Comments

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  James W Ward January 12, 2013 at 4:56pm

  I would have to check but I know we passed the international date line but not sure if it was at 0 degrees.. Two other times we were real close because we picked up the Apollo's 11 & 12.  Twice more going to Singapore.
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  LT Rolando A. Ayala January 12, 2013 at 4:19pm

  Well said Darrell!
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  James W Ward January 12, 2013 at 3:46pm

  Did my first on the USS Annapolis, in 67, brutal, but made it through. Been across 4 more times.  What makes a golden Shellback?

   
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  LT Rolando A. Ayala January 12, 2013 at 3:39pm

  Frank, that was the real deal back in 73! My first was aboard an Adams Class Destroyer (Tin Can). I was a booter with an old male/old school crew..you know
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  LT Rolando A. Ayala January 12, 2013 at 3:35pm

  Golden Shellback checking in!
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  Deanna Little January 11, 2013 at 7:36pm

  shellbacks for life*
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  Frank Nadeau December 21, 2012 at 4:13pm

  Crossed the Line '73 onboard USS America CVA 66 returning from WESTPAC
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  Peter D. Lister September 17, 2012 at 11:54am

  Richard,

  When we pulled into Singapore, my family had a foreign exchange student from Singapore living with them in Wisconsin. I took leave for the entire in-port period. I seem to recall it was about ten days or so. A buddy and I took a cab from the ship into downtown, and it dropped us right in front of the Raffles hotel, across the street from the Britannia Club. The curb was lined with cobra baskets. The foreign exchange student's family hosted us, and we had a terrific time there. I'd love to go back one day. Thanks for the memories.

  I knew about LHD-6. Somehow, as an airdale, I've always thought going from a carrier to the gator Navy was a bit of a come-down, but they're all sailors, and they're all ours.
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  Richard C. Cox September 17, 2012 at 7:05am

  The Navy still has a Bon Homme Richard in it's fleet, but she is not an aircraft carrier. A Wasp class amphibious assault ship LHD-6, the third ship to bear the name.  I know what you mean about the 44 years ago, getting hard to remember yesterday.I do remember we tied up at the pier of a Navy base, but it was still about 6 miles from downtown Singapore, but there was a bar and swimming pool up on the hill not too far from pier.
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  Peter D. Lister September 16, 2012 at 10:50pm

  That's okay, Dave. I was through using her. Besides, the world always needs another reef, or more razor blades.