{"id":4449,"date":"2021-07-06T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-06T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/azadkinsiii.com\/blog\/?p=4449"},"modified":"2021-10-04T11:10:58","modified_gmt":"2021-10-04T15:10:58","slug":"90-are-we-there-yet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/azadkinsiii.com\/blog\/90-are-we-there-yet\/","title":{"rendered":"#90\u2014Are We There Yet?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Who said, \u201cThe greatest part of a trip isn\u2019t arriving at your destination; it\u2019s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.\u201d<\/em>?<\/li>
  2. In what movie (and who said it) did we hear, \u201cCarpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.\u201d<\/em>?<\/li>
  3. In what song (and who sang it) did we hear the following:
    Father, father<\/em>
    We don’t need to escalate<\/em>
    You see, war is not the answer<\/em>
    For only love can conquer hate<\/em>
    You know we’ve got to find a way<\/em>
    To bring some lovin’ here today<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n
    <\/div>
    Blog #90 (Audio)<\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>

    Listen to the audio of this blog, read by Andy Adkins. Click the \u201cAudio<\/strong><\/em>\u201d button below.<\/p>\n<\/div>

    Published: <\/span>October 3, 2021<\/span><\/div>
    <\/div>Audio by Andy<\/a><\/div><\/form><\/span>0<\/span> Downloads<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    I\u2019m probably going to open a can of worms with this post, but what the heck. Why not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019ve ever taken a road trip with kids (whether yours, mine, or ours) then no doubt you\u2019ve heard the (often never-ending) question, \u201cAre we there yet?<\/em>\u201d I know I have\u2026 many times. But those years have long passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not Just on Road Trips…<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    I think it\u2019s hilarious, since when I was in the Navy, it was not uncommon to hear, \u201cAre we there yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"USS<\/a>
    USS Kitty Hawk<\/strong><\/em>, CV-63
    (Click to enlarge)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Most Navy veterans I know who\u2019ve sailed aboard a ship or transferred from one duty station to another have expressed this many (MANY) times. Whether it\u2019s cruising overseas, stopping at a foreign liberty port, or heading back home to the States. We\u2019ve all been there and done that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During Westpac \u201975<\/strong> aboard USS Kitty Hawk<\/em><\/strong> (CV-63), I couldn\u2019t wait to get underway in May 1975, off to new adventures. Even though I\u2019d spent 15 months on Guam (NAS Agana, Guam<\/strong>) in Crash & Rescue<\/strong>, I knew this would be another unique experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That is why I joined the Navy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I reported aboard Kitty Hawk<\/em> in March \u201975 right after she completed her RIMPAC exercise. I knew I needed a few months to learn the routines, so to speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Learn how to live aboard an aircraft carrier with 5,500 of your closest \u201cfriends;\u201d get use to the flight deck activities, learn how to drive a Crash truck on a flight deck full of aircraft and<\/em> during flight operations. As you\u2019d expect, it was much (MUCH) different from driving trucks at NAS Agana, Guam (\u201973-75).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But it only took a few trips out to sea to learn where to be and more important, where NOT<\/em> to be<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Westpac \u201875<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    I know I\u2019m not alone here, but when we left San Diego to set sail for the Westpac cruise in May 1975, I was excited\u2014a new adventure (journey) for me. It\u2019s hard to describe, but for those of us Navy veterans who served aboard a ship, heading out to sea is a wondrous feeling, whether you\u2019re above decks or below decks. \u201cHaze gray and underway<\/em><\/a>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For those married sailors with children, I know it was hardest on them, leaving their families. But that\u2019s simply a part of a Navy man\u2019s (and now women) life. And from what I hear, sailors\u2019 spouses are also a tight-knit group, helping support each other during the cruise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back in my day, we didn\u2019t have the Internet or email (heck, the personal computer didn\u2019t even exist), so postal mail, letters, and packages<\/a> were how we kept in touch with our families and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Philippines<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Our overseas home port (forward deployment) was the Philippines<\/strong> <\/a>(commonly called \u201cPI\u201d). That basically meant we\u2019d dock at PI, then head out to other locations in the South China Sea, Japan, etc., wherever we were needed. All in all, we were in and out of PI seven times during our six-month Westpac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I\u2019ve blogged about PI several times, and it was always a welcomed visit, especially the \u201cfirst time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Liberty Ports<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWork hard, play harder<\/a><\/em>.\u201d What else can I say about liberty when on a Navy cruise? There were only a few times when I had section duty the day we pulled into a foreign port, but that was okay by me. I figured I\u2019d let the other guys make their mark before I headed into the local town. And besides learning where the best food & drink are, I\u2019d also pick up a tip or two about the locals from them before<\/em> I headed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Philippines<\/a>
    Philippines Jeepney
    (Click to enlarge)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Of the three ports we visited (PI, Hong Kong, and Yokosuka), I only took advantage of playing tourist in Hong Kong and Japan. I wish I\u2019d done more in PI than frequent the bars and restaurants. The Philippines has so much to offer, but this was my first cruise; I\u2019d heard from other veterans that you\u2019d probably spend the next Westpac cruise touring more and drinking less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, there was that one time when our Division Yeoman, John Tubao<\/strong>, arranged for several of us to take a Jeepney to a seaside restaurant owned by a family member. It was about a 30-minute ride, but we were able to relax, drink beer, eat some great food, watch a magnificent sunset, and just be ourselves. Our V-1 Division<\/strong> Officer, Lt. Robert Leone<\/strong> (a former A-4 Skyhawk pilot), was with us that day and I remember him being just as relaxed as the rest of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hong Kong<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    We spent a week during our stopover in Hong Kong<\/a>. Without a pier to dock an aircraft carrier, we anchored out in the harbor near Green Island and took ferries into shore. We had \u201cmax liberty,\u201d meaning you didn\u2019t need to come back to the ship unless you had duty. And\u2026 I had duty the first day in, but I was okay with that. I\u2019d get to Hong Kong soon enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Besides, I got to operate the B&A (Boat & Aircraft crane) to lower the Admiral\u2019s barge into the water\u2014that was \u201cfun,\u201d especially when the 1,500 pound hoist \u201cfound its way\u201d through the barge\u2019s windshield due to rough waters. But nobody got hurt and the Admiral got his barge, albeit a little whacked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The exchange rate in 1975 was five HK dollars to one US dollar. I also got my one and only tattoo in Hong Kong at Pinky\u2019s Tattoo Parlor<\/a>, a popular \u201cdestination.\u201d At that time, Hong Kong was still under British rule and China was closed to Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Several of us took a tour of the island and Aberdeen (the boat city) and ended up at the Tai Pak restaurant for a delicious six-course meal. I\u2019d learned earlier in PI to never<\/em> ask what you were served, especially if it was tasty. Because sometimes knowing what you were eating might make it taste \u201cdifferent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Yokosuka, Japan was much different. I remember Japan<\/a> as being a little more cultural, modern, cleaner, and busier than PI or Hong Kong. Again, we had \u201cmax liberty; this time, I didn\u2019t have duty the first day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Westpac<\/a>
    Tokyo, Japan (1975) – Westpac ’75
    (Gary Borne, Tom Watson, Jim King, Buddy Laney, Gary DeSauniers)
    (Click to enlarge)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The exchange rate was 300 Yen for one US Dollar and it was more expensive here than in PI or Hong Kong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, a beer in Yokosuka cost 300 Yen ($1 USD); a beer in Hong Kong was $4HK ($.85 USD); and a beer in PI cost about three pisos ($.45 USD). I learned a lesson right then & there, which I\u2019ve followed over the years ever since: the cost of living around the world can be easily<\/em> measured by comparing the cost of beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Am I right? Anyone else make that comparison?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A group of us traveled on the \u201cbullet train\u201d to Tokyo for the day. None of us spoke Japanese, and it was apparent from all the stares we received we were foreigners, but that was okay. We still found places to drink, eat, and be merry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can\u2019t Wait to get Back to Sea<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s me or if other Navy veterans felt this way, but while I thoroughly enjoyed visiting different ports, experiencing good local food, drink, and culture, and taking some much needed time to decompress from the long hours spent on the flight deck, I looked forward to setting sail again, getting back to the ocean and that fresh salty air, and back to the excitement of the flight deck and flight ops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Well\u2026 maybe not the Sea of Japan<\/strong> with \u201cround-the-clock\u201d flight ops and freezing my butt off, though I enjoyed our 6-day max liberty in Yokosuka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It says something, though, when many memories from years ago are primarily from the time you spent on the ship at sea<\/em>. Routines both on duty and off duty, chow lines & the mess hall, and for me, being a country radio DJ (\u201cCountry Chet Adkins<\/a>\u201d) aboard Kitty Hawk<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can\u2019t Wait to Return to the US<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    After six months deployment, Kitty Hawk<\/em> began her trip back to the States in December 1975<\/a>. While I\u2019d become accustomed to PI, Olongapo City, and all my favorite haunts, I was<\/em> ready to head back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We had the usual flight ops during the transit until we had to set the Alert 5<\/a><\/strong>. You know, just in case the Russians showed up with their Bears & Badgers, which, of course, they did. The trip back to Hawaii was about two weeks with a 2-day stopover. Then another few days before docking at our home port in San Diego North Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Russian<\/a>
    Russian Badger, A-7 Corsair “escort”
    (Click to enlarge)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    We arrived the day before<\/em> my 21st birthday. And of course, I had duty that first day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Funny thing I vividly recall: I\u2019d been overseas for more than two years (Guam and the Westpac cruise) and everywhere I went, I\u2019d been able to drink alcohol\u2026 legally<\/em>. And yes, like many military men & women, I learned to drink and just as important, how NOT<\/em> to drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But when we pulled back into the United States on December 15, 1975, I wasn\u2019t old enough to drink alcohol\u2026 legally<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s no big deal now, especially since I\u2019m a \u201cseasoned\u201d Navy veteran of 66, but that always struck me as ironic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can\u2019t Wait to Get Back to the Ship<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Another great thing about coming back to the states is that most of us could take leave. I waited a week or so, but I wanted to fly home to Florida to spend Christmas with my family. But even then, after a couple of weeks of being home\u2014it\u2019s hard to explain\u2014but I was homesick for Kitty Hawk.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I know I\u2019m not the only one who felt that way about their ship. There\u2019s something about leaving home for another home<\/em> and I\u2019ve heard it described many ways, but many sailors stationed aboard a ship look forward to heading out again\u2026 out to the sea\u2026 out to the blue ocean water\u2026 out to do their jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I loved what I did\u2014ABH2<\/strong> (Aviation Boatswain\u2019s Mate-Handler<\/strong>), both in Guam and aboard Kitty Hawk<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For me, it was more than just a job, it was an adventure<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Winding Down<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Well, the kids grew up, moved out, graduated from college, and got good jobs\u2014they\u2019re off the payroll, so to speak. And\u2026 we have grandsons. Yes, they are sometimes anxious (\u201cAre we there yet?\u201d) on road trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We love visiting our kids in San Diego and Cleveland and often can\u2019t wait to get there, especially after this challenging COVID year. Are we there yet<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But we also realize\u2014like we did at their age\u2014they have their own lives now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While it\u2019s been more than a year, we do like to travel. But it\u2019s also nice to be home\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2026 except when there\u2019s a hurricane like the one headed this way as I write this. Then we\u2019d rather be anywhere but here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Until we meet again,
    Andy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Previous posts mentioned in this blog<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n