Discussion hell, I started with COMSTRIKFORSOUTH in 1952
What can I say. I was with them when we had to live in what is now Hotel Naples downtown. Was with them when we were in a Villa to begin with then moved to an apartment building overlooking the bay then when we moved to Camp Bagnoli. I had a heck of a time finding the command when I arrived by train. No discussion, just command history. I am in contact with another retired chief that spent two tours in the command.
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I was a YN2 with STRIKFORSOUTH FROM 65 THRU 68. I was there for the 6 day war between Egypt and Israel and the attack on the USS Liberty by Israeli forces, and the loss of the B-52 off Palomares Spain. RADM Guest, COMSTRIKFORSOUTH at the time, was detailed to direct the recovery of weapons aboard the aircraft.
When the Sixth fleet was changing home port from France to Gaeta, Italy, I accompanied one of our staff officers, an Italian Naval Officer and legal specialist,, Capt. Stevens to Gaeta to locate suitable housing for VADM Ashworth and his wife. I later went back with Admiral Ashworth to show him the better homes we looked at, and then again a short time later with ADM and Mrs Ashworth.
I later had the pleasure of escorting Deputy Commander, British Forces, Malta, Brigadier R. E. C. Price and two of his Staff Officers to Monte Casino. The British War College was taking a group of young officers to Casino to review the battle and our job was to rewrite the geography book.....Roads, bridges and even the course of the river was changed since WWII. I acted as guide and interpreter.
During my three years in Naples, I got to meet my parents cousins in Benevento, Bari, and Tuscany. I also had my parents and an aunt and uncle visit from the States while I was there. I loved Italy. Would like to go back.