Rodney Farris - WW2 Veterans - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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World War 2

Click on Veteran's photo to see their Ledgend. These American Heros served during the World War 2.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series
Please email

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.

How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

US Navy Seamen Second Class World War II Rodney Farris was born on Sep 9th, 1925. Rodney Farris served as a US Navy Seaman Second Class during World War II, specializing as an Electronics Technician. After completing boot camp. His primary assignment was aboard the USS Oceanus (ARB-2), a former tank landing ship (LST) that had been converted into an Aristaeus-class battle damage repair ship. Upon first seeing the vessel, Rodney was notably unimpressed, referring to his new home as a “Rust Bucket”. The Oceanus was one of a specialized group of thirteen vessels that the United States Navy repurposed to provide maintenance support. Rodney’s technical expertise was vital to the fleet's operational readiness, as he was responsible for repairing radar, sonar, and other critical electronics for damaged ships that moored alongside the Oceanus. Much of this work took place in the Philippines, where the crew focused on performing emergency repairs to get vessels back into the fight as quickly as possible. Rodney’s path to his command was indirect; he initially arrived in Okinawa, Japan, and spent a few days there before being flown to the Philippines to join his ship. The USS Oceanus was eventually reassigned back to Okinawa, which served as the backdrop for the conclusion of Rodney’s wartime experience. He vividly remembered the night the surrender was announced, a moment that transformed the atmosphere of the entire region. Rodney went topside to witness the historic scene as the surrounding fleet engaged in massive celebrations to mark the end of the conflict.

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Rodney Farris - WW2 Veterans - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series — US Navy Seamen Second Class World War II Rodney Farris was born on Sep 9th, 1925. Rodney Farris served as a US Navy Seaman Second Class during World War II, specializing as an Electronics Technician. After completing boot camp. His primary assignment was aboard the USS Oceanus (ARB-2), a former tank landing ship (LST) that had been converted into an Aristaeus-class battle damage repair ship. Upon first seeing the vessel, Rodney was notably unimpressed, referring to his new home as a “Rust Bucket”. The Oceanus was one of a specialized group of thirteen vessels that the United States Navy repurposed to provide maintenance support. Rodney’s technical expertise was vital to the fleet's operational readiness, as he was responsible for repairing radar, sonar, and other critical electronics for damaged ships that moored alongside the Oceanus. Much of this work took place in the Philippines, where the crew focused on performing emergency repairs to get vessels back into the fight as quickly as possible. Rodney’s path to his command was indirect; he initially arrived in Okinawa, Japan, and spent a few days there before being flown to the Philippines to join his ship. The USS Oceanus was eventually reassigned back to Okinawa, which served as the backdrop for the conclusion of Rodney’s wartime experience. He vividly remembered the night the surrender was announced, a moment that transformed the atmosphere of the entire region. Rodney went topside to witness the historic scene as the surrounding fleet engaged in massive celebrations to mark the end of the conflict.