This collection represents the collected photographs from Richard Konter from his travels during the Fleet's cruise around the world.  His photographs document a side of the Navy rarely seen, the adventure and discovery for a sailor as he visits ports around the world.

Richard was a First Class Electrician who processed his own photographs, so many of the images seen in this collection are unique.  His images show a sailor  who enjoyed the life and experience of going to sea.

Richard Konter was the last surviving member of the Spanish American War Veterans in Brooklyn in January 1975.  At that time he was interviewed by the Home Reporter and Sunset News regarding his naval career and book about his life titled "Ship Ahoy".  Richard was born in Brooklyn in 1882 and enlisted in the navy at the age of 15 in 1897.  He was trained on the Constitution, and sailed on square-rigger Essex to England for his first adventure.  When the Spanish-American War broke out he was transferred to the USS Minneapolis which was assigned to search the West Indies for the Spanish Fleet.

During their scouting the Minneapolis captured a Spanish merchant vessel which was sent to Charleston, South Carolina  as a prize.  For the capture it was customary, in those days, to reward the crew monetarily.  For his part, Richard received a check for 30 cents.

Select this link to read the entire article from 1975