I’m with you. I love reading the stories from other people.
Funny.
I had seen some astonishing things in my short naval service. Planes crashing into the ocean, heavy weather, Soviet trawlers and Bears, Tomcats taking off in full afterburner at night, dolphins swimming all around the ship for what seemed like miles, the black, star-studded sky from the middle of the Atlantic, waterspouts, you name it.
I have always felt that I saw more unusual things than most Americans ever will.
But what is sobering is-my experiences as a sailor are pretty run-of-the-mill...anyone who has served has seen. those things I have, and likely, more.
But for me-it feels remarkable and singular. To this day, I wear my Navy ball cap everywhere, because I got to become a man and find out about myself on the government dime, and I didn’t have to die doing it. I love my country for allowing me that experience, and the opportunity to grow from it. Just one of the reasons I am grateful for being an American.
And this is one of the reasons I love this forum, pay for that privilege, and come back year after year...the things people have to say on just about any subject. From Archeology to Zoology and everything in between from Jazz Music to running a farm. Yes. I really appreciate that about this site.
I remember we would take on fuel while the supply ship would have another smaller ship taking on fuel from their starboard side. I imagine the pucker factor on all three bridges was real tight. I remember pulling quite a few hose team stints until I got my crow. Hose team as in the ones used in event of a fire. I have an old super 8 home movie of a couple of re-fuelings.
I can neither confirm or deny that dealing with nuclear weapon was the worse part of active shipboard duty. Followed by general ordinance handling in a close second.