Gitmo, 1968-1969
I arrived here from Norfolk in January of 1968 and departed in August of 1969. I was a commissaryman 3rd class petty officer (cook) at Bay Hill Galley. When working the steam kettles I often had a wet towel around my neck to help stay cool. I lived in a separate barracks across from the galley for all the cooks called the “cook shack.” We had a small patio behind the barracks where we sat in the evenings and told stories and sang country music. Being a cook had some advantages as we could go…
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Kevin, In one of your photos I saw a number of pontoon boats. Were they added for rent along with the sail boats we had in 1964? The water plant photos bring back a lot of memories. Bill Norris and I were part of the crew that unloaded all of parts to build the plant. I sure remember the condensers. They were so heavy we had to use every major crane we had at the base to get them off the freighter. -- Gary
This is an interesting picture of the pool behind our barracks. I was in the barracks that was on the diving board end of the pool. Our barracks was right across the road from the Bay Hill Galley. Yes the Barrel Club was at the bottom of the hill, to the left of the barracks in the picture. The church that Gary is referring to was the base chapel on Chapel Hill. It was used by all denominations, Catholic, Protestant, etc.
In the photo below, if my memory serves me correctly the building visible just to the left of the barracks is the Catholic Church located on the next hill over.
In the photo below, the Barrel Club was right down the stairs located to the left of the Barracks.
Bay Hill Barracks 1964. With the main pipe cut, the pool was the primary water for fire.
Sign by the main gate where Rear Admiral John Bulkeley ordered the water pipe entering the base be cut.
Hole and cut water pipe at main gate ordered by Rear Admiral John Bulkeley.
Marina
Gold Hill