Being on the Island was great.
I was duty coxswain one time and had to pick up a load of mines. My eyes did not count correctly and I wanted to get back. Loaded to many mines and shipping containers. Water was lapping at the walkway alongside the storage area all the way back and because I loaded wrong the stern was almost out of the water. Props were almost out of the water. Just had to be careful when I came in to the landing on the Island. Then there was the time we went over to pick up another boat. We were…
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One unique memory... Someone, can't remember who, came into the exploder shop and told me I had someone in the office to see me. WTF. It was my Dad. He was a flight engineer on a C-141 on his way to Vietnam and weaseled his way onto the island to say 'Hi' and drop off a goody-bag during crew rest from McCord Washington.
The stories of this dude would take a book and then some. Anyway, I conned the Chief to let me hall my Old Man's ass back to base via Mike boat so he could find his way to Tachi.
I just found out that the Torpedoman rating was done away with in 2007. For surface, it was merged with the gunner's mate rating and for subs, it is part of the machinist rating. Makes me sick.
Two tours on the rock, 61?62-64 and 65-69. The best duty in the US Navy. Worked in Mine Assembly, The MK 27 shop, CT and did a lot of administrative later on. Came as a MN2 left as a MN1. Was there when Roots TM2 shot the bad guy while on shore patrol duty, the liberty roll backs, still so much fun. TMs and Mn' were in abundance. Black dog was our mascot. Mike boat almost sank in route to the base one evening when it started to leak. Today's navy personnel have no idea what good duty is all about.
I was at NOF Azuma Island from December 1965 To Sept. 1967. I served in the Torpedo Shop most of 67. Started in the exploder shop and then went to the Chief as his Clerk. Made TM2 and the next thing I knew I had 24 hours to get out of Japan to serve aboard the USS Hull, DD-945
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