Originally Posted by
labill
Shellback.....I've looked thru my cruise books and maps for the spelling of that settlement, but no luck. I was surprised that neither mentioned Subic Bay or "Olongapo". I was inducted in September, 1968, the year after the Forrestal fire. We also watched the film as training to keep our eyes open for anything that might "cook off" from jet exhaust or starter turbines. Watching that film was an education in itself....the horror of watching the fire cooking off the missiles and expanding the fire and explosions was enough to keep the USS America crew on their toes, including myself. May God bless those that bravely lost their lives fighting fires, and their dependant families. They will all be long remembered. The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is one of the most dangerous places in the world, as you know better than I, and we are blessed to have returned, and especially those of you that survived the Forrestal fire.
Yeah, I do remember the kids that were diving for coins, also the San Miguel beer and the cute waitresses at the club. I spent most of my time at Subic snorkling and spearing fish, catching langosta lobster which we cooked on the beach. Afterward, we would go to the club for a beer or twelve, some of us needed help getting back to the America by 12:00, since "Cinderella liberty" was strictly enforced. I have a question for you Shellback, do you remember an installation called "North Island?" It was a place where swabbies could go and have a good time, and it seems like it was close to Subic Bay. An MP whacked me on the noggin, just for helping a buddy in a friendly little brawl, and most of my memories of that location went AWOL. It could have been close to San Diego also, but I simply don't remember. I just thought of something that will ring a bell, they took us to the island in landing craft, and brought us back the same way. My buddies said I was conscious, but I remember nothing after the whack. Woke up next morning with a big knot and a withering hangover. Let me know if you remember where it was.
Good luck fishing!