#217—Japan: Westpac ‘75

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) I made one Westpac cruise in 1975, leaving San Diego in May. After six months, we headed back home. Our overseas home port was Subic Bay, Philippines (“PI”). We were in and out of PI… Read more#217—Japan: Westpac ‘75

#210—There’s Nothing Like a Liberty Port Call

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) After five weeks at sea, running flight ops from mid-morning to midnight, lack of sleep, and the constant hum of Kitty Hawk’s four main engines, I’m ready for a port call. I’m sure all 5,500… Read more#210—There’s Nothing Like a Liberty Port Call

#190—Westpac ’75: Heading Home

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) I’m writing a multi-part series of articles about a US Navy cruise in the Pacific, commonly known as a “Westpac.” I made one Westpac in 1975. It made quite an impression on me and it’s… Read more#190—Westpac ’75: Heading Home

#189—Westpac ’75: It’s Not Just a Job…

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) I’m writing a multi-part series of articles about a US Navy cruise in the Pacific, commonly known as a “Westpac.” I made one Westpac in 1975. It made quite an impression on me and it’s… Read more#189—Westpac ’75: It’s Not Just a Job…

#176—Dear Mom & Dad

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) June 1977 Somewhere off the Coast of Southern California Dear Mom & Dad: Can you believe it? I’ll be home for good in less than a month. It seems like only yesterday that I joined… Read more#176—Dear Mom & Dad

#171—My First… Overseas Liberty Call

Thanks to those who commented on my previous blog, #170—An Honor & a Privilege.” Several comments were spot on and reminded me of things I’d forgotten. Here’s a few more shared “memories:” June 1975 – Somewhere in the Middle of… Read more#171—My First… Overseas Liberty Call

#162—My Best Day(s) in the Navy

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) I’ve been slacking a bit in my blog writing over the past few months. There’s really not a good excuse, except… as my dad used to say… “I’ve been busier than a one-armed paperhanger working… Read more#162—My Best Day(s) in the Navy

#157—Oh, the Places You’ll Go…

Andy Adkins: Boot Camp, Retired

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) What my Recruiter Said – “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” It’s been over 50 years since I walked into the Navy recruiter’s office in Tallahassee, Florida. At the tender young age of 18, I was… Read more#157—Oh, the Places You’ll Go…

#143—Flight Ops… Around the Clock

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) We weren’t at war… The “official” end of the Vietnam War was April 30, 1975. I’d reported aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), just thirty days prior. She was moored at North Island,… Read more#143—Flight Ops… Around the Clock

#139—Is This What I Signed Up For?

Carrier Sunset

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet takes off from the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Atlantic Ocean. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Pinske.