I was on aboard the Saratoga in ‘64 and ‘65. I reported for duty at Mayport just as hurricane Dora hit the base. The ship was naturally out at sea but I nearly drowned before ever getting on board. We rode out another storm later on that had waves breaking inside the hangar deck and spray raking the flight deck. We had eleven degree rolls to each side for a total of 22 degrees. I stood on deck and watched a destroyer go out of sight time and time again and I was very glad not to be on it. It was finally ordered to come in behind the wake of the carrier for shelter until the storm ended. There were people throwing up for hours and hours but I never had the slightest bit of seasickness. A lot of those guys were furious because they were so miserable and I was feeling great. They asked why I didn’t get sick and I told them that it might be because I grew up in the sticks with very little entertainment and when a strong wind came up my older brother and I would go and find a tall, skinny tree to climb and ride it back and forth in the wind.
HAHA, you are like me, enjoying the moment as long as we are safe. I was stationed at the USCG Base Mayport on the buoy tender Sweetgum ‘86-’88. Saw the Saratoga sail many times, she was a beauty. Glad you made it off her safe and with some good stories:)