Merry Christmas to you as well,I served in the Navy 68-72 in two Fighter Squadrons out of Miramar in San Diego,was a Parachute Rigger,also Plane Captain on McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom
Small world. I flew helicopters out of Imperial Beach 69-70 before going overseas to VN, Japan and Philippines. We were both there when NAS Miramar suffered the horrible explosion when an unmanned F-4 flew into a hangar and blew up. Sad day. Thanks for your service.
Personal note: We also had PR’s and loved them, mainly because they made us helmet bags and other goodies, and they doubled as combat aircrewmen. I think we may have had chutes, but I’m not sure why. I guess OPNAV called for them when above 3K feet.