent to the west coast.
Photos include: Band members playing at a dance -- Couple dancing -- Closer photo of band members playing.Collection
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Mayport (Jacksonville, Fla.) -- History., Haviland, Jaeme, 1925-1995., United States -- Armed Forces -- Bands., United States. Navy -- Bands.Publication Details
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